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Update on UCL’s Accelerate to Leadership Scheme

22 June 2022

UCL is pleased to announce the Accelerate to Leadership Scheme has expanded to include Grade 8 Placements.

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The Scheme launched in 2020 to address barriers to progression and lack of representation observed among Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Professional Services Staff in senior positions, identified in UCL’s Racial Equality Charter (REC) Application.

Initially, the Programme was directed at Grades 9 and 10 Placements. Following its success, placements have been extended to Grade 8.

Issues identified in UCL’s recent REC submission: 

Underrepresentation at senior levels contributes to UCL’s ethnic pay gap that currently stands at 7.9%. Lack of representation is not due to a lack of ability, but rather as a result of certain barriers which had hindered BAME staff in their growth. This included the lack of development opportunities for individuals to reach these high positions.

What is the Accelerate to Leadership Scheme? 

The Scheme provides existing BAME Professional Service Staff the opportunity to gain leadership experience through undertaking a 3 to 12 months development placement. During the placement, candidates receive coaching and training designed to develop the skills and confidence to compete for more senior roles when they arise. 

Why has the scheme been extended to include Grade 8 posts? 

Grade 8 has been included, because of the knock-on effect it could have on recruiting more individuals into Grades 9 and 10 roles. Currently, BAME staff are less likely to be in a Grade 8 role than their White counterparts. This impacts the ability to recruit into Grades 9 and 10 as there are not enough BAME staff in Grade 8 (where the natural progression would be to move up to Grades 9 and 10).