Leadership programmes
The EDI leadership training programmes are aimed at developing a diverse pool of leaders for the future. Each programme is nationally recognised and seeks to equip leaders from diverse groups with the knowledge to succeed. Information about these programmes was discussed in our Career Development Session, a recording of which can be viewed here.
For more information, contact the EDI team.
100 Black Women Professors Now
About 100 Black Women Professors Now
100 BWPN is an innovative accelerator and change programme for UK universities, developed and delivered by the Women’s Higher Education Network (WHEN). The programme aims to propel equity of opportunity for Black women academics, researchers and PhD students and to deliver a step change in progress for the sector by working with individuals throughout the academic pipeline as well as institutions, line managers and leaders.
Programme participants will take part in and benefit from mentorship, career coaching, action learning and peer group coaching, networking, masterclasses, campaign and profile-raising opportunities.
Professor Dawn Edge, Academic Lead for ‘Race, Religion and Belief’ and University programme lead said, “I am pleased and proud that the University has participated in all four cohorts of the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme. Supporting women of Black and Mixed heritage women’s progression along the ‘academic pipeline’ from postgraduate researchers (PGRs) through to professors is a key marker of our commitments to race and gender equity. Participants have already reported positive benefits from the programme. Monitoring and evaluating promotions data alongside participants’ experiences will be invaluable in demonstrating the programme’s impact on sustained career progression and retention.”
For more information, please watch this recording of our information session.
Programme criteria and application and selection process
All criteria for Advanced Career academics and researchers (Grade 8), Early and Mid-Career academics and researchers (Grade 6-7) and PhD student tracks are available in the 2025 programme guidance. Please read this guidance in full before applying.
Apply to the 100 BWPN programme via the following links:
Completed applications should be submitted via the relevant online form by 5pm on Thursday 31st October 2024. Applications via email will not be considered.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application during week commencing Monday 4th November.
Please note: as part of the application, you will be asked to include a short supporting statement from your line manager (for Track One and Two) or PhD supervisor (for Track Three). You should contact them as soon as possible to signpost them to programme guidance (which outlines the requirements for the supporting statement), the programme leaflet and the line manager/supervisor’s programme guide which gives an outline of the role of managers and supervisors on the programme. The statement is requiredin order tosubmit your application via the online form.
More information
If you have any questions about the programme, application or selection process, please email the Directorate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
More information about the programme is available below:
Please note, we are awaiting confirmation of the final schedule from the Women’s Higher Education Network (WHEN). It is likely the programme in 2025 will run from January through to September but in previous years the programme has run from January until November.
Aurora
About Aurora
We are inviting applications for the national Aurora Leadership Development Programme for staff who identify as women (Advance HE).
Aurora is a key initiative to address the under-representation of women leaders in Higher Education. The Aurora programme aims to enable a wider range of women to think of themselves as future leaders, providing a positive experience of leadership and encouraging participants to recognise their talent and capabilities, develop the skills they will need and to ‘step up’ to future leadership posts.
The programme is designed for PS and Academic Staff in Grades 5 - 7 although each application will be taken on its individual merits. Each year The University of Manchester funds 16 places on this programme, 4 from each Faculty and Professional Services to enable women to ready themselves for leadership in the Higher Education sector. The Aurora programme is foundational, and priority will be given to those applicants who have not previously received significant leadership training.
For more information, please watch this recording of our recent Aurora Information Session.
What Aurora Covers
The Aurora programme focuses on core areas associated with leadership success:
- Understanding organisations and the sector.
- Developing leadership behaviours, skills and knowledge.
- Identifying and overcoming barriers and obstacles.
- Growing confidence and a leadership identity.
- Building networks, coalitions, and support processes.
Aurora participants will attend 4 development days (at approximately monthly intervals); peer support through action learning sets (ALS’s) organised and delivered locally, and will be paired with a senior Manchester mentor, many of whom are Aurora Alumni themselves.
University of Manchester Aurora Champion and Aurora Alumna, Professor Rachel Cowen (University Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), will support the application process by fielding expressions of interest. Rachel says: "Aurora was a powerful and career enhancing experience for me affirming by beliefs in my leadership potential and giving me the confidence as a part time academic to apply for a senior leadership role. It’s a privilege to champion the programme so that it can enable a diverse range of women to step up to leadership”.
