Call for Expression of Interest:
Aspiring Vice Chancellor Development Programme for Black & Asian Heritage Senior Professionals
The University of Greater Manchester, in conjunction with the sector and a charity, developed a National Aspiring VC Development programme for Minoritised groups in the last academic year.
The first cohort all completed the programme in June 2025, were able to access the programme free and feedback from all the delegates was positive. Please see attached link to videos from the inaugural participants VC Programme | University of Greater Manchester
This year we are offering the programme at a subsidised cost of £3,100 per participant (which the University is offering at cost and no profit). Participants will be expected to cover their own transport and hotel costs.
The University of Greater Manchester is the main sponsor with the support of the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN). This year’s programme will commence on the 29 and 30 January 2026 and end in August 2026. This programme will produce the next cohort of Black and Asian trained leaders ready for Vice Chancellor roles across our UK Universities. The Programme is designed to address the lack of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic staff at the highest decision-making positions in UK higher education. The goal is to provide the foundational skills to lead using mentorship and coaching which will prepare participants for VC roles.
In developing the programme, the University of Greater Manchester has collaborated with a diverse pool of influential stakeholders across the academic and business sector. Guest speakers include Vice Chancellors, Business Specialists and EDI specialists.
Programme Outline
- Entrepreneurial and strategic leadership principles
- Negotiating and navigating the academic and business landscape
- Inclusive workplace culture.
- The current EDI challenges from academic and professional lenses
- Strategies and policies in HE institutions
- HEI in the current climate commercial, quality, academic portfolio
- Financial management and regulatory compliance including different income streams and managing a diverse portfolio.
- The Big People Questions - academic and professional support service structures
- Governance arrangements within HEIs
- Networking and Influencing (political, supportive)
- Communicating for influence
- Supporting and Scaling Engagement
- Change Management within HEIs
- A live brief / senior leadership project to be delivered at own institution on any of the programme content.
There will be a central theme and focus of self, identity, preservation, and resilience throughout the programme.
Criteria for the programme:
- Black or Asian Heritage
- Senior Executive Professional
- Written support from VC or delegated Executive
- Curriculum Vitae of relevant skills and experiences
- Personal Statement
Closing date for applicants will be 12 noon on Monday 12 January 2026.
If you are interested or want to know more about the programme, please contact Professor Christian Harrison at [email protected]
Further information about the programme and to apply. Please access the link VC Programme | University of Greater Manchester