Supporting programme leadership: the role and perceived value of a sector-wide development network

University programme leaders occupy a pivotal position in shaping teaching and learning, yet their responsibilities are complex. Despite the significance of this role, programme leaders (PLs) frequently report limited access to structured leadership development (Cahill et al. Citation2015; Lawrence, Morón-García, and Senior Citation2022), prompting higher education institutions (HEIs) to introduce institutionally led interventions.Academic developers, educational developers and other higher education professionals (referred to from this point as academic developers) are often tasked with supporting programme leaders, but there are even fewer development opportunities available to support them in their roles.The Supporting Programme Leadership Development Network (SPLDN) was established to create a collaborative space for academic developers supporting programme leaders to share practice, foster connections and enhance support. This study aims to identify the need for and value of this network for staff in such roles.University staff supporting PL development were invited to complete a short online survey, reflecting the support they need and the benefits of belonging to a peer network.Findings from 30 respondents indicate a demand for opportunities to share practice, benchmark institutional approaches and develop evidence-informed support for programme leaders. Participants valued the SPLDN as a source of sector insight and as a space to create connections with those in a similar role. Importantly, engagement with the network was not limited to those new to supporting PLs; many participants had substantial experience in the area yet still noted benefits from engaging. These findings suggest that a peer network can offer academic developers access to peer learning, sector comparison and practice sharing throughout their career.