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

The nomination highlights the Equity in Leadership programme, which has been recognised for its innovative, data-driven approach to driving systemic change and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Yorkshire’s higher education sector.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on 1st October 2026.

A programme to move from individual upskilling to systemic equity

The White Rose Equity in Leadership programme was designed to create lasting culture change. The programme was developed by Nililisha 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.

To achieve meaningful transformation, the EiL model engages three distinct operational tiers simultaneously:

• 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.

The shortlisting comes following data from our first cohorts. Tracking 43 unique participants across the first two cohorts demonstrated immediate, tangible career advancement:

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

What participants say

Beyond structural metrics, feedback shows the profound personal impact the programme has had on building 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.”

The consortium looks forward to joining HR professionals and business leaders from across the region at The Royal Armouries this autumn to celebrate excellence in people management.

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

Apply for the next cohort

Find out more about the Equity in Leadership programme here.

Applications for our next Equity in Leadership cohort will open later this year.

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