The ILM have announced a shake up of its leadership and management courses for 2026; moving towards a much more modular, human-centred, and “future-ready” structure. The new courses will be offered at levels 2 (team leaders), 3 (junior managers) and 5 (middle managers and department heads).
The big shift is to be modular and flexible with the new suite allowing for a “pick and mix” approach:
- You can often take single modules as short courses (perfect for specific skills like “Handling Difficult Conversations”) and then stack them later toward a full qualification.
- There is a heavy shift away from “essay-style” assignments toward portfolio-based assessments and real-world projects that prove you can actually do the job, not just write about it.
The new Level 2: Team Leaders & Supervisors
Target Audience: New or aspiring team leaders/mentors.
- Focusing on core foundational skills, the modules now lean heavily into communication, self-management, and motivating a small team.
- There’s a greater emphasis on “Digital Literacy” and “Emotional Intelligence” even at this entry level, reflecting the need for team leaders to manage hybrid teams and wellbeing.
The Level 3: First-Line & Junior Managers
Targeted towards practising managers with some experience but no formal training. You can choose modules specifically around managing change, budget pressures, or coaching.
The key update to this level is – it is designed to bridge the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the people.” It includes modules on data-driven decision making and inclusive leadership (EDI).
The all new Level 5: Middle Managers & Department Heads
Targeting managers responsible for substantial resources, multiple teams, or project leaders. Focusing on the strategic insight and “Human-Centered Leadership.” This level is now high-level (equivalent to the 2nd year of a degree). Key modules focus on:
- Leading Innovation & Change: How to drive a department through volatile environments.
- Strategic Planning: Looking at the “big picture” and organisational impact.
- Action Learning: Using your own workplace challenges as the “module” itself to find solutions while you learn.
What’s “New” in the 2026 Content?
If you are looking at these now, you’ll see three major new threads woven through all modules:
- AI & Automation: How to lead teams through digital transformation.
- Hybrid Work: Managing performance when you aren’t in the same room as your team.
- Wellbeing & Empathy: A shift from “command and control” to “support and empower.”
The Future of Leadership: The New ILM Modular Suite
The 2026 refresh of ILM Levels 2, 3, and 5 marks a significant shift from traditional “block learning” to a dynamic, modular approach. By moving toward stackable micro-credentials and portfolio-based evidence, the new suite ensures that leadership training is as agile as the modern workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Flexibility First: The new modular structure allows for a “pick and mix” approach, enabling managers to target specific skills, like hybrid team management or digital literacy, exactly when they are needed.
- Human-Centred Design: At every level, there is a renewed focus on Emotional Intelligence, wellbeing, and inclusive leadership, moving away from old-school “command and control” styles.
- Future-Ready Skills: The updated curriculum directly addresses the 2026 landscape, including the ethical use of AI, navigating data-driven decision-making, and leading through environmental and organisational change.
Whether you are an aspiring team leader at Level 2 or a strategic head at Level 5, these updates ensure your management team remains equipped with globally recognised, practical expertise that translates directly into departmental success.
The College of Animal Welfare expect to be offering these new qualifications from Summer 2026. More details will follow.