Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme for Black & Asian Heritage Senior Professionals starts

The first session of the National Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme for Black & Asian Heritage Senior Professionals was held at the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The first cohort was made up of six senior academics from across the UK: Professor Lisa Dionne-Morris (Leeds University), Professor Nigel Williams (University of Portsmouth), Dr Aylwin Yafele (University of South Wales), Professor Emmanuel Adukwu (University of West England, Bristol), and Professor Gershan Davis (Edge Hill University), and Dr Mukul Madahar (Cardiff Metropolitan University).

The programme, organised by the University in collaboration with the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), is a major step towards addressing the underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) leaders in UK higher education.

Despite ethnic minority students making up 27 per cent of the university population, less than one per cent of senior academic roles, such as Vice Chancellor, are held by BAME individuals.

The Bolton programme aims to equip senior BAME academics with the skills necessary to excel in top leadership positions.

Professor George Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester, made the opening address at the two-day event.

Renowned scholars including Vijaya Nath, Professor Jason Arday, and Dr Jummy Okoya, led insightful sessions on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Professor Charles Egbu, the UK’s first Black Vice Chancellor, shared his personal experiences and insights into navigating the challenges of academic leadership.

Also in attendance were coaches Gulnaz Brennan and Ayo Benson, and University Director Professor Jim Nyland, as well facilitators, Professor Christian Harrison, Sharon Germaine-Cox, Fozia Uddin, Faye Ruddock, Charles Kwaku-Odoi and Stephen Nyamja, who said they were delighted with the session and the positive feedback.

The programme runs from September 2024 to June 2025 and covers strategic leadership, financial management, inclusive workplace culture, and governance. It includes residential masterclasses, mentoring, and coaching, with an emphasis on identity, resilience, and leadership development. The programme's interactive structure also encourages participants to undertake live projects at their home institutions, ensuring the practical application of the skills learned.

The next residential session is scheduled for 28 and 29 November 2024 at the University of Bolton Greater Manchester’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS).