Wednesday 11 March 2026 | 10:45-11:45
Stream: Change

Community power is essential for creating equitable, effective, and sustainable healthcare systems. Recognising the value of lived experience, shifting traditional power dynamics, and fostering genuine partnerships leads to better outcomes, stronger relationships, and shared ownership. At a time when the challenges facing systems are increasingly complex, the need for leading with compassion and collaboration has never been greater. This interactive session explores the learnings of a healthcare trust in transforming leaders across the community and within the organization, leveraging compassion, co-production, and community power to drive results. Co-designed with 150 staff and community members—including those with lived experience—this programme was grounded in community voice, team engagement, and leading practices. Join us to explore how organizational and community leaders can unite to create better outcomes. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to lead with compassion and courage—and unlock the true power of community in driving lasting change.

After this session, participants will be able to: 

• Identify the critical role of compassionate and collaborative leadership in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and improving outcomes within health and community care systems
• Analyse the risks and limitations of traditional approaches that exclude individuals with lived experience from meaningful participation in healthcare planning, decision-making, and supporting results.
• Apply strategies for co-producing programs and initiatives that elevate community voices, foster mutual respect, and promote shared ownership of health outcomes.
• Evaluate their own leadership behaviours and influence to adopt more empathetic, inclusive, and person-centered approaches

Carlene Holden Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH); UK
Toby Lewis Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH); UK
Glyn Butcher People Focus Group & Careers Network; UK
Wendy Korthuis-Smith Virginia Mason Institute; USA
Rachel Lewis The PSC; UK