Civil Servant Management Development Programme, Closes 5th Jun

Guidance

Achieving your potential

Find out about this free development programme to help civil servants build the skills and knowledge they need to move into management.

From: Cabinet Office and Government Skills Published 27 April 2026 Get emails about this page Print this page Achieving your potential (AYP) is a free development programme for civil servants who want to gain the skills they need to step into a management role.

It helps you build the knowledge and networks you need to progress your career and prepare for management.

The programme is designed and delivered by civil servants for civil servants and has shown positive results in research into its impact.

Who this programme is for

AYP is designed for those who feel ready to move from delivering to managing and want to build a solid foundation of skills before stepping into a management role.

Alternatively, it would suit you if you are in a non-management role and exploring your options for professional growth, but you are not yet sure whether management is the right path for you.

Or you may choose AYP if you have led teams before but want to refresh your approach for the modern Civil Service, making sure your methods are current, inclusive and effective.

What the programme covers

The programme runs for 18 weeks — 16 weeks of learning with two rest and catch-up weeks built in. It has four core modules, each aligned to the new Line Management Standards.

Module 1: Managing yourself and working with others

Explores personal values, self-awareness and effective self-management, including planning, prioritising and looking after your wellbeing

Module 2: Effective communication

Covers the principles of good communication, how to identify and overcome common barriers, and how to structure your communication for clarity and impact.

Module 3: Handling change, uncertainty and overcoming challenges

Helps you understand the nature of change and uncertainty and develop proactive strategies to manage them.

Module 4: Problem-solving and decision-making

Focuses on effective decision-making and problem-solving including practical tools such as The Five Whys for root cause analysis  and how to learn from your experiences.

How the programme works

The programme is 100% virtual and uses a mix of learning formats, including reading, watching videos, listening to audio and taking part in discussions.

Each module includes:

• core learning via the FutureLearn platform
• a bank of curated resources
• a live problem solving sessions
• peer learning and problem-solving sets
• monthly workplace challenges to embed your learning. Live events and drop-in sessions are held on MS Teams.

Time commitment

The programme takes approximately 50 to 60 hours, spread over 18 weeks. That is the equivalent of around 3.5 hours per week. How long it takes depends on how much of the curated content you explore.

How to register

You can register by completing the short Achieving your potential registration process on Civil Service Learning (CSL), where there is also a manager’s guide.

Registration is open now for the autumn 2026 intake. It closes on 5 June 2026 at 5pm.

You must complete both steps on the Civil Service Learning (CSL) page to be considered for a place.

Step 1: Complete the self-assessment

Complete “Is Achieving Your Potential Right For You?” on CSL to check you are ready and have the time to commit.

Step 2: Register your interest

Submit the register your interest form via Smart Survey before the 5 June 2026 deadline.

You must complete both steps to be considered for the autumn 2026 intake.

Updates to this page

Published 27 April 2026

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