--- title: "Management Development Programmes: What Are They?" description: This article explains how management development programmes help provide structured development, ongoing training, and clear pathways to grow all your key people. image: https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/What-Are-Management-Development.webp --- [![Penguin Leaning Logo](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp?width=169&height=60&name=Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp "Penguin Leaning Logo")](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/) [![Penguin Leaning Logo](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp?width=169&height=60&name=Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp "Penguin Leaning Logo")](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/) - ABOUT US - [About](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/about) - [How We Work](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/how-we-work) - [See Us In Action](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/see-us-in-action) - SERVICES - [All Services](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/services) - [DISC Training For Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-training-for-teams) - [DISC Training For Managers](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-training-for-managers) - [DISC Model Personality Types](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-model-personality-types) - [Behavioural Assessment](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/behavioural-assessment) - [Management Development](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/development-management) - [Training Consultancy](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/training-consultancy) - OUR SOLUTIONS - [DISC Workshop](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/company-wide-disc-workshop) - [Transition to Management](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/transition-to-management) - [Developing High Performing Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/developing-high-performing-teams) - [Building Effective Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/building-effective-teams-workshop) - [Courses For Customer Service Development](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/courses-for-customer-service-development) - RESOURCES - [Contact](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/contact) - [Blog](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn) More results [![Book A Discovery Meeting](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26242804/interactive-253615566050.png)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJmnMOhRwlPFj2RVGXfOKWtw%2FZF0tP7e1HvCefAwklHMOJYkIn1vueY1CUXwal50APQ5TJzhiL3bAUowrn88j51Dd4AlQ3ahf0qTWVFPNcm3pgYaLNdUINsHVJcIw7GMdX1vnC6bVoGKXoHWg%2BM20KeS2yEb4CzvhLNvHaduVbZq70mtoK%2FhCrTOxc1S9udE0ZP4D7BRVyxnohnCK1mAMqN2t4pO6cRhExI6g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=253615566050&portalId=26242804) [![Book A Discovery Meeting](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26242804/interactive-253615566050.png)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJmnMOhRwlPFj2RVGXfOKWtw%2FZF0tP7e1HvCefAwklHMOJYkIn1vueY1CUXwal50APQ5TJzhiL3bAUowrn88j51Dd4AlQ3ahf0qTWVFPNcm3pgYaLNdUINsHVJcIw7GMdX1vnC6bVoGKXoHWg%2BM20KeS2yEb4CzvhLNvHaduVbZq70mtoK%2FhCrTOxc1S9udE0ZP4D7BRVyxnohnCK1mAMqN2t4pO6cRhExI6g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=253615566050&portalId=26242804) [![Book A Discovery Meeting](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26242804/interactive-253615566050.png)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJmnMOhRwlPFj2RVGXfOKWtw%2FZF0tP7e1HvCefAwklHMOJYkIn1vueY1CUXwal50APQ5TJzhiL3bAUowrn88j51Dd4AlQ3ahf0qTWVFPNcm3pgYaLNdUINsHVJcIw7GMdX1vnC6bVoGKXoHWg%2BM20KeS2yEb4CzvhLNvHaduVbZq70mtoK%2FhCrTOxc1S9udE0ZP4D7BRVyxnohnCK1mAMqN2t4pO6cRhExI6g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=253615566050&portalId=26242804) - ABOUT US - [About](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/about) - [How We Work](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/how-we-work) - [See Us In Action](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/see-us-in-action) - SERVICES - [All Services](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/services) - [DISC Training For Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-training-for-teams) - [DISC Training For Managers](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-training-for-managers) - [DISC Model Personality Types](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disc-model-personality-types) - [Behavioural Assessment](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/behavioural-assessment) - [Management Development](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/development-management) - [Training Consultancy](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/training-consultancy) - OUR SOLUTIONS - [DISC Workshop](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/company-wide-disc-workshop) - [Transition to Management](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/transition-to-management) - [Developing High Performing Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/developing-high-performing-teams) - [Building Effective Teams](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/building-effective-teams-workshop) - [Courses For Customer Service Development](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/courses-for-customer-service-development) - RESOURCES - [Contact](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/contact) - [Blog](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn) [![Book A Discovery Meeting](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26242804/interactive-253615566050.png)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJmnMOhRwlPFj2RVGXfOKWtw%2FZF0tP7e1HvCefAwklHMOJYkIn1vueY1CUXwal50APQ5TJzhiL3bAUowrn88j51Dd4AlQ3ahf0qTWVFPNcm3pgYaLNdUINsHVJcIw7GMdX1vnC6bVoGKXoHWg%2BM20KeS2yEb4CzvhLNvHaduVbZq70mtoK%2FhCrTOxc1S9udE0ZP4D7BRVyxnohnCK1mAMqN2t4pO6cRhExI6g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=253615566050&portalId=26242804) **CONTACT** [hello@penguinlearning.co.uk](mailto:hello@penguinlearning.co.uk) [+44 7399 578565](tel:+447399578565) # What Are Management Development Programmes? ![what-are-management-development-programmes](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/What-Are-Management-Development.webp) When a business thrives, it is often due to one vital component – good leadership and management. Effective leadership is central to the success of any organisation, but what does it take to cultivate the individuals who can lead your teams, drive performance, and adapt to the challenges of the future? This is the role of a [management development programme](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/), providing structured development, ongoing training, and clear pathways to growth for all your key people. ## **What Does A Management Development Programme Include?