Applications are now open for Sussex Leadership in Motion, a leadership development programme designed to support staff preparing to progress into leadership roles.

Leadership in Motion is a Positive Action programme responding to institutional evidence of underrepresentation and pay gaps adversely affecting women, particularly those from racially minoritised backgrounds, and disabled staff. Positive Action enables targeted development opportunities where there is clear evidence of inequality in progression and representation.

The programme focuses on developing leadership identity, building confidence and visibility, and supporting participants to navigate organisational systems and demonstrate impact.

Who is it for

The programme is open to disabled staff of any gender and to women across academic, professional services and technical roles.

Where places are limited, priority may be given to those from groups experiencing the greatest levels of underrepresentation in senior roles, for example racially minoritised women, reflecting the impact of intersectionality in the institutional data.

What makes this programme different

Leadership in Motion is not a role specific leadership pathway. It is designed as an institution wide offer, reflecting that barriers to progression identified through pay gap data are not limited to one staff group.

The programme focuses on leadership identity and navigating systems, including how factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability and caring responsibilities can shape progression. It supports participants to build confidence, visibility and influence, and to develop intentional and sustainable pathways into leadership.

What does the programme involve

• Six structured sessions between April and June
• Group coaching using the Design Your Life approach, delivered by Fiona Rieth, supporting participants to explore leadership identity, navigate competing priorities and develop intentional pathways into leadership: UK Designing Your Life Coach (DYL)
• Workshop facilitated by experts-by-lived-experience from Results CIC focussed on identity, power, and navigating systemic barriers
• Additional workshops aligned to the Sussex Leadership Framework, focusing on leadership career navigation and developing visibility, influence, and networks                                                                
• A stretch project linked to your role and development
• Mentoring support
• A leadership panel with senior colleagues sharing their experiences
• A final celebration event

The programme combines external facilitation with internal expertise, including support from Vicki Love and Sam Bates.

Programme structure

The programme runs from late April to mid-June and includes a series of facilitated sessions combining workshops, coaching and applied learning.

Sessions will take place on:

• 29 April (online)
• 6 May (online)
• 13 May (online)
• 20 May (online)
• 3 June (online)
• 17 June (in person)

Sessions are typically held between 10am and 2pm.

Time commitment

Participants are expected to attend all sessions and engage in a stretch project and mentoring alongside their role.

Key dates

• Application deadline: Tuesday 14 April 2026 at 12pm
• Programme start: Wednesday 29 April 2026 

How to apply

Fill out the following Microsoft Form to apply Leadership in Motion – Fill out form

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