EDI leadership programmes: build a leadership journey that works for you

We are delighted to announce that that our range of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) leadership development programmes are opening, with the programmes commencing in early 2027.

These programmes are aimed at colleagues from groups that are statistically underrepresented at leadership level, at different stages of their leadership journey. They're an opportunity to invest in yourself, connect with peers and gain the confidence to pursue your career aspirations.

Find out what’s on offer, and what you’re eligible for:

• 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 programme webpages.
2. Sign up for a virtual information session: Visit the individual programme page for details about virtual information sessions, where you can find out more and ask questions ahead of applying.
3. Talk to Your Line Manager: The programmes demand different levels of involvement from your manager, and some applications require a supporting statement. We encourage you to share programme details with your manager early on, and discuss whether it’s 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 unique deadlines for each course.

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.
• For general queries – please reach out to the EDI team at equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk