ULEAD4ALL
Advancing Inclusive Leadership in Higher Education
Join ULEAD4ALL – An Erasmus+ Initiative Driving Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in University Leadership
European higher education institutions (HEIs) have made significant strides in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), particularly in widening access and promoting gender equality. However, the homogeneity of leadership positions remains steadfast, with most executive and senior management positions in universities consistently held by white men (Crimmins, 2022). This critically undermines the EDI commitments of these HEIs, stunting the career potential of under-represented groups in academia, and resulting in HEI leadership that does not reflect the diversity of the student population.
At a broader level, the societal challenges faced by under-represented groups in HEIs are deeply rooted in historic discrimination and structural biases. These issues, often unconscious and systemic, perpetuate inequalities and hinder the effectiveness of EDI initiatives. Within HEIs, challenges stemming from a lack of prioritisation, data, resources, and entrenched hierarchical structures further hinder EDI efforts on an institutional level.
Despite increasing awareness, many HEIs fail to integrate EDI into their strategic goals.
Leadership Matters
The success of EDI efforts - and the wellbeing and progression of diverse staff and students - depends heavily on committed, inclusive leadership. Change must be championed from the top, with leaders actively engaging in self-development and fostering more democratic and equitable management practices.
Introducing ULEAD4ALL
ULEAD4ALL, a new Erasmus + initiative, addresses these leadership challenges in a series of workshops aimed at both current HEI leaders and aspiring leaders within HEIs. ULEAD4ALL is brought to you by Trinity Innovation and Enterprise, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and HR Learning and Organisation Development. This pilot programme supports our Public Sector Duty commitments. The initiative is free for participants.
Two Dedicated Tracks:
- For Current Leaders
Designed for senior decision-makers, this track offers an opportunity to reflect, challenge traditional leadership norms, and adopt more inclusive, future-facing approaches. - For Aspiring Leaders
Tailored for middle-management academic and professional staff from underrepresented groups, this track empowers participants with practical leadership skills and confidence to advance within their institutions.
For queries, please contact staffdev@tcd.ie
Why Join This Programme?
For Current Leaders:
- Revitalise your leadership approach and challenge the status quo.
- Learn to create more inclusive and dynamic institutional environments.
- Connect with other leaders to share insights and tackle common challenges.
For Aspiring Leaders:
- Build leadership skills that open doors to senior roles in academia.
- Gain exposure to diverse perspectives and strategies for effective leadership.
- Access a network of peers and mentors that will support your growth.
Shared Learning Opportunities: Both tracks converge at specific points for joint modules and Peer-Journey Peer (PJP) workshops, creating connections between aspiring and current leaders.
Mentorship and Networking: Participants will have access to mentors from their organisations, providing ongoing guidance and support.
Practical and Transferable Skills: The training modules are relevant, up-to-date, and applicable in a variety of higher education contexts. You’ll walk away with concrete skills and knowledge that you can apply in your leadership journey.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognise key principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and how these relate to both study and workplace
- Discover inclusive leadership, its relevance to the Higher Education sector, and how to take steps to improve inclusive leadership practice
- Identify key tools and barriers to change, such as unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, active bystander interventions and universal design.
- Analyse how leadership and positionality can be used to create agency for change.
Module Dates
Current Leaders:
- Module 1. Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (in-person), 15 May 2025, Thursday
- Module 2. Tackling Barriers and Providing Tools (online), 29 May 2025, Thursday
- Module 3. Start the Change: Bridging the Gap – Leaders as Allies (online), 11 June 2025, Wednesday
Aspiring Leaders:
- Module 1. Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (in-person), 15 May 2025, Thursday
- Module 2. Leadership in Empathy, Communication, and Leadership (online), 20 May 2025, Tuesday
- Module 3. EDI in Action and Reflection (online), 5 June 2025, Thursday
- Module 4. EDI Applied in Team Building (online), 18 June 2025, Wednesday
Your first workshop – in person
The first workshop will be delivered in person in TCD on the 15th of May. All subsequent workshops will be delivered by facilitators online every fortnight for Current and Aspiring Leaders respectively. The programme will conclude on the 18th of June.
Register now – places are limited
Participants for each track should be in roles broadly aligned with our HEI leaders and middle managers (academic and professional) in an HEI setting.
Register your interest:
Deadline for registering your interest: 30th of April 2025.