NHS Leadership Academy
Audio drama bringing leadership training to life across the NHS.
Client
NHS Leadership Academy
Format
Narrative podcast series for leadership learning
Scope
Four drama series created for the Edward Jenner leadership programme
Tandem Role
Editorial development, casting, production and delivery
The Idea
The NHS Leadership Academy wanted a compelling way to explore the realities of leadership across health and care. Rather than relying on written case studies or traditional learning materials, they asked Tandem to create a series of audio dramas for participants on the Edward Jenner leadership programme.
The stories follow a range of characters navigating the fictional county of Glenvern as they encounter the everyday pressures, decisions and dilemmas that shape patient care and organisational culture.
Hearing situations unfold through real voices and human stories makes complex ideas about leadership easier to grasp – and harder to forget.
Tandem’s Approach
Working closely with the Leadership Academy team, we adapted the scripts for audio and assembled a diverse cast of actors to bring the stories vividly to life. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole, the productions were recorded in studio with specially commissioned music and carefully crafted sound design.
Our aim was to create a listening experience that felt authentic, emotionally engaging and true to the realities of working in health and care.
Why It Works
Audio drama allows listeners to experience situations rather than simply analyse them. By hearing conversations unfold and decisions being made in real time, participants can reflect on leadership behaviours in a more immediate and human way.
The series provides a memorable and engaging foundation for discussion and reflection within the programme.
Impact
The drama series forms a core part of the Edward Jenner leadership programme and has been used by tens of thousands of NHS staff across the health service.
“The quality and editing has produced such an amazing piece of work… they are absolutely fabulous productions. Seeing the process of recording and the directing made me really appreciate the art behind these.”
– Jason Brewster, Design and Development Lead, NHS Leadership Academy