What is St John's Global Leadership Development Programme?
St John’s Global Leadership Development Programme (SJ GLDP) is a values-led initiative to strengthen leadership capability across the global St John family.
SJ GLDP is about developing leadership approaches: the ability to adapt, inspire, and guide others in complex and uncertain contexts. Participants will be equipped to lead ethically, collaboratively, and strategically, rooted in St John’s mission and values.
Our second iteration of SJ GLDP draws on the successes from our pilot in 2024. Over the course of the 18 months, participants will engage in experiential learning, peer collaboration, and applied leadership practice—developing the skills, confidence, and networks to lead with integrity and impact.
We are dedicated to investing in the growth and development of St John people at every stage of their leadership.
We provide opportunities, support, and resources to enable individuals to develop the skills, capabilities and mindset necessary to lead effectively in complex and changing environments.
This is a fully funded programme, which includes travel/ flights, meals and accommodation, though participants will need to be able to cover personal incidentals and any out-of-course excursions over weekends when they will have free time.
Our leadership philosophy embraces inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in shaping our future.
What does Leadership mean to St John?
Core Principles of Our Leadership Programme
Distributed Leadership
- Leadership is not confined to formal roles but is a collective responsibility shared across all levels. We believe that every individual has the potential to lead with courage and purpose.
Courage to Create Change
- We cultivate leaders who are brave enough to take responsibility, share accountability and act decisively to improve the lives of those we serve.
Values-Driven Leadership
- Our leaders exemplify the timeless values of St John:
- Respect and kindness
- Unselfishness and devotion
- Excellence and openness
- Togetherness, diversity, and inclusiveness
- Faithfulness to our heritage and vision.
These values shape how we lead, serve, and collaborate.
Investing in our Leadership Pipeline
Leaders Grow Leaders
- We foster a culture where leaders support and nurture others, creating environments of meaning, belonging, hope, and compassion. We recognise the importance adapting to meet evolving challenges.
Community and Collaboration
- We see our leaders as part of a larger, interconnected community. Building strong coalitions, sustaining networks, and fostering collaborative relationships.
Putting Your Ambition In To Action
An Updated Programme for 2025
- At the heart of SJ GLDP is a key piece of work or project: each participant must bring a real organisational challenge, approved by their national St John Establishment, which they will lead and develop throughout the course. This ensures learning is grounded in practice and delivers real benefit to St John globally.
- A distinctive feature of the SJ GLDP is its residential learning component. By coming together in person, participants can build deep relationships, test leadership in real-world contexts, and step away from day-to-day pressures to reflect, experiment, and grow as leaders. Participants will attend Ashridge Business School during the first week of the residential component in the UK.
- To further strengthen the experience, the programme brings in external trainers and facilitators. These partners challenge participants with new perspectives and stretch us beyond the “St John bubble,” ensuring our leadership practice is world-class, relevant, and future-facing.
Why Ashridge?
This year we are delighted to be working with Ashridge Business School to develop our Leadership Development Programme even further.
Hult Ashridge Executive Education is a globally recognised centre of excellence in leadership development, known for helping organisations build the strategic and human capabilities needed to navigate complex change. As part of Hult International Business School, they combine rigorous academic insight with real-world application, specialising in custom leadership programmes that are experiential, immersive, and deeply tailored to organisational context. With a heritage rooted in Ashridge House’s long-standing history as a leadership training ground, they focus on developing purposeful, agile leaders through a blend of executive coaching, reflective practice, and evidence-based learning. Their work is especially valued by organisations seeking transformational leadership at senior and emerging levels.
Information For Supporters
Managers of SJ GLDP participants play a crucial role in enabling and supporting their team members throughout this journey. Your encouragement, flexibility, and active engagement will ensure that participants can apply their learning effectively and maximise the benefit to your organisation. Your active engagement, along with the SJ GLDP participant, will also foster the growth and unity of the OneStJohn global family.
By supporting this process, you not only strengthen your team’s capacity — you also reinforce your own leadership practice. Many managers find that engaging with SJ GLDP’s principles and projects broadens their perspective and contributes to their own development, aligning directly with St John’s Learning and Development Framework.
We have developed a Supporters’ Pack, accessible below, to help you support your participants through the programme.
How Can I Apply?
Read our Application Pack for more information on how to apply.
SJ GDLP is open to emerging leaders within the St John family who:
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to growth
- Are endorsed by their national organisation and supported in their project/idea choice
- Can commit 5–8 hours per month plus project work, including participation in a 2-week, UK based residential component
- Have at least 5 years of professional working experience;
- Have at least least 2 consecutive years of engagement in a St John establishment (paid work or volunteering);
- Have a very good command of the English language – all programme materials will be delivered in English;
- Embody the values of service, integrity, and collaboration
Applicants must bring an idea that:
- Addresses a real organisational challenge or opportunity
- Aligns with St John’s mission and strategic priorities
- Has potential for tangible impact locally and globally
Applications will open from Wednesday 15th October until Wednesday 26th November 2025.
The Application form can be found here: http://bit.ly/492PzFV
Any questions?
Please email leadership@orderofstjohn.org
FAQ's
What are the dates for the residential component?
The residential component will start on Monday 22nd June and finish with the residential component closing ceremony on 5th July 2026. We are asking everyone to arrive on Sunday 21st June to be ready to start the programme on Monday morning.
Is there a limit to places available for applicants from each Establishment?
We have not set a limit of places per Establishment, but we will want the cohort to be as representative as possible of the global St John family.
Is the programme open to volunteers as well as employees?
Yes, the SJ GLDP is open to St John volunteers and paid employees.
Is there an age/education/job role min criteria expectation?
We ask that those applying have at least 5 years of professional working experience, and have at least 2 consecutive years of engagement in a St John Establishment (paid work or volunteering).
There is no age limit, though as we are looking for mid career professionals this makes it more likely that applicants would be less senior in age as well as position.
Would a UK based participant be eligible for free accommodation for the residential?
Yes, all participants will have travel and accommodation provided.
I don’t quite meet the 2 years working at St John, but I am really interested in this programme, can I show my commitment in other ways?
You will need to have at least 2 years of continuous service in a paid or voluntary position by the closing date for applications – Wednesday 26 November 2025 – to apply for the programme. If you do not have this length of service please look to apply in the next round, or when you do reach the minimum criteria.
Can you give me some more information about the project or idea, do I need to apply with a project plan?
We are looking for an idea more than a formal project plan. We want to understand the change you would like to see in your Establishment, something you are currently working on, or an idea you have that would benefit from your involvement in the programme. Whilst on the programme you can then put your learning into practice and through focusing on this piece of work within your own Establishment.
