Compassionate Leadership Certification Training
10-Week Online Programme - Starts January 23rd, 2026
8x Group Sessions plus 3x Integration Coaching 1-1 Sessions
Early Bird Discount: Save £300 until 31st December
It’s not easy being a compassionate leader in a combative world, especially when driving change can feel lonely and uncertain. Leading with compassion requires great strength and great courage. We can’t do this work alone - we learn and grow in community.
The call to compassionate leadership is urgent and the stakes are high for our common humanity. The good news is that compassionate leadership works and delivers results. Research shows that compassionate organisations have stronger trust, make better decisions, and catalyse thriving that bolsters performance.
Since 2019, more than 900 leaders from over 68 countries have joined the Compassionate Leadership Certification Training to conspire for good, learning how to use evidence-based practices to transform the ways leaders and teams thrive. They experience lasting results through growth across three core dimensions:
Ground in Inner Strength – leverage awareness, self-compassion, and vulnerability to elevate your leadership presence and potential
Deepen Connection – foster high-quality relationships, create cultures of safety, increase belonging, and navigate difficult conversations skilfully
Start to Shift Organisations – increase compassion competence to build high-performing teams utilizing proven frameworks and evidence-based tools
At the end of the experience, you’ll transform the way you connect with and lead other people. You will be ready to:
Create immediate impact through the application of research-proven levers that increase compassion competence within your organization
Confidently approach organisational challenges with more human-centric methods to help people thrive
Apply embodied practices and model change to influence teams and organisations for long-lasting impacts
“I have learnt the why, what and how to enable workplaces that are compassionate, purposeful and psychologically safe. I would recommend this training to anyone seeking to transform their workplaces for the greater good of all.”
Corporate VP, Financial Services
Join compassionate colleagues from the following corporations, non-profits, NGOs, universities and other organisations that have taken our trainings, both as participants in our public programmes and in customised organisational programmes:
Are we looking for you?
This programme is a good fit for people who:
Long for a better way of leading that aligns with values, increases engagement, and helps your team live up to its potential
Are looking for ways to live and lead compassionately to have lasting results
Are sensitive to the painful realities of today’s world - you’re motivated to take action now
Know you have a role to play in addressing personal and organisational struggles, and you’re wondering how to get started
Want connection with peers who believe change is possible and support each other as you navigate the path
May have experienced some compassion or mindfulness training before, and are ready to amplify your skills and impact
Are you looking for us?
We’re a good fit for leaders who are seeking:
A human-centric approach to lead, tending to individual, team, and organisational needs
Pragmatic solutions for complex issues
Research-based curriculum developed and taught by experts in the field
Proven interventions for accelerating change regardless of where you sit in the organisation
New tools to bring to your work - especially if you’re an experienced coach, consultant, or practitioner working with leaders and teams
To build relationships with peers who care deeply about people and the planet
Regardless of title or tenure, participants gain practical skills to change organisations in ways that stick. Alumni tell us they experience a deep sense of common purpose and belonging in our community. You can too.
This programme is designed both for individual leaders and their teams.
“A powerful experiential programme, facilitated in a way that both inspired and enabled me to activate lasting change.”
– Executive L&D Facilitator
The evidence for compassionate leadership is clear:
Our training shares the evidence-based benefits that demonstrate the power of leading with and for compassion. This program offers an efficient and effective opportunity to integrate the tools and principles needed to be an impactful, compassionate leader.
Stronger individual and organizational resilience
Improved financial performance
Accelerated learning and agility
Clarity of mission, purpose and values
Improved employee engagement and retention
Richer creativity and innovation
More effective collaboration
Improved service quality
The evidence for our programme’s effectiveness is clear, too.
An 18-month longitudinal study of the course curriculum by world-class educational evaluators at Claremont Graduate University found that programme participants showed statistically significant increases in:
Self-compassion
Compassion for others
Compassion at work
Resilience
Independent research found that 90% of alumni said that they would recommend the course to their friends and colleagues.
70% of alumni interviewed said they had seen changes in their organisation as a result of this compassionate leadership training.
