Discovering Leadership: Power, Performance, or Provocateur?
‘Every nation gets the government it deserves’ – Joseph de Maistre
A group relations conference, 1– 4 September 2025
About this conference
Increasing complexity and ambiguity of organisational life can, at times, lead to a hidden pressures, pushes and pulls which are not consciously acknowledged, such that leaders and followers may behave in surprising and sometimes unhelpful ways.
In this conference, we invite members to explore leadership, and the use and misuse of power that comes with it. Members are able take up their own authority (whether through formal leadership roles at different levels, or through active followership), and work toward getting the task of learning done, while maintaining regard for the dynamics and diversity of the group.
What are the conscious and unconscious models available to us for understanding leadership and what assumptions do be bring and apply in understanding and engaging with those who lead us?
The conference includes a small number of places for individuals to join a Training Group. This is for those who’ve participated in two prior conferences and who wish to deepen their experience of group relations and develop the skills necessary to take up the role of group relations staff – see the application form for details.
There are a small number of subsidised spaces available for both external members and training group members.
Please direct any queries to the conference administrator on: GRC@tavi-port.nhs.uk
Director: Chris Nicholson
Associate Director: Gwen Hanrahan
Training Group Director: TBC
Conference Administrator: TBC
Who is this conference for?
For anyone who wants to develop their leadership potential in the context of complex group dynamics.
Why attend this conference?
This four-day Group Relations Conference has a focus on the balance between leadership and collaboration. It is an opportunity for members to experience the processes that influence organisational and group life in an immersive way. It’s a chance to pay attention to, and study, the tensions and pleasures generated when the internal world of the individual meets the emerging world of the ‘temporary organisation’. Most importantly, it is a chance for you to explore and develop your relationship and capacities in relations to leadership and group dynamics.
Conference venue, dates and timings:
The conference will take place in person at: The Tavistock Centre, 120 Belsize Lane, London, NW3 5BA. To maximise the conference learning for yourself and other attendees, we ask all members to commit to attending the whole of all four days:
- Monday 1 September: (Registration 9.00–9.30) 9.30–18.30
- Tuesday 2 September: 9 to 18.30
- Wednesday 3 September: 9 to 18.30
- Thursday 4 September: 9 to 16.30
Please note: the deadline for applications for this conference will be Friday 8 August 2025, or when all places are filled.
Please note: Members of the Training Group will also attend a pre-conference meeting on Sunday 30th August from 1pm.
Conference fees:
- Internal Trust member: £550
- External applicant: £700
- Training Group member: £700