University of St Andrews

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LFHE Aurora and FAQs

Leadership Foundation in Higher Education (LFHE) Aurora guidance

In November 2017 the University, with funding and support endorsed by the Principal, made a commitment within its Athena SWAN Institutional Action Plan, action 4.2(a) for: Annual participation in the LFHE programmes (at least 8 women in Aurora and 2 BME women in Diversifying Leadership).

Aurora is an external programme facilitated by the Leadership Foundation in HE: "Aurora is a response to our own research which shows that women are under-represented in senior leadership positions and identifies actions that could be taken to change this. Many influential stakeholders including vice-chancellors, Hefce and the Equality Challenge Unit agree the situation needs to be addressed."

Download: LFHE-Aurora-Brochure (PDF, 629 KB)

Aurora 2017/18 Programme: 

Registration for the development days opens at 10am, with the event starting promptly at 10.30am. The event will close at 4.30pm.

1. Identity, Impact and Voice
2. Tuesday 7 November 2017
   Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
3. Power and Politics
   Friday 8 December 2017 
   Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
4. Action Learning Set
   Tuesday 16 January 2017: Delegates agree a host institution
5. Core Leadership Skills
   Tuesday 6 February 2018
   Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
6. Adaptive Leadership Skills
   Tuesday 13 March 2018
   Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR

If unable to attend the Edinburgh venues, alternative venues may be attended: LFHE Aurora 2017/18 dates webpage

Expectations of participants:

• Liaise with a Mentor within the University to communicate progress or issues during the programme.   
• Committed to the full Aurora process, attending all four development days plus the action learning set day and be prepared to undertake some self-directed study.
• Undertake all pre-work set for the course in advance of attending each development day.
• Ready to embrace the mentoring relationship, and actively work with their mentors to address their personal development and build their self-reliance.
• Committed to a career in HE and prepared to devote some time to thinking about and planning their career.
• Willing to host an action learning set day at their institution, with the support of their institution.
• Prepared to embrace the extensive networking opportunities and participate fully in Aurora.
• Willing to undertake projects or assignments for their institution in order to build on their developing leadership skills.
• Prepared to participate in a longitudinal study to gauge the effectiveness of Aurora.
• Willing to act as mentors or role models to future participants.

FAQs:

How do I apply?

• Please check your availability with the workshop dates
• Request your line-manager to email diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk supporting your application 
• Email your expression of interest to diversity@st-andrews.ac.uk  

Who is the programme for? 

Aurora is for women up to senior lecturer level or the professional services equivalent, and must not be a professor or in a senior management/director role, therefore the programme would be better suited for women at grades 6 to 8.  

How will staff be selected?

Staff selection is conducted by the Director of HR. 

Who are the University of St Andrews Aurora Champions?

Professor Sally Mapstone (Principal and Vice-Chancellor), Mairi Stewart (Director of HR), Sukhi Bains (Head of E&D)

How much does it cost?

The costs are £1,250 per participant plus travel expenses, which are fully funded by the University's HR Diversity budget.

Can I attend other development days in other parts of the UK?

Yes participants are open to attend Aurora LFHE development days in other parts of the UK if not able to attend the first choice ones held in Scotland.

How does Aurora relate to University diversity awards, such as Athena SWAN?

Career development and mentoring for women is a major part of Athena SWAN.  An action to support staff advancement under the programme is one of the ways in which the University and/or schools can support the career development of women in the workplace to progress into senior roles. 

What are the Aurora learning sets and time commitment?

Aurora consists of five interlinked days.  Each participant is required to book to attend one of each of the 5 development days: Identity; Impact and Voice; Power and Politics; Core Leadership Skills; and Adaptive Leadership Skills. 

Is a women-only programme legal?

Under UK legislation and the Scottish Specific Duties (2012) resulting from the Equality Act (2010) it is lawful to take positive action to address under representation and minimise workplace disadvantage. 

Who can I contact from previous University cohorts?

2017/18 cohort (24 supported):

2016/17 cohort (10 supported):

 2015/16 cohort (10 supported):

2014/15 cohort (5 supported):

Auroa Films

Aurora seeks to share experience and insight to support women considering, aspiring to, and in leadership roles. In 2017 we welcomed Harriet Minter, former Women in Leadership editor at the Guardian and founder of Proceed until Apprehended, and Steph McGovern, journalist and BBC presenter, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing women in leadership in higher education and beyond. Refer to Aurora Films webpage