University of St Andrews

Advance HE Diversifying Leadership programme 

Diversifying Leadership is Advance HE's initiative to help staff from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds build leadership and networking skills.

Since 2016, the University has supported BAME staff in developing themselves and advancing their leadership journey through the Diversifying Leadership programme. It's a key part of Race Equality Charter action plan for addressing racial inequality.

Overview of the Diversifying Leadership programme

The external Diversifying Leadership programme supports academics and professional services staff from minority ethnic backgrounds taking their first steps into leadership roles.

It explores themes like power and influence, demystifying leadership, cultural identity and capital, visibility and authentic leadership,. You'll also hear leadership stories from high-profile higher education leaders.

Participants will have time and space to reflect on their leadership goals and focus on the issues that they are facing.

The programme combines instructor-led development activities, self-directed learning and facilitated action learning sets.

Delivered over 4 months it includes three online one-day modules, two in-person workshops and access to online resources.

Every participant is paired with a sponsor - a senior experienced St Andrews staff member - who will support their development throughout the programme.

You can find more details on the Advance HE website. The University centrally funds the programme fee and travel expenses in attending the in-person workshops, so there is no cost to your School or professional services unit.

Programme sessions 2025-26

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the programme, applicants must:

• identify as black, Asian, minority ethnic or mixed background
• be a salaried St Andrews staff member working in a role at grade 6, 7 or 8

Staff on fixed-term contracts should have an end date after the end date of the programme.

Expectations for programme participants

The Diversifying Leadership programme is a prestigious development opportunity with significant funding support from the University.

To make the most of it, participants are expected to:

• Manage their workload effectively to allow their full participation in the programme.
• Attend the three online modules and two in-person workshops delivered by Advance HE.
• Complete all assigned pre-work and self-directed learning.
• Engage with their sponsor throughout the programme.

Expectations for programme participant's line manager

Participation in the Diversifying Leadership programme requires a significant time and resource commitment. Line managers play a key role in supporting their colleagues to make the most of this opportunity.

Line managers are expected to:

• Allow participants to attend all required scheduled events and activities.
• Work with participants to ensure that their workload or duties don't interfere with their full participation.
• Include participation in the programme in the participant's RDS/ARDS record.
• Help participants find opportunities to apply their learning and development from the programme whenever possible.

How to apply

To apply, you'll need to complete an application form providing:

• Your personal details.
• Why you want to join the programme.
• How you plan to use the programme to support your career and professional development.

You must also include your line manager's contact information. The EDI Team will contact your line manager for their endorsement and statement of support. Applications will not be considered without the line manager endorsement.

An online information session for prospective applicants is taking place on Wednesday 29 October at 12.00 pm.

If you have questions about the programme or the application form, please email diversifyingleadership@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Selection process and the next steps for participants

All eligible applications received by the deadline will be reviewed by a panel, convened by the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Paulette Nhlapo. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 6 weeks of the application deadline.

If successful, OSDS with the EDI Team will pair you with a sponsor and book you onto the programme.

Once your place is confirmed, you'll need to complete an online onboarding form. This includes a personal statement and a statement of support from your sponsor. Details about these requirements will be included with your offer.

Further details

Costs and funding

The University covers the full course fee (£2,050 for 2025–2026) from central funds. The central EDI team manages all bookings and payments for Diversifying Leadership participants.

If you need to travel for the two in-person events, public transport expenses and accommodation (if required) are also covered by the University. Only costs that comply with the University’s Travel policy and Expenses policy will be reimbursed.

 Neither you nor your School or professional services unit needs to repay the EDI team for these costs.

Programme dates

The dates change each year. Advance HE usually announces cohort dates around six months before the programme starts.

When applications open, we’ll share the dates so you can confirm your availability.

When you can apply

A call for applications will be made after Advance HE has released the programme dates, so you can make sure you’re available for all programme components.

If you’re interested in applying in the future, email diversifyingleadership@st-andrews.ac.uk to register your interest.

Programme timings

Online sessions usually run from 09.15 to 15.00. We recommend blocking out the entire day to complete any pre-work and reflect on your learning.

In-person sessions typically run from 09.45 to 16.00.

Advance HE also offers a 90-minute orientation webinar before the first programme date.

Where the in-person events take place

In-person events are held in hotels near train stations. St Andrews staff usually attend the Manchester cohort. You’ll receive location details from Advance HE once you’re registered.

What if you can’t attend all sessions?

Before applying, confirm you’re available for all Advance HE sessions and discuss your availability with your line manager.

If you miss a session, you cannot join another cohort to make it up.

In exceptional cases, Advance HE may grant a deferral to the following year if you’re unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. This will be at the discretion of Advance HE.

Understanding sponsorship

As a participant, you’ll be matched with a senior member of St Andrews staff who will act as your sponsor to support your development during the programme and potentially beyond.