If you would like to apply for Aurora please complete the application form at Aurora Application Form before the closing date of 31st October 2024.
LGBTQ+ Leadership Training
The University of Manchester is proud to be working with On the Level to help us to drive positive change at an individual and organisational level for LGBTQ+ colleagues. Through their training programmes, they empower organisations and leaders to develop their leadership skills, gain invaluable knowledge, and expand their horizons. They offer a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth, and resilience.
This is a four-module programme, which will be run over two full days and two half days. In 2025, these training days were a combination of face-to-face and one session online over two days. There will also be a social event at the end of the fourth module.
Result CIC - Disability Leadership Training
The University has partnered with Result CIC to help us to drive positive change at an individual and organisational level with a development programme for colleagues with disabilities.
Through their training programmes, Result CIC empower organisations and individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions to develop their leadership skills, gain invaluable knowledge, and set personal goals with one-to-one coaching. They offer a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth by exploring values, individuality, resilience, and visibility.
Programme Details:
This pilot programme will be split into three in-person workshops and online 1:1 coaching sessions throughout, focusing on your development plans, progress, and goal setting. The first cohort of the pilot programme will have ten participants.
Workshop session outlines:
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1. You
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2. You and others
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3. Trusting teams and networks
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Am I eligible to apply?
This is a leadership development programme for disabled colleagues (open to academic and professional services colleagues at all grades). Colleagues registered with the University Disability and Advisory Support Service (DASS) may apply as well as colleagues with longstanding health conditions.
It is an essential requirement of the programme for successful participants to attend all three workshop dates and the 1:1 coaching sessions. If you are successfully shortlisted but no longer available to attend all dates, we will invite the next person on the waiting list.
Why are the workshops in person and not hybrid?
The training providers would like colleagues to attend in person for psychological safety, engagement with the course content and facilitators and to grow strong networks. The programme format will be evaluated at the end.
Will I need to let my Line Manager know I wish to participate?
As these will be three full day workshops, it is advisable to make your Line Manager aware so that you are available to attend if you gain a place on the programme. The training provider, Result CIC, also offer an awareness training workshop for Line Managers to help develop a sense of inclusion and better understanding and communication. This is something we can make Line Managers aware of, though there is no obligation for them to attend.
Stellar HE
StellarHE for Black, Asian and racially minoritised colleagues – application deadline 6 December 2024
StellarHE is a leadership development programme for Black, Asian, and racially minoritised colleagues working in higher education.
It is not a programme that looks to ‘fix’ the individual but rather aims to help colleagues to develop their networks within higher education and to discuss issues of race, opportunities and barriers within a safe, supportive peer environment. The programme also helps set project management tasks and looks at further enhancing confidence and optimising influence with university leaders.
Our university is pleased to support this programme. This programme has been designed specifically to develop and implement leadership strategies that reflect the unique challenges and experiences of Black, Asian, and racially minoritised academic and professional staff across higher education.
You can watch the information session about StellarHE here.
Who is eligible?
The programme is open to Black, Asian, and racially minoritised Professional Support staff, Academics and Researchers at a middle management level (grade 6 and above). All applicants should have the support of their Line Manager as their support and involvement will be critical to the programme.
How many places are available?
Our university will support eight places in total. These will be funded by the participating Faculty/Professional Services area
What is the time commitment?
Applicants must be ready to embark on a five-month experiential virtual and in-person leadership programme and available to participate in all activities during the programme.
*Please note race will be explicitly discussed as part of the programme.*
There are also two cohort dates on offer for 2025 including two all-day residentials, one in Manchester and one in Ascot. Please state your preferred cohort dates when you apply.
Full details can be found on the Diversity Practice website. *Please complete the university application form rather than the one on the StellarHE website.*
How to apply
Application forms can be completed via the online form by Friday 6 December 2024.
The applications will then be shortlisted against the criteria and put forward for consideration to the Diversity Practice, StellarHE organisers, by their set deadline of 13 December 2024.
If you are experiencing difficulty with the online form, please email EDI Partner Tahira Majothi at: tahira.majothi@manchester.ac.uk.