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EDI leadership programmes now open for new cohort of applicants

04 Sep 2025

Apply now to join inclusive leadership development programmes supporting colleagues with career insights, mentorship, peer support, and skills to reach that next career milestone

Photo and quote from a previous participant of 100BWN

We are delighted to announce that that our range of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) leadership development programmes are now open for applications, with the programmes commencing in early 2026.

These programmes are aimed at colleagues from groups which are statistically underrepresented at leadership level, at different stages of their leadership journey. The testimonies of previous participants highlight how valuable and career-changing they’ve been for many.

What's on offer?

  • Aurora: For colleagues who identify as women (Grades 5–7)
  • Disability Leadership Training: For disabled academic, research and PS colleagues, at all grades.
  • LGBTQ+ Leadership Training: For LGBTQ+ academic, research and PS colleagues at all grades
  • Stellar HE: For Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse PS, academic and research colleagues at Grade 6 and above.
  • 100 Black Women Professors Now (BWPN): For colleagues who identify as women (+non-binary) from African / African Caribbean or mixed Black diaspora. This includes academic and research colleagues, and PhD students.

Interested? Here’s what to do next

1. Review the programme details

Each programme has its own eligibility criteria, time commitment, content, format and key dates. The specifics for each one can be found on the individual webpages.

2. Sign up for a virtual information session

Over the next few weeks (starting w/c 15 September), each programme will have its own virtual information session, with a chance for you to ask any questions. Sign up at the individual webpages.

3. Talk to Your Line Manager

Different programmes demand different levels of involvement from your manager, and some applications require a supporting statement. We encourage you to share the programme details with your manager early on, and discuss whether this programme is the right fit for you.

4. Apply!

Information about how to apply are on each programme’s webpage, including who to contact if you have any questions or accessibility requirements. Make sure you apply before the deadline: Wednesday 22 October at 12.00pm (noon) for all programmes, except 100BWPN which closes on Sunday 19 October.

Further information 

  • Your Voice Matters – this is a great opportunity for colleagues to consider what they’d like to achieve in their career at Manchester. These programmes are in line with our commitment to focussing on career development, following our recent staff survey results showing that only 47% of respondents feel their career aspirations are being met here currently. Find out more here.