The Fellowship Programme is a leadership development programme for our colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds from health and social care organisations from across West Yorkshire. The programme started in 2020 with its first cohort being aimed at senior leaders. We are now in cohort 4. The programme content, delivery and level of leadership it has been aimed at has changed with every cohort.
The programme has evolved but there has always been involvement from the people that have participated, those that experience racism and leaders from across West Yorkshire. It has changed to reflect the needs of the participants, the requirement of the health and care partnership and it has been collated, designed and delivered by the system and leadership development team.
The programme won a HSJ award for its innovative approach to leadership development. You can see from the photograph how happy everyone involved was to learn online that it had won.
Fifty fellows have taken part in the programme so far. The programme is made up of a number of different taught models delivered by the system and leadership development team and external facilitators. The modules have changed as the programme has developed and also depending upon the level of leadership of the participants. The programme has included taught elements on:
The content of the programme has been developed so that:
“Really great and useful session.”
“I felt we were able to connect meaningfully and found it valuable working with partners and teams.”
“A really good insight into how our own experiences may have affected our own self belief. Interesting discussing various situations other may have been through. A real eye opener.”
“I've been engaging in profound, impactful and soul-searching conversations with myself - reflecting deeply on how I go forward. Looking through the same eyes but now with a different perspective, an action plan and a renewed vigour to succeed. I’m casting off the shackles and excuses for why I cannot, and embracing the ways I can do things differently, with deeper understanding and a clear focus on rewriting my aims.”
“The group discussions led by George were powerful in relation to how I see prejudice in life and in the workplace.”
“Amazing session!”
“I really like the commitment and energy shown by the Fellowship Programme team.”
“The session was highly informative, with knowledgeable facilitators skilfully addressing the emotive and often overlooked topic of white supremacy, particularly its connection to leadership, power, and the barriers faced by global majority NHS colleagues and clinicians.”
“I liked the delivery of the training and group interactions during breakouts. I have learned a lot in this subject of leading and managing performance.”
“A really thought provoking and informative session, excellent content and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the guest speaker. Many thanks.”
“All of the sessions I have had so far have been excellent, it has kept me engaged from start to finish.”
“My time on the fellowship programme has been nothing short of a 'lightbulb extravaganza'. Seriously, it’s been a masterclass in self-reflection! I’ve done my fair share of leadership courses, but this one? It’s the holy grail if you want to discover your true, authentic, inclusive leader-self. I’m beyond grateful to be part of this leadership revolution - thank you for the enlightenment!"
