University hosts second session of the National Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme for Black & Asian Heritage Senior Professionals

The second session of a pioneering new programme which aims to address the underrepresentation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) leaders in UK higher education was hosted by the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The National Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme for Black & Asian Heritage Senior Professionals is a collaboration between the University and the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN).

Building on the success of the launch in September, the latest session, held at the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), explored Corporate Governance and Innovation in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Participants gained insights into the commercial, strategic, and quality expectations facing HEIs to remain competitive.

Professor George E Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester, delivered an inspiring welcome address.

In the session, he emphasised the importance of governance structures in fostering institutional resilience, accountability, and strategic decision-making.

The event featured sessions by leading experts: Professor Will Foster - Governance Arrangements and Leadership Frameworks within HEIs; Graeme Fancourt - Essentials of an Effective Vice Chancellor Application and Maura Jackson - Developing the Mindset and Skills for Innovation.

The cohort of six participants from HEIs across the UK were:

• Professor Lisa Dionne-Morris (Leeds University)
• Professor Nigel Williams (University of Portsmouth)
• Dr Aylwin Yafele (University of South Wales)
• Professor Emmanuel Adukwu (University of the West of England, Bristol)
• Professor Gershan Davis (Edge Hill University)
• Dr Mukul Madahar (Cardiff Metropolitan University)

Facilitators, including Professor Christian Harrison, Sharon Germaine-Cox, Fozia Uddin, Dr Faye Ruddock, Charles Kwaku-Odoi, and Stephen Nyamja, said that the feedback was “overwhelmingly positive”.

Attendees were treated to a tour of the University’s Medical School in the £40m IMS building and a dinner with the Vice Chancellor, fostering valuable networking opportunities.

The programme runs from September 2024 to June 2025 and offers senior leaders a comprehensive curriculum covering strategic leadership, governance, financial management, and inclusive workplace culture, alongside mentoring, coaching, and live projects.

The next session is scheduled for 30-31 January 2025 at the University of Bolton’s main campus.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering greater inclusivity and increasing Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) representation at the most senior levels of UK academia.