Thank you for your interest in a UCL leadership programme. We look forward to supporting you on the next steps of your career journey.
How do I apply for a Leadership Programme?
Leadership Programmes are run via an annual line-manager nomination process. If you would like to apply, you and your line manager must review and agree on your development needs and submit an Application Form.
Your line manager will then screen applications per the published criteria in the Application Form, and send to a designated coordinator within your Faculty or Area. Please email your HR Business Partner if you are unsure who this is.
Applications will then be reviewed and approved by a designated team within your Faculty or Area before shortlisting and sending to the OD Leadership team for final approval.
Are Leadership Programmes free to attend?
The UCL Leadership Development Team centrally funds all programmes, making them free for current UCL staff. However, we reserve the right to make a cross-departmental charge to cover the programme costs, should a participant withdraw less than 14 working days before the programme's start or during the programme itself.
When can I apply?
Applications for 2023-24 are now closed. Applications for our 2024-25 programmes will open in Summer 2024.
How do I know which programme suits my current and future development needs?
Please look at the Programme Directory, which contains all courses' learning outcomes and eligibility. If you are still trying to decide which programme to apply for, please discuss it with your Line Manager or contact leadershipprogrammes@UCL with any specific questions.
What happens if a course is over-subscribed?
UCL is committed to ensuring a fair and consistent approach to support staff in excelling at UCL. Should a programme be oversubscribed, the designated team in your area will use a shortlisting grid developed by OD to facilitate decision-making.
Am I eligible to apply for a Leadership Programme as an Honorary staff member?
Honorary staff will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please talk with your relevant UCL department before applying. In some cases, it would be more appropriate for an honorary staff member to benefit from the programmes offered at their work institution.
Can I apply for a Leadership Programme if I have previously participated in one?
Yes, you are welcome to apply, but please keep in mind that some areas/faculties may prioritise applications from candidates who have yet to participate in a Leadership programme previously.
What happens should my circumstances change, such as if I need to take sickness or parental leave?
If you need extended leave, we will discuss the possibility of moving your seat to another cohort or a programme the following year. However, as places on our programmes are competitive, and we usually have complete waiting lists, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements and your place on the cohort.
Can I apply to a Leadership Programme if I am a new starter or on probation?
In general, new starters and staff on probation are welcome to attend if they will have passed their probation However, there may be exceptions, such as those applying for the Advancing Principal Investigators Programme. Please speak with your line manager before applying.
Can I apply to a Leadership Programme if I am on Secondment or acting up to a role with a higher grade?
Applicants can apply to our Leadership Programmes if they are on Secondment or acting up to a higher Grade when using or during the programme. Please speak with your line manager before applying.