Colleagues from our partner universities celebrated the end of the first ever White Rose University Equity in Leadership programme with a special event at the University of Leeds.  

The celebratory event marked the achievements of the inaugural group of diverse leaders from the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York and the launch of next year’s scheme which is now open for applications. 

The Equity in Leadership programme is aimed at fostering diversity and higher education leadership. The initiative offers targeted leadership development for staff from global majority* backgrounds, including those in academic and professional services.  

The programme adopts an equity-based approach to accelerate career progression for global majority talent, with the ultimate goal of diversifying leadership within higher education. 

The event, hosted at the University of Leeds and attended by senior leaders and programme participants from all three universities.  

Celebrating transformative achievements 

Although it is still too early to measure the full impact of the Equity in Leadership programme, nearly a quarter of participants have secured promotions since joining the programme.  

Beyond the goal of career advancement, participants have expressed how the programme has already contributed to their personal and professional development, describing it as a “transformative” and “revelatory” experience, where their voices are heard, and their potential is celebrated. 

Munitta Muthana, participant of the programme and Professor of Immuno-oncology at the University of Sheffield said: “The programme’s emphasis on understanding leadership styles, personality types, and the power of reflection (which I don’t often get a chance to do), has equipped me with a toolkit to improve how I manage both my time and my responsibilities. This has really improved my wellbeing.

“One of the most impactful aspects was the coaching—my first experience with a coach. It provided me with the space to reflect on my leadership journey in a supportive, trusting environment, and helped me overcome barriers that had previously held me back.”

Applications open 

Applications are now open for the Equity in Leadership Programme 2025.  

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 28 February 2025.  

*A note on terminology 

In keeping with a commitment to co-creation for this programme, the Equity in Leadership Programme team asked all participants to vote on the term that they felt best represented them. 

The term ‘global majorities’ received the most votes, as it provides a more positive perspective compared to the othering narrative of “minority groups.”