Diversifying Leadership

Hear from our Alumni

Tony Magaia from the University of Durham shares that his experience on the Diversifying Leadership programme has empowered him to take ownership of his work and role, highlighting the most impactful aspect to be connecting with other people who share similar experiences.

Programme dates

You can find Diversifying Leadership cohort dates & timings, locations, prices, and onboarding deadlines summarised on our Programme, Events and Conferences Calendar.

How is the programme delivered?

The programme is structured in a hybrid format, combining both online and face-to-face components. It’s delivered over the period of four months comprising of five modules of which two will be held face-to-face, alongside related asynchronous work.

Typically running at a frequency of three regional cohorts per academic year participants will engage in: 

• Online modules and face-to-face workshops featuring Leadership Insight speakers from the HE sector 
• Approximately two hours of pre or post-session reflective activities 
• Two facilitated action learning sets 
• Working with a sponsor 

The focus areas of individual modules can be found below:  

Orientation webinar: Introduction to Diversifying Leadership Programme 
Module One: Leadership, 'Black, Asian and minority ethnic leadership' and lessons from the labyrinth  
Module Two: Leadership, power and influence: changing the game 
Module Three (Action learning set): Speaking actions into existence  
Module Four: Leadership tomorrow: vision, voice and visibility  
Module Five (Action learning set): Speaking actions into existence 

These activities are supported by a rich set of learning materials that remain available to participants on Advance HE Connect for a minimum of 6 months after the conclusion of the programme. Diversifying Leadership is digitally recognised and will provide attendees will a certificate of learning. 

Sponsors

As part of the programme, participants are required to secure a sponsor from within their institution who will support them during the programme and potentially beyond. 

Role of a Sponsor 

Sponsorship is a special kind of relationship in which a more senior colleague provides structured support which may include:

• creating research productivity;
• career advice & guidance;
• navigate internal politics & structures; and
• provides access to projects

The Sponsor also uses his or her influence with senior members of staff to advocate for the participant. The time commitment will be negotiated between the sponsor and the participant.

Further guidance on finding a sponsor.

Sponsor Toolkit

The Sponsor Toolkit is an additional resource for sponsors, consisting of web-based materials and interactive support. It has been made available to ensure sponsors have a better understanding of the specific issues facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic early career leaders and are confident to carry out their role in championing them, along with providing tools and useful guidance for sponsors. The toolkit is informed by relevant academic literature and good practice on sponsorship and the experience and development of aspiring Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders.

Meet the delivery team

How to book?

If you have an Institutional Champion, they are responsible for booking you onto the programme. They are a significant point of contact throughout the programme, who will support with the booking and onboarding process. Additionally, they may support with finding a sponsor from within your institution. Please see the Institutional Champion Directory to check if you have an Institutional Champion.

If your institution does not have an Institutional Champion assigned yet, please use the booking link and the Programmes Team will be in touch to provide support and guidance on how to proceed ensuring a smooth onboarding process. 

Please note we cannot accept more than five bookings from the same institution per cohort. 

Programmes and event bookings are made through our customer portal My Advance HE. On your first visit to My Advance HE you will need to go through the sign up process to activate your account using an email address of your choice.

Contact programmes@advance-he.ac.uk if you have any queries.

Onboarding process

All prospective participants are required to complete a personal statement, select a sponsor from within their institution and consequently request a statement of support from them. A link to submit this information via an onboarding form will be provided once a booking has been made. More details on what is included in the onboarding process can be found here on the frequently asked questions page.

The onboarding process is in place to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants on the programme, and to help us understand more about their journeys and ambitions. Our programme facilitators will review this to uphold the programme objectives. 

Institutional Champions - Directory 

Our Diversifying Leadership Champion Community consists of people within Higher Education institutions who work closely with Advance HE to promote the programme and support delegates through the booking and onboarding process.

If you are looking to enroll your institution onto the programme please contact programmes@advance-he.ac.uk for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ section provides detailed information on Diversifying Leadership cohorts, module timings, time commitment, and support networks. It clarifies the onboarding process and eligibility criteria for participants. Additionally, it outlines guidance on finding a sponsor and navigating the programme.  

Diversifying Leadership longitudinal study

Cracking the concrete ceiling: Tracking the impact of the Diversifying Leadership programme was commissioned by Advance HE to explore leadership development for black and minority ethnic staff in higher education. View summary findings or read the full report.

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