Aurora

• Open to: Academic and PS colleagues who identify as being women, at grades 5-7
• Spaces available: 35
• How to apply: Applications for 2026 are now open. Please apply here
• Virtual information session: Tuesday 16 September, 2.00pm. Sign up now

What's involved?

Aurora is a key initiative to address the under-representation of women leaders in Higher Education. It 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. 

Participants will explore four key areas associated with leadership success: Identity, Impact & Voice, Core Leadership, Politics & Influence and Adaptive Leadership Skills. The Aurora programme is foundational, and priority will be given to those applicants who have not previously received significant leadership training.   This programme has also just been recognised by the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, for for having positively impacted organisations, people and wider society.

For full details: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/developing-leadership/aurora

How will I benefit/what will I gain? 

• Four development days at monthly intervals 
• Pairing with a senior Manchester mentor, many of whom are Aurora Alumni 
• Action learning sets with peers from other HE Institutes to learn from and support each other
• Access to bespoke resources and learning materials

Testimonial 

“The balance between theory and practice was spot on. The numerous inspiring and grounded women who contributed to the sessions brought the learning to life in a powerful way. What we gained goes far beyond a set of skills: we walked away with a network of support across the UK, new local connections here in Manchester, a refreshed and empowered view of leadership, a toolkit of practical strategies to draw on when needed, and a completely new perspective on our leadership role in the workplace.

Elisa Biagioli, Postdoc