As part of our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, Advance HE regularly and routinely reviews its Programme and Events portfolio to ensure it meets the needs of members and the sector.
During 2026 we are undertaking a holistic review of the Aurora leadership development initiative for women.
Do you have a question?
If you have a question about the 2026 Aurora Review, please use the link below to contact the project team.
Building on success and ‘future-proofing’ Aurora
Since its launch in 2013, Aurora has supported more than 15,000 women from over 200 institutions across the UK and Ireland to develop their leadership capabilities.
- Our longitudinal evaluation shows Aurorans are twice as likely to receive a promotion or salary increment compared to those who have not completed the programme.
- Our 6-month impact survey shows that participants apply their learning in tangible ways, improving decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking.
- Participants report a greater sense of agency and resilience, actively advocating for themselves and supporting the progression of other women.
- Institutions benefit from the direct application of Aurora learning, with participants introducing mentoring schemes, leadership initiatives, and policy changes.
This year, Aurora was awarded a Princess Royal Training Award in recognition of its impact and value. It was also commended for its outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Purpose of the review
The purpose of the review – an exercise in due diligence – is to ensure Aurora remains relevant, impactful and fit for purpose in supporting women’s leadership development in higher education. We want to work with our members and the sector to build on the programme’s success to date, offering continued excellence for future cohorts of Aurorans.
Consultation, evidence gathering and implementation
The review will be guided by a Steering group and informed through consultation with Working Groups and from insights from our programme community – including Aurora Champions – and participant feedback. The consultation period will be from January to July 2026.
Through these insights and our analyses of the programme, we will explore opportunities to enhance the programme’s delivery and impact.
Following our analysis and recommendations for enhancements, we will feedback to the Steering and Working Groups, and we will share outcomes and any resulting changes towards the end of 2026. Changes will not be implemented before the 2027-28 programme.
The members of the Steering Group and Working Groups will be announced in January 2026.
