Future Health Leaders Programme

Step towards a future where you can lead positive change

Are you passionate about equality and fair treatment? Do you want to see more services developed for an unmet health need? Are you frustrated by how staff and students are treated in your workplace?

Then apply for the UNISON Future Health Leaders programme and learn how you can make change happen.

The annual programme accepts a limited number of UNISON healthcare students around the UK, giving you the skills and links to work with us to lead real change in healthcare. You’ll meet and question inspiring healthcare leaders, undertake local campaigning activities, improve your activist and advocacy skills, learn about healthcare policy and how to influence it, and develop your understanding of key equality issues.

You chose to study for a career in healthcare because you want to make a difference. Now it’s time to take the next big step towards a future where you can lead positive change for those you care for and your colleagues.

UNISON is the biggest team in health and social care with over 500,000 members working across all parts of the UK. We’re constantly making a difference, whether it’s defending NHS services or challenging racism in our workplaces.

Please note that applications for 2026 are now closed. New applications will open in January 2027

Programme summary

We know protecting time off can be challenging for healthcare students, but to get the most from the course you just need to ensure you can protect the time for the following sessions:

• Six events throughout the year, starting with a face to face event at UNISON Centre in London in March.
• Four half-day online commitments at pre-determined times with interactive engagement, learning and debate.

Progressing through this programme will give you useful networking opportunities, develop your skills and be an excellent addition to your CV for your future career. Expenses will also be covered.

Topics that will be covered will include:

• Developing an understanding of equalities and how to be an advocate or an ally.
• Understanding healthcare policy and how to achieve change.
• Debating and influencing.
• Learning directly from interaction with inspiring health and union leaders.
• Creating and leading campaigns.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for our Future Health Leaders Programme, you must:

• be a member of UNISON;
• be an undergraduate student on any healthcare course leading to a career in healthcare;
• have the capacity to attend six sessions between March and October (two full-day sessions in London and four half-day sessions online).