Future Leaders 2025-26

The Future Leaders training programme was first launched by Unions 21 in 2022, following demand from unions. Consisting of four modules that take place between November 2025 and May 2026, Future Leaders is designed to build the capacity of middle-level union leaders and future leadership within unions.

It aims to equip participants with the critical skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage unions effectively. Through a combination of in-person and online modules, participants will learn about strategic planning, leadership, resource management and effective communication. The programme also fosters a sense of community among participants, helping to shape unions for the future while addressing new challenges like AI and evolving labor markets.

The programme is led by our Executive Director Becky Wright, who has over 20 years’ experience working for and with trade unions to build capacity. An experienced and qualified trade union educator, Becky works across the globe with unions.

This is a unique programme, focusing not only on high-level strategic thinking and new insight but also practical skills and approaches. We bring examples from across the trade union movement, no matter the location or sector.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Create and implement a union’s strategy, assess their union’s position, aligning with the union’s overall purpose and goals.

• Assess the impact of AI on modern union working.

• Describe key operations for a union, linking with strategy including resource management for industrial work, finances and communications. 

• Plan for effective change management within a union.

The curriculum

Key dates

Module one: 17-19 November 2025 (Brussels)

Module two: 12 January 2026 (self directed)

Module three: 4 March (self directed), 17-18 March (London), 24-25 March (Dublin)

Module four: 19-20 May (TBC - likely Brussels)

Cost

Unions 21 unions: £1450/€1700 

Non Unions 21 unions: £2600/€3000