University of St Andrews

Advance HE, Diversifying Leadership (BAME) programme 

The external programme is aimed at early career academics and professional services staff from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds (people of colour or non-white) up to and below senior lecturer level (or equivalent for professional services) - typically for University staff grades 6, 7 and 8, who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role.  It explores themes of power and influence, demystifying leadership, cultural identity and cultural capital, increasing your visibility and authentic leadership and features leadership stories from high-profile HE leaders.

Further information on the background to the programme is available on the Advance HE webpage.

Programme overview:

The programme will comprise of four one-day workshops. While it is non-residential, it will feature online resources, leadership stories from high profile higher education leaders, and include the development of strategies for working effectively with sponsors and mentors. 

Information for the line manager:

This programme is designed to support early-career academics up to and including at Senior Lecturer level, and professional services staff from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role. As their line manager, you not only have an important role to play in helping your staff members benefit from the programme but also to help transfer their learning into benefits for the department or University as a whole. 

At the start of the programme, it would be helpful to discuss your staff member’s career goals with them to understand how they are aligned with departmental and/or wider organisational objectives. These goals could be reviewed with your staff member midway through and at the end of the programme. Upon completion of the programme, you can further support your staff member through dialogue with them and potentially with other colleagues to explore how the activities listed in their career plan will be realised. 

The initiative is supported by the Principal forming part of the Institutional Athena Swan actions, with the 'Sponsor' being the Vice-Principal (People & Diversity).

Participation, travel/accommodation expenses are all fully funded by the University's Diversity cost centre with no cost to the school/unit.

Contact: Email diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk  

FAQs:

How do I apply?

• Please check that you are available to attend all workshop dates with your line-manager
• Email your expression of interest to diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk  
• Complete a 2-page application form
• Your line manager states their support for your application by emailing diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk 

Who is the programme for? 

Staff from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds (people of colour or non-white) up to and below senior lecturer level (or equivalent for professional services) - typically for University staff grades 6, 7 and 8, who are about to take their first steps into a leadership role. 

What about the cost?

The costs plus travel expenses are all fully funded by the University's Diversity cost centre with no cost to the school/unit.

Which parts of the UK are the sessions held?

Currently, the location of programme sessions are delivered virtually via an online platform.

How does the programme relate to University diversity awards?

Supporting the career development for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff is a good practice element of the Advance HE Athena Swan and Race Equality Charters.

What are the learning themes and time commitment?

Each participant is required to book and attend each of the 4 development days exploring the following themes:

• Demystifying Leadership
• Increasing your visibility
• Authentic Leadership
• Cultural Identity and Cultural Capital
• Power & Influence

Has the University supported the programme in past?

The University has supported a number of staff on the programme: