Engage Academy 2026
Our sector-leading, 7-month development programme for public engagement professionals.
Applications for the Engage Academy 2026 open soon!
About the Engage Academy
The Engage Academy - our flagship programme - is for those whose role primarily involves supporting others to engage. Running over 7 months, from January - July 2026, the Academy focuses on the role of being a ‘change maker’ within organisations and provides engagement professionals with the opportunity to network amongst peers, explore common challenges, and build the skills and strategies needed to enhance their approach.
Engage Academy will help you to:
- foster a culture of engagement in your organisation
- support others to engage with the public and communities
- develop your agency and capabilities
Engage Academy 2026 will model the best online and in-person engagement approaches, content and networking opportunities. These include Open Space dialogues, breakout discussion spaces, interactive presentations, as well as talks from leading figures in public engagement.
I really enjoyed being a part of the Academy. It was so lovely to meet everyone from the NCCPE; you're all great presenters and facilitators and I love the energy, professionalism and enthusiasm!
2024/25 Academician
About the programme
Engage Academy provides a stimulating, flexible environment, encouraging thoughtful engagement with key ideas; informal networking to create 'coffee queue' moments; and opportunities to access content at times convenient to you.
During the 7-month programme we will support participants to:
- Interrogate the high-quality public engagement principles including Purpose, Process, People, and Evaluation
- Explore theory and practice around topics such as ethics, power, partnerships and cultural change
- Develop a strategic approach to embedding engagement at their organisation
- Explore their role as a ‘change maker’
- Develop a strong and supportive network
The programme content, curated by the NCCPE, provides innovative and inspiring insights from expert sector leaders.
The programme components include:
- Two one-day, in-person events focused on peer sharing and networking, held in Bristol
- Two two-day, online workshops
- Three optional webinars with contributor discussions
- Facilitated peer learning groups
Please note: For the 2026 Academy, we do not have the provision to live record the in-person sessions. If you are unable to attend one of these, we will provide resources and slides by email.
The Academy requires approximately 7-8 days commitment during the 7-month programme.
2026 Dates and Timings
Please note by applying to the Academy 2026, you are confirming your availability for the below dates. Preparation tasks for each workshop, usually take two hours.
Event and Venue | Dates and Times |
Workshop 1 1 day, in-person, central Bristol | Weds 28 Jan 10:00 - 16:30 |
Workshop 2 2 days, online | Weds 18 and Thurs 19 March 10:00 - 15:00 |
Workshop 3 2 days, online | Weds 20 and Thurs 21 May 10:00 - 15:00 |
Workshop 4 1 day, in-person, central Bristol | Weds 8 July 10:00 - 16:30 |
I have learnt to see myself as the enabler for my team; that I want to be a transformer.
Costs and Bursaries
The Engage Academy 2026 price is £1350.
We are committed to supporting people to be able to access the Academy. We offer five bursaries of £775 each for those who would find the costs a barrier and can make the case for this. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please make a case for this on your application form. Bursaries are assessed on a case-by-case basis once all applications have been received.
In addition, we are able to support you to make a case internally for securing investment in your professional development.
I found the EDGE tool a really helpful framework for assessing how our organisation is doing currently in terms of public engagement, and where are the areas for improvement.
