The refresh of the LEADS in a Caring Environment Framework has reached another exciting milestone, bringing Canada’s most widely recognized health leadership framework even closer to the realities of today's rapidly changing health system. Judging by the interest we’ve had to date, the new framework is hitting the right notes!
Earlier this year, the LEADS Refresh Steering Committee, consisting of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL), LEADS Global, and the Canadian Health Leadership Network (CHLNet), announced the completion of a comprehensive, evidence-informed refresh of the Framework. Supported through MITACS funding and developed in collaboration with Royal Roads University, the updated Framework preserves the framework’s strengths leaders know and trust - while incorporating new insights that reflect today's challenges and opportunities.
As the refreshed Framework begins rolling out across the country, the College is launching new resources and initiatives are now available to help leaders and organizations bring LEADS to life in both transformative and practical ways.
New Podcast Episode: Inside the LEADS Refresh
Curious about what changed and why? – Have a Listen!
A new episode of the CCHL Podcast, hosted by Sue Owen, CHE, President and CEO of CCHL, takes listeners behind the scenes of the LEADS Refresh with two of the key contributors who helped shape the work:
- Dr. Phil Cady, Royal Roads University
- Graham Dickson, PhD, LEADS Global
Together, Phil and Graham will explore what prompted the refresh, the research and consultation behind it, and how the updated Framework equips leaders to navigate some of healthcare's biggest challenges, from sustainability pressures and technological disruption to demographic changes and evolving public expectations. Whether you're already working with LEADS or just beginning to explore the refreshed Framework, this conversation offers valuable insights into what's ahead.
New Resources Available
Our Members have asked for more… and here you go!
Several resources have now been released to support organizations and leaders as they adopt the refreshed LEADS Framework:
- Revised LEADS Framework (2026): A concise, two-page overview of the updated Framework.
View the revised Framework
- LEADS Refresh: Side-by-side comparison: A quick reference highlighting key updates and enhancements to the Framework.
Learn more about the differences
- About the LEADS Refresh: Learn more about the research, consultation process, and development journey behind the refresh.
Learn more about the refresh
Update to Existing Programs
The refresh isn't just informing the sector, it's shaping the future of CCHL's own leadership development programs. The LEADS refresh will inform changes to all of our programs. Existing programs – CHE, Fellows, LEADS Learning Foundations – to name a few, will all be updated to ensure alignment with the new framework. Look for our updated programs later this year and early 2027. The revised framework will also shape our future programs – we’ll be excited to share details with you in the coming months.
Looking Ahead…
The LEADS Refresh is more than an update. It is an investment in the future of health leadership in Canada. Additional tools, resources, and learning opportunities will continue to be released as LEADS partners support organizations through the transition. Together, we are releasing a framework that reflects the collective wisdom of health leaders across the country while preparing the next generation of leaders to create a more resilient, responsive, and future-ready health system. We could not be more delighted to be sharing this experience with our CCHL community.
Finally – if you plan to (or are already) joining us at our Canada West Health Leaders Conference in Calgary October 20 & 21, Sue and Graham will be highlighting changes to the LEADS framework, alongside what we heard along the way. Join us then for news-you-can-use and some take home tools.
