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.

Statement of support from Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor:

‘I support and advocate the Aurora programme. It is part of a suite of equality initiatives in the University of St Andrews. It affords women in grades 6-8 support, comment, and good networking opportunities in the sector at an important stage in their careers, and it can be a good launching point for academic women for our inhouse Elizabeth Garrett programme. We have seen great advances in women’s representation in higher education over the past forty years, but there is still more progress to be made, and the Aurora programme is a way of moving that along. If you are interested in exploring your career options, building contacts in the sector, and testing yourself in a supportive environment, do consider undertaking this programme.’

About Aurora:

Aurora is an external women-only leadership development programme. It is a unique partnership initiative bringing together leadership experts and higher education institutions to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions in the sector. 

Download: Aurora Booklet 2019 (PDF, 546 KB)‌
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Latest Aurora venues and dates: LFHE Aurora 2019/20 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.
• Attend introduction to Aurora event and mentoring training at the University (scheduled for Tuesday 22nd October 2019).
• 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 those who identify as women up to senior lecturer level or professional services equivalent in a university or higher education college, ambitious for a career in the sector and interested in exploring leadership and management as one option for progression."  Therefore the programme is suitable for staff in the University in a non-director/head role at Grade 6, 7 or 8.  

How will staff be selected?

Staff selection is conducted by the central EDI Team and by the Assistant Vice-Principal (Diversity). 

Who are the University of St Andrews Aurora Champions?

Professor Sally Mapstone (Principal and Vice-Chancellor), Professor Ruth Woodfield (Assistant Vice-Principal Diversity), Sukhi Bains (Head of E&D)

How much does it cost?

The costs are £1,315 (plus VAT) per participant (as of Oct 2019) plus travel expenses, which are fully funded by the University's Diversity cost centre.

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 Edinburgh.

What are the proposed start and finish times for the development days?
It is expected that the days will run from 10am for a 10.30am start and finish by 4.30pm.

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 were supported by the University in  previous cohorts?

2018/19 cohort (23 supported):

2017/18 cohort (24 supported):

2016/17 cohort (10 supported):

 2015/16 cohort (10 supported):

2014/15 cohort (5 supported):

Aurora 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