The Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics, professional services staff, lecturers, and senior lecturers from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic 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 (from Grade 6).
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 as 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.
The programme is structured in a hybrid format, combining both online and face-to-face components. It’s delivered over four months comprising 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 and the University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde is offering five staff members to attend the course, which will be a mix of hybrid and face-to-face sessions.
Programme Dates:
Diversifying Leadership Programme Manchester (26) Dates:
| Event | Date | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation Webinar | Wednesday 25th February 2026 | Online | 10:00 to 11:30 |
| Module 1 | Friday 13th March 2026 | Face-to-face | 09:45 to 16:00 |
| Module 2 | Wednesday 25th March 2026 | Online | 09:15 to 15:00 |
| Module 3 Action Learning Set | Friday 24th April 2026 | Online | 09:15 to 15:00 |
| Module 4 | Friday 15th May 2026 | Face-to-face | 09:45 to 16:00 |
| Module 5 Action Learning Set | Wednesday 3rd June 2026 | Online | 09:15 to 15:00 |
Sponsor Webinars
Your sponsor will be required to attend two webinars* with the Diversifying Leadership co-directors:
Manchester (26) Sponsor Dates:
| Event | Date | Format | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor Webinar 1 (Sponsors only) | Wednesday 29th April 2026 | Online | 12:30 to 14:00 |
|
Sponsor Webinar 2 (Sponsors only) |
Friday 27th February 2026 | Online | 12:30 to 14:00 |
If you are struggling to identify a suitable sponsor, please contact the Senior Race Equality Officer: Jennifer.ba@strath.ac.uk
How to apply
To apply, download the Diversifying Leadership Strathclyde criteria and complete the Diversifying Leadership Strathclyde application 2026. Please submit your application by email to equality@strath.ac.uk by the 16th of January 2026.