Overview
This 2-day introductory course gives you a grounding in systems leadership as it applies to multiple disadvantage, combining conceptual input, practical exercises and space for dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Day 1 focuses on understanding systems. You’ll explore systems thinking as a way of making sense of complexity in multiple disadvantage, work through MEAM’s Systems Intervention Cycle to consider how change happens through experimentation and adaptation, and be introduced to systems leadership as a shared, relational practice, with time built in for reflection and peer coaching.
Day 2 builds on this foundation by exploring core systems leadership themes such as power, listening, learning and influence, alongside further peer coaching to help you deepen your learning. The course closes by bringing together insights from both days and helping you think through how to apply systems leadership thinking in your own context.
Who is this training for?
This training is designed for a broad range of people and experiences related to multiple disadvantage and in the past has been attended by people with careers in acute health, mental health, social care, criminal justice, housing and social justice. It is pitched at people who are at the beginning of their journey have no or very little knowledge around systems theory but would like to learn more or would like to consolidate their existing knowledge. Attendees will develop practical skills to improve their systems practice, and to come away with ideas to apply directly to your own work. It is particularly helpful for people who are attempting to make change for people facing social exclusion , including those experiencing multiple disadvantage.
If you’re not sure if this training is right for you, contact the team on training@meam.org.uk.
What will you learn?
This course aims to:
- Build an understanding of systems thinking as a way of making sense of complexity in multiple disadvantage, looking beyond siloed issues to how structures, relationships, assumptions and power interact
- Develop skills to intervene in a system using MEAM’s Systems Intervention Cycle, focused on experimentation, learning and adaptation rather than quick fixes
- Introduce systems leadership as a shared, relational practice, and explore how leadership operates across roles and boundaries
- Explore core systems leadership themes, including power, listening, learning, influence and navigating informal roles within systems
- Build reflection and peer coaching skills to help surface assumptions, learn from others and make sense of emerging patterns
- Support you to consider practical next steps for applying systems leadership thinking in your own context
Cost & Duration
In person training for individuals during 2026/27: £440.00pp.
This is a two-day, in-person course that typically runs from c.10am – 4pm on both days. These sessions are in-person only and cannot be run in a hybrid fashion.
There will be a stop for lunch and comfort breaks structured into both days. Any learning material will be made available at the end of the second day.
The price includes lunch and you are invited to a group evening meal at the end of the first day. You will need to arrange your own accommodation if you need to stay overnight.
When is this running next? How do I book?
Take a look at our events page to find out where and when your course is running next. Select the date and course you want, and then you will find a link to book on the course listing. These are made via Eventbrite. If you cannot see your course running, please get in touch with training@meam.org.uk.
Cancellation policy
Fees are refundable until seven days before the course. After this time, you may transfer your place to another person, or to another course which costs the same price, if you give us at least 48 hours’ notice before the other course begins. You can only transfer onto another course once.
Bookings for larger groups
This course can be booked for teams on dates that are convenient for your organisation. It can be delivered online or in-person. Please contact training@meam.org.uk to explore your options.