• Education

Centre for Army Leadership

The British Army requires the highest standards of leadership. It is a core function of our institution and a fundamental component of fighting power. Our leadership philosophy is values-based, motivated not by self-interest but in the service of others. The Centre For Army Leadership exists to champion leadership excellence and to optimise the Army’s human 'edge' that underpins operational success. We support the development of exceptional leaders not just for the British Army, but for the whole nation.

Who we are

The CAL is the guardian of the Army’s Leadership Doctrine, the codification of our leadership experience and philosophy built over more than 300 years. We act as the Army’s leadership conscience, calibrate its thinking against multiple sectors and, through our Research Institute, ensures conceptual rigour. Furthermore, our persistent communication and engagement activity seeks to stimulate debate, awareness and critical thinking.

Our team comprises of both theorists and practitioners, supported by advocates from across and beyond the Army who share our passion for leadership and leader development. We are committed to the betterment of every leader, across the whole force, at all ranks and grades, Regular or Reserve, through life, and, altruistically, wider society.

Our role

  • To develop Leadership as an organisational capability.
  • To champion the professionalisation of leadership.
  • To act as the custodians of Army Leadership Doctrine.
  • To act as the proponent of Army leadership excellence.
  • To promote and capture leadership conceptual thought and critical thinking.
  • To apply academic rigour to leadership publications, and organisational learning and development.
  • To communicate the Army Leadership Doctrine to all ranks of the British Army.
  • To develop and engage with a wider global network of leadership stakeholders.

What can we do for you

  • Centre for Army Leadership

Army Leadership Publications

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  • Centre for Army Leadership

Leader Competency Framework

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  • Centre for Army Leadership

Leader Development Resources

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News and Events

Leadership Conference

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Essay Competition

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CAL Research Institute

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Meet the team

SO1 Leadership - Lieutenant Colonel Dean Canham OBE - Mercian Regiment

SO3 Leadership - Captain Melissa Shepherd - Honourable Artillery Company

Director of Research - Prof Lloyd Clark BA MA FRHS FRGS

Senior Researcher - Dr. Linda Risso

WO1 Leadership - Warrant Officer Class One David Chant - 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards

WO2 Leadership - Warrant Officer Class Two Ash Body – Royal Signals

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