** A management development programme is a series of interconnected modules and activities designed to provide leadership training over an extended period. Unlike in-house training programmes, which often focus on narrow skills or short-term problem resolution, a long-term management development programme allows the emergence of a leadership pipeline of employees with the potential to take up senior positions within your business, with a strong emphasis on long-term growth and skill building. A management development programme prepares emerging leaders to gradually take on more responsibilities while also supporting the larger goal of business success by boosting engagement, morale, and productivity among your employees. ## **Improving Skills, Knowledge, And Capabilities** The main goal of a management development programme is to strengthen the quality of leadership in your organisation by building the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of your team. With training modules that focus on key areas such as strategic thinking, cooperation, problem-solving, and teamwork, the programme seeks to create well-rounded leaders. A good programme is, therefore, as much about personal growth as it is about operational mastery and professional development. ## **What Types Of Management Development Programmes Are Available?** Broadly speaking, there are two types of management development programmes. These are: - **External programmes** delivered by a university or professional [training](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/services) organisation, - **Internal programmes** (also often delivered by a training provider) which are specifically designed to address your business’s operational challenges External programmes are often rooted in general leadership and management principles and are a good choice for businesses looking for industry-standard training for their leaders and trainees. Internal programmes, on the other hand, are more practical and specific, tailored to address the challenges that your teams and their managers face on a daily basis, and designed to develop problem-solving approaches that are directly applicable to your business context. Many businesses choose a combination of the two approaches, blending external benchmarking with internal applicability for maximum impact. ## **Why Is Developing Managers Important?** Your current and future leaders and managers are the backbone of your business and are critical to its long-term stability and progress. Unfortunately, strong leadership doesn’t just emerge on its own; it requires a structured framework, consistent support, and clear guidance for a positive and forward-looking management culture to embed itself in your organisation. Investing in ‘human capital’ within your business helps to create a more productive and creative work culture, laying the foundations for long-term performance and agility. ## **Contact Us** Our [management development programmes](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/) are individually designed to deliver the results you need for your business and to make a real difference to your staff. To find out more, please [contact](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/contact) one of our experienced team today. [![Penguin+Learning+phil+contact+-+long+CTA+dark](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/26242804/interactive-221997788389.png)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIswP%2FFMSrbcSwzfncYiKgs2EbMNsiBROnI9WqEss7LW08yF%2BYu5CWcnYCKbUfObcLx75XjDg7kC2B0ua3ygZQ3YUcHBWrr%2Bn7H9YBJYYX8bqBVhY2G895OPhzLJ9auOMFdqdeniEhV5H1SxQsEfI4q7SzcOAbW9NTkF9XoPmeaEKn5HUu4kWUNunYZrR%2FqYDWrYHAODk%2B539UYC69wAQg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=221997788389&portalId=26242804) Image Source: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEIztLD0VM-business-managers/) - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics - [Learning and Development Programmes (13)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/learning-and-development-programmes) - [DISC (12)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/disc) - [DISC Behavioural Assessments (10)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/disc-behavioural-assessments) - [Behavioural Assessments (9)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/behavioural-assessments) - [Management Development Training (7)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/management-development-training) - [Case studies (3)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/case-studies) - [Know Yourself Workshops (3)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/know-yourself-workshops) - [Virtual Workshops (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/virtual-workshops) - [High-Performing Teams (1)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/high-performing-teams) - [Investment (1)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/investment) - [Transition To Management (1)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/transition-to-management) See all Archive - [July 2026 (3)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026 (6)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2026/06) - [March 2026 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026 (1)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2025/12) - [November 2025 (1)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2025/11) - [September 2025 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2025/09) - [August 2025 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2025/08) - [January 2021 (3)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2021/01) - [December 2020 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/12) - [November 