Inclusive Leadership Programme

The ILP undergoes redevelopment each year to integrate feedback and learning, so the ‘25-26 programme' may differ in structure, but the overall objectives remain consistent.

Induction

A 1-2-1 meeting over Teams with the Programme Director to address any questions or leadership challenges you have, and to prepare you to participate in the programme.

Introduction to Inclusive Leadership

Building a shared understanding of what inclusive leadership looks like day-to-day, practising active listening skills, and exploring ways to make your working culture more transparent.

Coaching

The fundamentals of coaching for leaders, including ways to support others to independence and autonomy.

Effective Communication

Understanding barriers to effective communication, and tools to prepare for challenging but non-confrontational conversations.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Leaders

A non-judgmental space for discussion of challenges around creating inclusive environments and supporting others, with a specific focus on disability, neurodivergence, and communication.

Action Learning and Retrospective

Bringing together experiences from the whole programme and addressing challenges through action learning.

Keep in touch sessions

Opportunities to reconnect with your cohort and revisit programme themes.

Selection process

There are 75 places over 3 cohorts available for the academic year 2025-26, there is no cost associated with participation.

The selection process will be structured to achieve proportional representation across departments and a 1:2 ratio of professional services and academic leaders. As places are limited, efforts will be made to select applicants who have had fewer leadership development opportunities, and partial randomisation may also be used.

The ILP is open to anyone in the Medical Sciences Division who fits the eligibility criteria or that can demonstrate equivalent experience, however we are keen to receive applications from those who are under-represented in leadership roles. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but would still like to apply, please outline your alternative experience in the application form.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for academic leaders:

• A minimum of 5 years’ line management experience in a research context or similar
• Completed supervision of 3 or more doctoral students or postdoctoral researchers
• Experience supporting group members to independence or similar progression
• Active contribution to your department/division, for example through working groups or committees
• Availability for programme dates

Eligibility criteria for professional services leaders:

• A minimum of 5 years’ line management experience
• Demonstrable responsibility for the strategic direction of your area and influence over the culture of your department or unit
• Involvement in research or support for those conducting research
• Availability for programme dates

As there are a limited number of places, efforts will be made to select applicants who have had fewer leadership development opportunities. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but would still like to apply, please outline your alternative experience and how you would like to be considered.

Please indicate your preference for specific a cohort when you apply. It is expected that you will prioritise programme attendance over other commitments wherever possible.

We appreciate that significant commitments are often short notice, such as international travel or fellowship interviews, so the programme is structured in blocks to enable transfer between cohorts where needed. Please make your request to swap to the Programme Director in advance.

Recruitment for the academic year 2025-26 opens on Tuesday, 15 of April and closes on Friday, 6 of June.

To apply, please visit MSD Inclusive Leadership Programme Application.

If you have any questions about the programme please email the ILP Director Maddie Mitchell at ILP@medsci.ox.ac.uk

Participation in the ILP has had a profound impact on my personal development as a leader.  One of the challenges as a leader is having difficult conversations, in ILP I learned and practiced key skill sets to help me prepare and have difficult conversations so they are both effective and non-confrontational.

Professor Mark Coles, NDORMS

I found this to be a fantastically helpful and thought-provoking course. There was a great balance between theory and practice, with a lot of time given to trying out communication techniques. I learned so much from the cohort of senior leaders and this course has definitely changed how I work with my team.

Professor Pete Scarborough, NDPCHS

I was hoping to reflect on my leadership style and its impact on others within a supportive setting among like-minded individuals, guided by expert facilitators and challenged constructively. I'm pleased to say the course exceeded my expectations. I've gained enhanced knowledge, theoretical understanding, and the confidence to apply leadership models, which I anticipate will enhance my effectiveness as a leader.

Shaka Obhiozele, Head of Admin and Finance, Paediatrics

The ILP equips you with the tools and insights necessary to cultivate stronger relationships with your team and enhance connections with your peers. Through in-depth sessions and open conversations, it has helped me discover effective strategies for building meaningful bonds that foster collaboration and trust.

 Lesa Levett, Head of Admin and Finance, Women’s Reproductive Health