Career Accelerator Programme 2026 Launch
9 April 2026Held over 5 half day sessions from May to October 2026
Closing date for entries - 1 May 2026
See the download for all the information and the application form.
Follow in the footsteps of our 2025 cohort shown here.
We’re also thrilled to be hosted for a 2nd year, by DJH and Wealth Experts, who are generously providing their beautiful office space for this year’s programme.
This programme has been curated to:
> improve participants career development
> increase their emotional intelligence
> push past any obstacles that are standing in their way.
Creating a supportive, neuro-diverse friendly, practical, enjoyable learning environment, bringing in the expertise of the leaders of our time and hosted from a lived experience point of view. With a unique point being that participants are getting the benefit from a group of like-minded people within the same industry and area.
For the company: As a result of the support, participants will feel valued by your organisation, and you will have happier, healthier, more productive staff who are more likely to be retained and promoted within your organisation.
For the participants: To get out of the office and into a safe space you will:
> Increase on your skillset
> Get personal and group support on challenges you are facing right now and looking into the future
> Connect with like-minded people.
Participant Feedback from the 2024-2025 Programmes:
“I’ve learned to adapt my leadership style and own my voice.”
“More faith in myself and the value I bring.”
“It was empowering to hear different perspectives and realise I’m not alone.”
“I can now read people and situations better—it’s changed how I lead.”
“I’ve gained confidence to take on new challenges.”
100% would recommend this programme.
Included in the Programme:
Monthly Facilitated Learning & Support (5 x half day in person sessions hosted at DJH office, Stoke-on-Trent)
Once a month, participants join a group of fellow participants to receive high-level facilitated peer support. Through coaching techniques, masterminding, learning and drawing on Katie May Beardmore’s 15+ years of corporate & leadership expertise, she keeps the group aligned and on track towards their intentions and priorities so that every month counts. The extended network this creates is a valuable source of support and motivation. Peer support helps to identify and overcome bottlenecks to their careers and supports each individual to self-navigate them and build momentum. Profound connection with fellow participants in a safe space is one of the most highly valued aspects of the training programme.
Invite to President's Annual Dinner
Enjoy the fabulous evening event on Friday 2nd October 2026 at the DoubleTree Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent as a guest of the Institute.
Application form
Katie Beardmore
About your coach and facilitator
Katie May Beardmore returns as facilitator of the Career Accelerator Programme following the success and impact of last year’s pilot.
Katie is an executive leadership coach, speaker, and former Director of People & Client Success with 17+ years’ experience across the tech, financial, and insurance sectors. She’s passionate about helping leaders and emerging talent utilise their strengths, develop their emotional intelligence, and progress in their careers - without burning out.
Starting her leadership journey at 20, Katie rose to director level in a family-owned fintech business, supporting growth to 350+ staff and over £25m in revenue. She combines lived experience with powerful coaching tools, bringing warmth, challenge, and clarity to every session.
Katie is also the former President of the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce (2021–2023) and trustee of local charities. She’s a certified One of Many™ Leadership Coach and Trainer. Find out more about Katie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbeardmore/
Stoke Insurance Institute 2026 President’s Annual Dinner