2020 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/11) - [October 2020 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/10) - [September 2020 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/09) - [August 2020 (4)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/08) - [July 2020 (5)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/07) - [June 2020 (4)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/06) - [May 2020 (4)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/05) - [April 2020 (2)](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/archive/2020/04) See all ### Subscribe by email Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes&text=Management++Development+Programmes%3A+What+Are+They%3F) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes&t=Management++Development+Programmes%3A+What+Are+They%3F) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes&t=Management++Development+Programmes%3A+What+Are+They%3F) Previous story [← Transitioning to leadership](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/transitioning-to-leadership) Next story [How DISC Behavioural Assessments Help Set Company And Team Objectives →](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/disc-behavioural-assessments-company-team-objectives) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Are Management Development Programmes Worth The Investment?](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/are-management-development-programmes-worth-investment) ![A business man, checking his finances to see whether the Management Development Programmes have been a good investment.](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_51812/are-management-development-programmes-worth-the-investment_654bc8acb56eeb2b98720ca7a1dab4c6.jpg) [Management Development Training](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/management-development-training) ### Are Management Development Programmes Worth The Investment? 4 min read [Managing remote teams 101](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/managing-remote-teams-101) ![Managing remote teams 101](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/Blog/Computer+screen+with+Instant+Message+for+article+on+managing+remote+teams+by+a+training+provider+for+UK+innovative+businesses.webp) [Management Development Training](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/management-development-training) ### Managing remote teams 101 3 min read [Transitioning to leadership](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/transitioning-to-leadership) ![transitioning-to-leadership](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/Queen%20chess%20piece%20on%20blue%20backgr.webp) [Management Development Training](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/tag/management-development-training) ### Transitioning to leadership 2 min read ### Get Email Notifications ### No Comments Yet Let us know what you think #### ![Penguin Learning Logo](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp?width=531&height=188&name=Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp) Unit D5 Bartonfields Centre, Longford Ln, Church Broughton, Derby, DE65 5SG [E: hello@penguinlearning.co.uk](mailto:hello@penguinlearning.co.uk) [M: +44 7399 578565](tel:+447399578565) [Join us on Slack](https://www.linkedin.com/company/penguin-learning/https://www.linkedin.com/company/penguin-learning/) [Browse our GitHub projects](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPKpywnNReUFvv_DhXyO1Q) Other Links - [About Us](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/about) - [How We Work](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/how-we-work) Resources - [Learn](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn) - [Contact](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/contact) Copyright © 2026 Penguin Learning Ltd. Designed & Developed by [JDR Group](http://www.jdrgroup.co.uk) - [Cookies](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/cookies) - [Privacy](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/privacy-policy) - [Disclaimer](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/disclaimer) - [Terms](https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/terms-and-condition) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Phil Nolan", "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/author/phil-nolan" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-27T06:47:42.112Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-15T11:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Management Development Programmes: What Are They?", "image" : [ "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/What-Are-Management-Development.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hubfs/penguin-1.png" }, "name" : "Penguin Learning" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Burton-on-Trent", "addressRegion" : "Derbyshire", "postalCode" : "DE13 9DZ", "streetAddress" : "109 Knowles Hill Rolleston-on-Dove" }, "alternateName" : "Penguin Learning Ltd", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "0808 502 0309" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 52.8604, "longitude" : -1.6869 }, "image" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Make-a-lasting-difference.webp", "logo" : "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60caf574637374677e873aa3/1625215921089-KTNX99670AIZ5LXFE43C/penguin.png", "name" : "Penguin Learning Ltd", "openingHours" : [ "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/penguin-learning/", "https://x.com/penguinlearning", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrPKpywnNReUFvv_DhXyO1Q" ], "telephone" : "0808 502 1635", "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "This article explains how management development programmes help provide structured development, ongoing training, and clear pathways to grow all your key people.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "Management Development Programmes: What Are They?", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Penguin%20Leaning%20Logo.webp" }, "name" : "Penguin Learning Ltd", "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/" }, "url" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.penguinlearning.co.uk/learn/what-are-management-development-programmes", "name" : "What Are Management Development Programmes?", "position" : 2 } ] } ```