Diversifying Leadership

Tackling the under-representation of racially minoritised leaders in UK higher education institutions

There is a clear under-representation of leaders from racially minoritised backgrounds in higher education (HE) institutions in the UK at all levels but particularly at senior levels. There is also documented evidence of the poor experiences of many racially minoritised academic staff in UK HE including experiences related to leadership roles.

Since it’s launch in 2016, the Diversifying Leadership programme has welcomed over 500 participants from over 80 institutions across the UK. Developed by our experienced facilitators who have worked in the HE sector and identify with the lived experiences of the participants, the programme aims to provide tailored support and development opportunities for leaders from racially minoritised backgrounds within UK higher education institutions.

Bookings are now closed. Please complete the form using the button below to enquire about this programme.

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The Diversifying Leadership (DL) programme is an established programme that aligns with the following themes:

Power and influence
Demystifying leadership
Cultural identity and cultural capital

Participants will explore concepts such as ‘authentic leadership’, allowing the self-identity of their own leadership style and role as a leader to emerge, as well considering their motivation and influences. Featuring stories from high-profile HE leaders, the programme is designed to provide a safe environment in which to discuss issues and personal narratives relating to lived experiences of working within HE. As a result, participants build confidence, feel empowered and expand their professional strengths.

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.

Who is the programme for?

The Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics, professional services staff, lecturers, and senior lecturers from racially minoritised backgrounds who are taking their first steps into leadership roles. It is specifically designed for those who are new to leadership positions in higher education or have encountered structural barriers to advancement within the sector.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of eligibility ahead of booking this programme then please get in touch by making an enquiry below or visit our FAQ page.

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. 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

Diversifying Leadership is digitally recognised and will provide attendees with a certificate of learning.

Sponsor Handbook

The Sponsor Handbook 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 racially minoritised early career leaders and are confident to carry out their role in championing them, along with providing tools and useful guidance for sponsors. The handbook is informed by relevant academic literature and good practice on sponsorship and the experience and development of aspiring leaders from racially minoritised backrounds.

Diversifying Leadership Sponsor Handbook

Download

Meet the delivery team

Dr Melissa Jogie

Institutional Research Culture Lead
,
University of Roehampton

Dr Melissa Jogie is the Director for Research Culture, Impact, and Early Career Development at the University of Roehampton. She leads university-wide initiatives to enhance research bidding, policy impact, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

Sanchia Alasia

Diversity Lead at Transport for London

Sanchia is a multi-award-winning and distinguished global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, public speaker, and community change-maker with a reputation for driving systematic and sustainable change towards fostering inclusive environments.

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 enquiry form below and the Programmes Team will be in touch to provide support and guidance on how to proceed.

Colleagues at Advance HE member institutions benefit from a 25% discount on this programme.

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 [email protected] for more information.

Institutional Champion Directory

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.

Visit our FAQ page

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 racially minoritised staff in higher education. View summary findings or read the full report.