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Award winning Leadership training

Stepping Up
Inclusive Leadership Programme
2026 - 2027

Award winning Inclusive Leadership Programme

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Unlocking talent. Accelerating equity. Transforming leadership.

Stepping Up Inclusive Leadership Programme

  • Stepping Up Inclusive Leadership is a transformative development experience designed to elevate leaders from all backgrounds.

    Our mission is simple: to build equitable, inclusive and courageous leadership that drives high performance and meaningful change.

    Status: Open for application
    Deadline: Friday 17th April

Download our Brochure

Our Vision 

We believe that leadership excellence is rooted in:

• Inclusion and equity
• Digital innovation
• Cultural intelligence
• Authentic connection
• Courage to challenge barriers
• Creating opportunity for all

Organic by Design - Stepping Up is shaped by the lived experiences of its participants and reflects the organisation and communities it serves. It is inclusive, responsive, and grounded in real‑world leadership.

A holistic learning experience Stepping Up blends academic rigour with experiential insight to support each participant’s unique development path. From strategic thinking to emotional intelligence, the programme nurtures leaders who are both visionary and grounded.

Wellbeing
It's the heartbeat of inclusive leadership, not a luxury. Emotional agility, resilience, and self‑awareness are essential skills for navigating today’s challenges with clarity and compassion.

Are you ready to step up? Join a thriving community of leaders who have already taken the leap, with 78% progressing into new or enhanced roles within just 12 months. Don’t hesitate - apply now and begin your journey of transformation!

participants since 2017

Training Milestones

Partner organisations

Mentors Matched

What is Inclusive Leadership?

Inclusive leadership is the intentional act of creating spaces where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute at their highest level. It recognises that leadership is not defined by title or hierarchy, but by the courage to influence, uplift, and inspire - wherever you stand. It is a distributed model of leadership that invites each person, in any role, position, or sector, to lead with purpose, authenticity, and a commitment to equity.
As part of the programme, participants develop:

  • Self-awareness
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Skills to lead diverse teams and communities
  • A deep understanding of equity and belonging
  • Confidence to challenge bias and structural barriers
  • Tools to build psychologically safe cultures
  • The ability to lead through complexity and change

Inclusive leadership isn’t an add‑on - it is a core leadership capability needed in every modern organisation.

“I was promoted as soon as
I joined Stepping Up”

Wali Rahman (EDI manager and NED)

Who is the Programme For?

Stepping Up is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their leadership capability and accelerate their career progression, including:

  • Women and Fem-presenting
  • Global Majority
  • Individuals from working-class background
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Non-binary indivudals
  • Disabled talent
  • Allies
  • Early‑to mid‑career leaders
  • Professionals seeking skills for senior leadership pathway

We welcome applicants from all sectors, backgrounds and experiences.

Confidence
boost

Career
Progression

Talent
Retention

Employer's
Statisfaction

Programme Overview

A comprehensive leadership development  journey covering:

• Inclusive leadership & equity
• Leading with purpose
• Psychological safety
• Pedagogy of empowerment
• Strengths-based leadership
• Cultural & identity awareness
• Coaching & mentoring
• Digital leadership & innovation
• Strategic influence & communication
• Applied learning via stretch assignments
• Peer community & network building
• Access to e‑Learning platform, booklets and learning materials


The programme blends theory, practice and lived experience to create deep, impactful personal growth.


"I was selected for a civil service fast track scheme against hundreds of applications."

Sebastian - Civil servant

Learning Journey (Timeline)

YOUR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY:

  • Step 1 - Know Yourself. Discover your strengths, values and identity as a leader.


  • Step 2 - Leading with equity & inclusion. Frameworks, models and tools for inclusive leadership.


  • Step 3 - Mentoring & coaching. Virtual mentoring and guided development tools.


  • Step 4 - Applied learning. Digital learning platform, booklets, pedagogy tools and real‑world practice.


  • Step 5 - Stretch assignment. A practical project addressing a live organisational or community challenge.


  • Step 6 - Celebration & progression. Final presentation, cohort graduation and progression planning.

“Stepping Up Changed my
life - let it change yours”

Corinne Funnel, Visiting Professor

Programme Benefits

Participants gain:

  • Increased confidence
  • Clarity of purpose
  • Leadership grounded in inclusion
  • A strong professional network
  • Mentoring relationships
  • A portfolio of applied learning
  • Improved strategic communication
  • Greater influence and visibility
  • Career advancement readiness


Organisations gain:

  • More inclusive, effective leaders
  • