Sponsored places available for the Aurora Women's Leadership Development Programme

Thursday, 01 June 2017

Funding is available for up to 10 members of staff to take part in the Aurora Women's Leadership Development Programme.

Aurora is the Leadership Foundation's women-only leadership development initiative. It aims to encourage women in higher education to think of themselves as leaders and to develop leadership skills. 

The programme is designed for roles up to and including Associate Professor or Professional and Managerial Grade 8 – it is ideal for individuals with managerial experience looking to move further into leadership in the future.

 It combines education in a conference setting, networking, mentoring and online resources and involves attendance at four conference days, a self-facilitated action learning set and mentoring by a senior member of University staff. Participants will also meet with other University of Reading participants and the Vice-Chancellor to discuss emerging themes. 

Core principals include:

• Understanding organisations and the sector
• Developing leadership behaviours, skills and knowledge
• Identifying and overcoming barriers and obstacles
• Growing confidence and a leadership identity
• Building networks, coalitions, and support processes

The dates of the sessions are shown below. It is possible to attend different venues for the different sessions provided that Power and Politics and Action Learning are undertaken in the same location.

To apply 

Funding is available for 10 colleagues to participate, with the request that the School / Function covers the cost of travel to the above.

To apply, an expression of interest must be submitted, with a supporting statement from your line manager. Your Head of School / Function must be in agreement with the application. Please send to Susan Thornton with the following:

• Short statement (maximum 1 page) explaining the skills and knowledge hoped to gain through the programme; your leadership aspirations for the future and why you believe this programme will help you achieve them; and how you anticipate to apply your learning from the programme.
• Confirmation you can commit to attending the five themed sessions, identifying the location and dates you can attend.
• The supporting statement from your line manager should include a commentary on your commitment to development and the support that you will be provided by your School / Function / Service.
• Applications must be received by midday, Friday 14 July 2017. 

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 1 September.