Operational Leaders Leadership Success Profile: Supporting your Leadership Development

03/12/2025 -

David Taylor is a Principal Lead in the Leading to Change Delivery Team, NHS Education for Scotland

Have you ever wondered what really makes a difference when it comes to leading change at an operational level? At Leading to Change, that question shaped every decision behind the Operational Leaders Leadership Success Profile (LSP)—and it’s designed with you in mind.

Why did we refresh the LSP?

As an operational leader, you’re the backbone of health and social care. You make things happen every day—often under huge pressure. When we refreshed the LSP, we focused on what would genuinely help you thrive: practical tools, peer support, space to reflect. This isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about giving you the confidence and capability to lead change effectively.

How does the LSP support you and your organisation?

The LSP isn’t just a description of leadership—it’s a dynamic framework that moves with the needs of our system. That’s why you’ve seen it featured in newsletters and in every Leading to Change session you attend. It’s designed to create a shared language around leadership, bridging gaps across systems and hierarchies. Why does that matter? Because when everyone understands what good leadership looks like, collaboration becomes easier, and decisions lead to better care.

You will be able to use the tools and resources that we have on offer that are carefully curated based on the LSP while also accessing resources that are provided by your own organisation.  We will be continuing the conversation with those in the system to understand what is needed most and will allow us to targeting development where it will have the greatest impact. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the LSP helps match the right support to you at the right time.

And alignment isn’t just about taking part in programmes. It’s about connecting you to networks, mentoring opportunities, and practical tools that make a real difference. When resources are deployed strategically, you feel valued and equipped—and your organisation will see tangible improvements in performance and culture.

What have we delivered so far?

Through the LSP, we’ve brought together leaders from across the system to share experiences, learn new approaches, and build networks that last beyond the sessions. We’ve introduced frameworks for collaborative leadership and created opportunities for real-world problem-solving. The feedback? Overwhelmingly positive. Leaders told us they feel more connected, more equipped, and more ready to tackle challenges head-on.

What’s the potential impact for you?

This isn’t just about your growth—it’s about system-wide resilience. By investing in your leadership development, we’re strengthening the foundations for transformation. When you feel supported, you create environments where teams can innovate, adapt, and deliver better outcomes for the people who rely on our services. That ripple effect is powerful.

Your challenge

Think about your own role. How can you create space for yourself—and other operational leaders—to lead change effectively? Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking, “What support do I need?” and being honest about the answer. And if you’re in a position to influence resources, consider how you can make them easier to access and better aligned to the needs of those leading change every day.

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More Information

David Taylor

Role:

David Taylor Role: Principal Lead at Leading to Change

David Taylor is a Principal Lead at Leading to Change, a Scottish Government programme delivered by NHS Education for Scotland. He leads work across social work, social care and health to develop leadership that enables system-wide learning and transformation.
David’s approach is rooted in systems thinking—supporting leaders to navigate complexity, work across boundaries, and identify leverage points for sustainable change. He designs programmes that build adaptive capacity and integrate leadership models into existing systems to strengthen collective impact. His work reflects the values of Leading to Change: inclusion, continuous learning and releasing individuals potential.