Celebrating Leadership Excellence: Ashdale Care Leadership Academy 2026
At Ashdale Care, leadership is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that strong, consistent leadership improves team performance, ensures high-quality care, and supports our ongoing growth across Ireland. Investing in our leaders is essential for the future of the organisation, and the Leadership Academy is our commitment to empowering the teams to lead with confidence and compassion.
Following the success of our 2025 programme, we are excited to announce the continuation of the Leadership Academy in 2026, in partnership with leadership facilitator, Naoise Blake.
Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Achievement
From December 2024 to June 2025, three Sustainable Leadership cohorts completed the programme, culminating in graduation events on May 28th & 29th and June 24th. Over 33 leaders delivered presentations reflecting on their personal leadership journeys. The quality of these presentations was exceptional and showcased vulnerability, honesty, and significant personal growth.
The Future Leaders programme, running from December 2024 to May 2025, concluded with a graduation event on May 30th. 23 future leaders submitted written assignments, with awards presented for outstanding submissions and peer-nominated Learning Leaders of the Year. Participants reported that the programme helped them:
- Transition from operational to strategic leadership
- Empower and develop their teams
- Delegate with confidence
- Embed Ashdale Care’s values in everyday practice
One participant shared their experience:
“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be involved in this course. It has really amplified my confidence in my role and profession, and I’m excited to put my learning into practice.”
The dedication and growth demonstrated by our 2025 graduates have set a high standard, inspiring colleagues across Ashdale Care.
Exciting News: Leadership Academy Continues in 2026
We are thrilled to announce the continuation of the Leadership Academy in 2026, in partnership with Naoise Blake!
Caroline Gray, CEO at Ashdale Care mentions:
“The Leadership Academy was created to address key development needs and strengthen leadership capability in alignment with Ashdale Care’s vision, values, and strategy. As you know, a core element of every role across our homes and support departments is to provide strong leadership to teams and colleagues. Research and experience show that teams with consistent, effective leadership perform better, and as Ashdale Care continues to grow and deliver much-needed services across Ireland, investing in our leaders is essential.
Previous participants have shared outstanding feedback, highlighting how the programme strengthened their ability to lead strategically, empower their teams, and embed Ashdale Care values in practice. We are deeply grateful to all who have demonstrated such commitment – your dedication to growth and leadership excellence continues to inspire us.”
Class of 2026: Launching Soon
We’re delighted to announce that the next cohort, Class of 2026, will officially launch at our online kick-off event on March 12, 2026. Two programmes will run from April to October/November 2026:
- Sustainable Leadership – for Home Managers and Heads of Department
- Future Leaders – for Deputy Managers and Social Care Leaders in the SCSIP homes
Participants will engage in one full day of learning per month, combining practical leadership skills, self-awareness, and team development strategies.
Naoise Blake, Leadership Facilitator adds:
“As an Ashdale Care leader, you play a pivotal role in representing the organisation, nurturing the Ashdale Care culture and values, leading your team and ultimately ensuring the best possible care for our young people.
These programmes will enhance your ability, skills and confidence in doing this. Other participants said that they learned how to move from an operational to a more strategic focus, sustainable leadership, self-awareness, increased confidence, establishing accountability, developing the team and delegation, giving feedback and handling challenging conversations as well as time management tools. The programme is both enjoyable and challenging, and I look forward to working with the Classes of 2026.”
The programme will challenge leaders to step outside their comfort zones, deepen their self-awareness, and continuously strengthen their leadership practice. We look forward to witnessing the growth and impact of Leadership Academy 2026.