Our Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics and professional services staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role.
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. The sponsor uses their influence with senior members of staff to advocate for the participant.
Participant Cleveland Thompson and sponsor Benjamin Veasey, both from the University of Derby, share their experiences of the programme.
Looking back and reflecting on my experiences on the Diversifying Leadership programme, which I completed in July 2023, I found that many of the targets I set myself have come to fruition, or at least the process has started.
I was able to share my short and long-term aspirations, both on a personal level and as an academic, in a supportive environment of likeminded people. The trainers on the programme were very knowledgeable and enabled all participants to engage in reading, debate, discussions and action learning sets which were supported by guest speakers from a range of academic backgrounds who had been on the programme previously and shared their experiences and academic journeys.
I found my sponsor and the role of the sponsor particularly helpful, not only is Ben a listening ear and sounding board, but he’s offered me advice and opened doors for me in accessing networks at a strategic level in the university to increase my visibility, and so that I can contribute to the wider university agenda. And although I have completed the programme, my sponsor and I continue to meet to discuss developments, progress and further opportunities both internally and externally.
Having completed Diversifying Leadership I felt motivated and energised, having developed networks with some of the other participants. If you are wanting to feel inspired, I would whole heartedly encourage colleagues to apply and take part on the programme.
I was motivated to sponsor a participant on Advance HE’s Diversifying Leadership Programme as I strongly believe that it is critical that universities bring greater equity, greater diversity, and greater inclusion into leadership positions in order to truly ensure that our decision-making, our planning and our delivery represents the diverse student cohorts we seek to attract and the multifaceted industries we seek to work with.
Looking back on the programme itself, I found the support afforded to me as a sponsor to be extremely helpful. I am not too shy to admit that, at first, I was a little unsure as to what the role of sponsor would look like but the trainers on the programme were able to put me at ease. They kindly facilitated two group sessions where we were able to meet as a group of sponsors to share experiences and discuss the role.
I’ve found that the relationship I’ve developed with Cleveland to be especially rewarding. We have been able to discuss his ambitions, goals and interests and forge action points with respect to progressing on these elements. Despite concluding the programme in July 2023, we continue to meet to discuss developments and opportunities, and I find myself learning from him each time.
I have derived a great sense of satisfaction from participating in Diversifying Leadership and if you are feeling inspired to contribute your time and energy to sponsoring a colleague so that they reach their potential as a leader in higher education, please do get involved with the programme. I am sure, just as I have, that you will find it incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.
About the author: Advance HE have authored this piece with mention of Cleveland Thompson, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Public Health & Social and Community Studies, College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby and Benjamin Veasey, University Librarian, University of Derby.
This article has been kindly repurposed from Advance HE and you can read the original here.