The Accelerate programme aims to create an inclusive environment where high-potential talent from under-represented groups can explore and develop their leadership capabilities.

By focusing on two critical areas - leading self and leading others - Accelerate will ensure participants have the skills and mindset necessary for personal growth and effective leadership by:

• Equipping participants with authentic leadership tailored to their unique challenges and opportunities.
• Fostering a supportive network of peers and mentors to encourage continuous professional growth.
• Addressing systemic practices that disadvantage under-represented groups, promoting strategies to overcome theses barriers.
• Engaging line managers to support the development of their staff, ensuring a holistic approach to leadership growth.

Accelerate is a strategic initiative designed to bridge the diversity gap at grade 9. It has been developed to support the next generation of leaders who have traditionally faced well documented barriers developing into senior leadership positions.

With it's comprehensive approach, the programme aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to advance into senior Academic and Professional Services positions at Warwick. This comprehensive nature of the programme instils confidence in its ability to address professional and personal development needs, thereby bridging diversity gaps at senior levels.

 

Our delivery partners - Nishi Mheta (Embrace Inclusion) and Olivier Mythodrama

The Accelerate programme is provided by the Social Inclusion team and delivered by Nishi Mheta (Embrace Inclusion), in collaboration with Oliver Mythodrama.

Nishi Mheta holds a Level 7 postgraduate coaching degree from the University of Warwick, a diploma in personal performance coaching, and an NLP degree from the Coaching Academy. She has over 15 years' experience in leadership development and inclusive leadership, working with leaders to enhance their abilities in navigating workplace diversity. Nishi is an EDI expert with extensive experience creating and managing social inclusion programme. She successfully managed a social enterprise for seven years, focusing on social inclusion and supporting under-represented groups. As a seasoned keynote speaker, she has frequently appeared in media, radio, and on various panels, advocating for diversity and inclusion. Nishi has also worked with numerous programme supporting under-represented groups and has held Non-Executive Director positions with organsiations such as Suited for Success, a charity that supports social inclusion, and The Friendship Project. Additionally, she has been a Regional Policy Leader for the Federation of Small Businesses, further demonstrating her commitment to social inclusion and diversity. Her previous collaborations with the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham, and Aston University underscore her expertise and dedication to fostering inclusive environments in academic settings. Nishi's leadership and experience make her exceptionally well-equipped to guide participants through their leadership journeys in the Accelerate programme.

The project launch and leadership assessment will be facilitated by Oliver Mythodrama. Richard Olivier created Mythodrama as a leadership development methodology in 1997, He went on to form Olivier Mythodrama in 2001. Olivier Mythodrama supports organisations to develop the kind of leaders who will take the world forward positively by exploring the thing that drive every one of us, using stories and characters that mirror our own traits. We show people how to truly listen to themselves and reflect and learn from their response to external factors. They become leaders who are unafraid to see themselves from all angles - and to view their reflection in a new light - on that's rich in potential.

 

Commitments

To take part you and your manager must be available to attend all sessions.

 

Activities and Dates

Each module will cover a core theme, the content is detailed below:

The programme also has additional activities, including:

• Leadership assessment.
• Online coaching sessions.
• Mentorship from INspire alumni.

Leadership assessment

It's important to know the archetypes that can shape your values and actions. By understanding how they work you can increase your effectiveness and satisfaction at work and in life.

The Archetypal Preferences^TM Report (APR) is an exciting tool for those who have seen it all before and are looking for something new. Participants take an online survey (which takes about 20 minutes to complete), answering 100 questions relating to their leadership style and behaviour.

Unlike other platforms, the APR generates a report that helps you understand how to make the most of your current strengths, how to activate underused potential, and looks in detail at how to manage the unhelpful shadows that come from overplaying familiar ways.

The Accelerate programme is for disabled, women, LGBTQUIA+, and ethnic minority staff who are currently at grade 7 or 8, both in Academic and Professional Services roles.

To apply, please complete this form providing:

• A summary of your current role.
• Leadership issues and challenges for you.
• Why you want to participate in this particular programme.
• Your medium and long-term leadership aspirations.

Please seek the support of your line manager before applying.

Applications are now closed for 2024/25.

The programme is limited to 20 participants.