Want to Lead like a Pirate?
Join our next Lead More Pirate programme, in partnership with ioda.
- Starting April 2026
There is no doubt we need a different type of leadership
Have you seen the news? We’re producing the same outcomes year on year because we’re approaching problems with the same methods and the same mindsets that shaped the last century.
With a future that looks like climate curveballs, facism and AI slop, what we need are leaders who have the ability to navigate through the fog with courage and integrity. Who can make tough decisions with no guarantees, tap into their creativity when morale is low, and create an environment that elevates the team. This is difficult and unrewarding to do in isolation, which is why we’ve started Lead More Pirate.
In 2026 we started our first ever pirate leadership programme in partnership with training provider ioda. Due to popular demand, we’re now running another, aimed at anyone in mid to senior level management.
The programme has two strands:
You will gain a recognised qualification boosting your career credentials and helping you up the ol’ career ladder. The Ioda team will support you to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and all the assignments
You will learn how to lead like a pirate. The pirate side of the programme is practical, and will push you to a deeper level of self awareness and courage. All the content will have a pirate twist, always asking - what rules are we following, and are they serving us? What should I do differently here?
The Experience:
An 16 month voyage with 8 modules covering range of different leadership topics and skills (see below).
Bi-monthly day long workshops and accompanying written assignments
Bi-monthly pirate webinars with guest speakers and accompanying pirate missions and tasks
The opportunity to join a movement of pirate leaders working collectively to challenge tired thinking. There will be Be More Pirate twilight get togethers for you to connect, join in and share your thoughts and reflections.
You will be supported by an Executive Coach through the entirety of your learning journey and be taught be expert tutors.
What is an apprenticeship?
And, how is it funded?
The apprenticeship levy is a 0.5% tax on employers in the UK with an annual pay bill over £3 million, designed to fund apprenticeships by accumulating funds in your digital apprenticeship account. These funds can be used to invest in high-quality training, upskill existing staff, or they can be transferred to other companies, with any unused funds expiring after 12 months. So, in essence, this is a pot of CPD funding that is already taken and accumulating on your organisations' behalf, that can be used for apprenticeship programmes.
You will undertake the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, combined with the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership, which qualifies you for Chartered Manager Status. The cost of the Operations Manager Apprenticeship is £9,000 paid through then apprenticeship levy.
Who are IODA?
We have partnered with ioda,a training provider that specialise in leadership development, but also have access to digital, AI, sales and marketing and hospitality apprenticeships. They are well versed in running high quality apprenticeships but recognise that adding a pirate ‘amplification’ to the programmmes will better serve future leaders.
Who is it for?
- If you are working with a team, or as part of a team, then you are a leader – leadership isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility. If you are not currently in a leadership position, then the programme will widen your leadership horizons and better equip you for your first role.
- If you are already a leader, then we hope the programme will widen your horizons too, take you on a journey of self-reflection and growth, to equip you to consider your leadership in a different way.
- If you are thinking about developing other, potential leaders, then this is an ideal way of upskilling your team, before they are promoted (avoiding accidental managers) – most leadership development happens after you get the job!
- To be on the programme you must be employed in England. If you are self-employed or working in a non-levy paying organisation and still interested then please get in touch as you may be able to apply for a levy transfer. There are also alternative options if you are employed in Scotland or Wales.
- And one final but important detail: you must have your line manager’s approval to come on the programme, but we will talk through that in the briefing calls.
What does the L5 Operations Manager apprenticeship cover?
Module 1 – Inclusive Leadership - Building a Crew Where Everyone Belongs. This module explores how leaders create environments where people feel respected, trusted and able to contribute fully.
Module 2 – The Self-Aware Leader (Captain of the Ship). This module explores the principles, ethics and responsibilities that guide effective leadership and management
Module 3 – Leading with Confidence - Finding Your Captain’s Compass. This module supports learners to reflect on their leadership identity, understand their behavioural impact and identify development needs through self‑awareness, emotional intelligence and reflective practice.
Module 4 – Managing a Diverse Team - Leading a Fearless Crew. This module develops leaders’ ability to create teams that are cohesive, motivated and inclusive.
Module 5 – Managing Inclusive Change - Navigating the Tides of Change. This module equips leaders to manage change sensitively, ethically and inclusively so colleagues, customers and learners feel informed and supported.
Module 6 – Managing Projects & Influencing Others - Plotting the Course & Winning Allies. This module equips learners with practical tools for planning, delivering and evaluating projects
Module 7 – Business Planning for a Diverse Workforce - Charting the Voyage. This module supports leaders to develop operational plans that improve service delivery, team performance and organisational success.
Module 8 – Inclusive Decision Making - The Captain’s Call. This module builds judgement, risk awareness, problem‑solving and continuity planning.
You will be invited to a briefing call with more
information and a Q+A