Learning Journey - Course Schedule
The Compassionate Leadership Certification Training consists of:
8x live facilitated group Compassionate Leadership Workshops (90 minutes each, on Zoom) - see schedule and content outline below
+
3 x individual Integration Coaching sessions (30-45 minutes, online) to guide on-the-job application of learning - with one of our programme leaders (both accredited leadership/executive coaches) per schedule below:
Module 1: Jan 23rd — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Module 2: Jan 30th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Module 3: Feb 6th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Individual Integration Coaching #1 : w/c Feb 9th, — 45 mins at mutually convenient time
Module 4: Feb 20th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Module 5: Feb 27th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Module 6: Mar 6th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Individual Integration Coaching #2: w/c Mar 9th — 30 mins at mutually convenient time
Module 7: Mar 20th — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Module 8: Mar 27h — 9.00-10.30 UK/ 10.00-11.30 CET/ 17.00-18.30 SGT
Individual Integration Coaching #3: by 30th April — 30 mins at mutually convenient time
Path for the Learning Journey
For more detailed information regarding session focuses, aims and learning objectives, please scroll to the end of the page (last part of FAQ section).
What will you experience?
In the 8x group workshops with your cohort community of participants, we explore core topics through a mix of faculty teachings, collaborative group discussion, small-group conversations, and individual practice. There is no formal homework; however we use reflection questions that you may contemplate on your own and offer additional reading and leadership practices to try out should you choose to go deeper.
The ten-week programme covers all eight modules of our research-validated certification curriculum for a total of 12 hours of group workshop time.
To support your individual application of the programme in your leadership/work context 3x individual Leadership Integration Coaching sessions are included during weeks 4, 8 and 10 (with flexibility to schedule the final session until a month following the final workshop). The first session will be up to 45 mins in length to allow for alignment around your context and specific outcomes/intentions, the second and third sessions will be 30 mins in length.
How will you grow?
Our research-backed program equips you with tools and evidence-based practices to lead with compassion, courage, and confidence. Faculty and peers guide and inspire one another through internal and external shifts.
Together, we tackle the issues, challenges, and opportunities the current world is presenting to us. We cultivate the wisdom and courage required to choose and act wisely, and contemplate what compassionate leadership means for each of us inside and out of the classroom. Wherever you are, you can start implementing changes to shift your team and organization right away.
“What I did experience was powerful on several levels; I felt deeply cared for by faculty and concluded each exploration feeling more informed with a sense of connection and inspiration.”
– Healthcare Executive Coach and Facilitator
Stay connected as part of our global community.
You join a group of courageous alumni who lead with compassion first – in their own lives, with their teams, and across their organizations. Alumni meet monthly in facilitated gatherings for on-going motivation, inspiration, and support. There is also a private LinkedIn Group for connection, sharing, and resourcing.
This course serves as a prerequisite to apply for the Center for Compassionate Leadership’s 2026 Compassionate Leadership Teacher Training for those wanting to bring this curriculum into their organization or community.
Fees – Individual & Group
The course investment is £1195 + VAT GBP . Staff members of non-profit organizations and NGOs receive a £100 saving. Save £300 if you register by 31st December, 2025.
We are pleased to offer group rates if several employees at your organization want to participate in the same cohort which enable you to build an internal base of compassionate leadership community and support. Please contact info@inclusion-partners.com for details.
We are committed to providing access to the practices and principles of compassionate leadership to everyone who can benefit. Investment need not be an obstacle for participation. If this is limiting, please apply for a scholarship.
Lead Faculty
This programme will be co-facilitated by two global leadership experts, Daniel Stane and Nicola Shearer.
To learn more about them, please click on the following links: Daniel Stane, Nicola Shearer .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of work are required to complete the certification? Is there homework?
There is a total of 12 hours of group class time. There is no formal homework; however there will be reflection questions that you may contemplate on your own and additional reading should you choose to go deeper. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the sessions in order to gain certification. Session recordings will be made available for any sessions missed.
Will I have access to lead faculty?
Yes. Each session is designed with opportunities to engage in dialogue around participant questions. There are also 3x individual Leadership Integration Coaching sessions included for each participant to support application, deepen learning and help address any barriers to implementing change.
Will I receive a certificate upon completing this programme?
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Center for Compassionate Leadership. Formal certificates will be delivered electronically, so that they can be shared on LinkedIn or other digital platforms.
Do I have life-long access to the course material?
Yes, you will be able to access the materials at any time in the future.
What payment methods are accepted for the programme?
Payment may be made directly online with a major credit card or an invoice can be sent directly to your organisation.
Can my organization pay for the programme?
Yes. We can invoice your organisation directly or provide you with an invoice to submit. Please complete the registration form and include invoicing contact details.
Are group rates available?
Yes. Some organisations send several team members together to build an internal base of compassionate leadership community and support. We are pleased to offer group rates if several employees at your organization want to participate in the same cohort. Please contact info@inclusion-partners.com for details
Will you refund my fee if I have to withdraw?
