Aim To explore the effect of the My Home Life 12-month leadership support programme on care home managers’ leadership skills and professional development, and their relationships with staff, residents and relatives.

Method A qualitative study of 15 care home managers was undertaken, using focus groups to explore the study’s aims and objectives. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method.

Findings The leadership support programme enabled managers to develop their leadership skills, which had a positive effect for them and for their relationships with staff, residents and relatives. Conclusion Participation in the programme enabled managers to make real practice development improvements with meaningful effect for residents.