Programs
Leadership Development Orientation
Every leader in The Salvation Army – officers, employees and volunteers – begins here. In this live, virtual orientation, you'll meet the Leadership Development team, explore the LEADS framework and see how our territory equips leaders with the tools they need to be effective and mission-focused.
Completing Orientation is the entry point to the Leadership Formation Programs. From there, leaders move into LEADS Basics and then the Foundational Leadership Certification.
Eligibility
- Open to current people leaders (officers, employees, and volunteers), as well as individuals whose supervisors recognize them as ready to grow in their leadership
- Participation requires supervisor approval
Program Roadmap
Orientation → Leadership Formation → Advanced Leadership Certification/Applied Leadership Programs → Executive Management
The Leadership Development Orientation is always first, followed by LEADS Basics and the Foundational Leadership Certification.
Completing the Foundational Leadership Certification unlocks the path in two directions:
- Toward the Advanced Leadership Certification, and
- Toward the Applied Leadership Programs
Completing the Applied Leadership programs can prepare leaders for the Executive Management Programs.
Not every leader needs to move through every stage of the roadmap. By completing LEADS Basics and the Foundational Leadership Certification, leaders across The Salvation Army gain a clear understanding of what’s expected and a shared language to talk about leadership. For many roles, that foundation is all the leadership development that’s required.
For those who want to grow further – and have the support of their supervisor – there are additional opportunities through the Advanced Leadership Certification, Applied Leadership Programs, and eventually the Executive Management Programs. These pathways provide deeper learning and broader challenges for leaders ready to take the next step.
Why this matters
This approach keeps leadership growth in The Salvation Army mission-centered and consistent, while giving each leader the right level of development for their role and responsibilities.
Program Sections
- Leadership Formation Programs
- Eligibility
- Open to current people leaders (officers, employees, and volunteers), as well as those identified by their supervisors as having leadership potential
- Participation requires supervisor approval
Build your core leadership capabilities with LEADS-aligned, mission-centered learning. These programs create a shared foundation of knowledge and practice across our territory, helping leaders grow with confidence and consistency.
- Applied Leadership Programs
- Eligibility
- Open to leaders who have completed the Foundational Leadership Certification
- Participation requires supervisor approval
Turn formation into action. These cohort-based programs emphasize real Salvation Army challenges, coaching, and peer learning – giving leaders the opportunity to apply LEADS behaviours in practice.
- Executive Management Programs
- Eligibility
- Open to leaders who have completed the Applied Leadership Programs
- Participation requires supervisor approval
Prepare for broader organizational influence. These programs strengthen strategic leadership, people management, finance/operations, and systems-level thinking – equipping leaders for high-impact roles.