If you must withdraw up to two weeks prior to the start of the course, your fees are refundable in full, less a £100 GBP administrative fee.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. We are committed to providing access to the practices and principles of compassionate leadership to everyone who can benefit. Investment need not be an obstacle for participation. If this is limiting, please contact info@inclusion-partners.com for more details.
What is covered in the programme fee? Are there any additional costs?
The programme fee covers the entire training, access to the live group-based Zoom sessions, as well as 3x individual Leadership Integration Coaching sessions included for each participant to support application, deepen learning and help address any barriers to implementing change, access to programme materials, and the ongoing alumni community. There are no additional fees.
What technology is required to access the course?
Live sessions will be conducted on the Zoom platform. You will need a free subscription to Zoom to connect to the course. Zoom may be accessed through computers, tablets, or any mobile phone. If you need further information on Zoom, please visit www.zoom.us to sign up for free.
Can I participate from anywhere in the world?
Yes, indeed. The programme was developed for global leaders around the world. Sessions are delivered online and are available from anywhere Zoom can be accessed with an internet connection or telephone line.
What are the aims and learning objectives of each of the 8 modules?
MODULE #1:
Igniting Our Community for Impact: Stepping into the Journey Together
Come together as a community with your colleagues and learn about compassionate leadership fundamentals from everyday practices to systems-changing force.
Understand the definition of COMPASSION and COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP
Understand the four elements of compassion
Understand the four elements of social architecture that will be used throughout the course to support the growth of compassion competence in organizations
Feel more deeply connected to this community, colleagues and faculty individually + community as a whole. Compassion is relational
MODULE #2:
The Case for Compassionate Leadership: Science, Organizational Evidence,
and Model for Integration
Gain an understanding of the science of compassion, the evidence supporting the power of compassion in organizations, and the fears of compassion and compassionate leadership.
Evidence-based benefits of compassion in organizations – It is generative to lead compassionately; good for the leader, the team, and the organization
Understand the most common fears of compassion
Begin an exploration of where you would like to bring compassion in your sphere of influence
MODULE #3
The Role of the Leader: Changing Systems From the Inside Out
Learn how to make your role into that of a leader who leads courageously and creates more compassionate organizations.
Understand courageous compassion and how compassionate leadership requires both kindness and strength
Understand “roles” as they are fulfilled in organizations, both role-taking and role-making
Understand the connection among nurturing and courageous compassion, leading with compassion and leading for compassion, and, role making and role taking
MODULE #4: Anchoring Our Leadership with Inner Strength - Inner Work of Compassionate Leadership: Awareness, Self-Compassion, and Vulnerability
Deepen your ability to lead from a grounded, anchored place supported by awareness, self-compassion, and vulnerability.
Window of Tolerance and scientific basis of our ability to grow our compassionate capacity – We CAN lead compassionately!
Understand what self-compassion is (and isn’t), and its benefits
Learn the foundational importance of the skill of awareness in leading oneself and others
Learn the power of vulnerability on the part of leaders in creating increased safety and connection
MODULE #5: Communication as a Transformational Tool: Compassionate Communication and Feedback
Develop the skills to have difficult conversations and share meaningful feedback with colleagues.
Understand the different elements that make up communications
Understand Scharmer’s four levels of listening
Learn how to prepare for and hold a challenging conversation at work
Understand how routines as an element of social architecture can support compassion competence within an organization
MODULE #6: Building a Culture of Compassion: Belonging
Explore new perspectives and tools to foster a culture of belonging in organizations for everyone.
Understand how our instincts can hold us back from connecting to those different from us
Understand two different frameworks for belonging: warmth / competence, and uniqueness / belonging
Understand the use of networks as organizational structures to create belonging at the organisational level
MODULE #7: Building a Culture of Compassion: Psychological Safety and Growth Mindset
Learn how to create a culture of compassion through evidence-based organizational leadership principles and skills.
Understand why psychological safety is so valuable, and ways that you can create that form of safety
Know the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, how those differences manifest, and how to build a learning culture
Understand culture as a pattern of shared group assumptions and discover interventions to promote compassionate culture
MODULE #8: Integrating Compassion Into Work and the World
Learn how to apply courageous compassion and take action to change systems from the inside out.
Understand the difference between nurturing and courageous compassion
Understand the value of appreciative inquiry and its use to spark change
Begin the process of bringing about systems change from right where you are
Still curious or have additional programme questions?
We'd love to hear from you. Email us at info@inclusion-partners.com