The White Rose University Consortium, a strategic partnership between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York, won the Excellence in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category at the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards 2026.

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on 1 October 2026. 

It recognises the Equity in Leadership (EiL) programme, which the judges praised for its collaborative approach, clear commitment to inclusion and lasting impact. The White Rose University Consortium scored consistently highly with the judges across every one of the award criteria.

Dr Karen Hinxman, Head of the White Rose University Consortium, said: “We’re delighted and honoured to win this award. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration. Colleagues from across the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York brought their expertise together to tackle a challenge that no single institution can solve alone, and that has shaped our Equity in Leadership programme. We’ve seen what it can do for participants’ careers, and we’re proud of its continued impact across higher education and beyond. I’m grateful to every colleague, champion and participant who has made this possible.”

The judges highlighted four strengths:

Collaboration over competition. The panel were particularly impressed by the programme’s commitment to bringing organisations together to tackle a shared challenge. EiL was developed by Nilisha Vashist, Sameera Rafiq and Dr Karen Hinxman, delivered by Leyla Okhai, and made possible by colleagues and champions from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York.

Retaining talent in the region and building a national ecosystem. The programme demonstrates a clear commitment to keeping talent in Yorkshire, while recognising that this is an issue facing higher education across the UK. In 2025, 30 institutions came together for a dedicated symposium, and EiL’s learnings and resources were shared openly and as transparently as possible.

Impact beyond higher education. The panel were impressed by the programme’s wider influence, which extends into adjacent sectors such as the NHS.

Results that speak for themselves. The Equity in Leadership programme moves beyond individual upskilling to systemic equity, engaging three tiers at once:

• Participants receive targeted, high-impact leadership development.
• Line managers undergo dedicated training to become active equity advocates.
• Senior leaders step directly into sponsorship roles for minoritised ethnic talent.

Data from the first two cohorts, tracking 43 unique participants, shows the difference this makes:

• 35% achieved a direct promotion, job title change or major strategic leadership advancement during or shortly after the programme.
• Participants progressed from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor, alongside moves into strategic leadership roles.
• 82% of workshop participants rated their experience as “Excellent”, and 91% agreed that facilitation exceptionally enabled their learning.

What participants say

Beyond the metrics, feedback shows the programme’s personal impact on confidence, belonging and voice among future leaders:

“The programme has helped me to realise that part of my motivation… was an insecurity in standing fully in my ideas.”

“Through the programme, I learned to challenge others when issues around equity, diversity, and inclusion were overlooked. It gave me the confidence to blend my personal passions with my professional work.”

“The coaching sessions were transformative. They helped me find my voice and realise that the challenges I’ve faced are… shared by many.”

Thank you

The Consortium would like to thank Nilisha Vashist (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, University of Leeds), Emma Jepson (HR Manager, People Development, University of Sheffield), Maria Ayaz (Head of Equality and Diversity, University of York) and Leyla Okhai (Founder and CEO of Diverse Minds) for their valuable contributions to the programme.

Applications now open for the next cohort

Applications are now open for this year’s Equity in Leadership programme. 

This free programme is for colleagues from global majority backgrounds, including academic, technicians and professional services staff identifying as Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnicities, who aspire to move into senior leadership within the next 12–18 months.

Designed to accelerate career progression for global majority talent, the programme runs across three separate days over three months, followed by ongoing post-programme support.

To apply, you must be an academic, technician or professional services colleague from a global majority background and working at grade 8 or above (Sheffield and Leeds) or grade 7 or above (York).

Find out more and apply here.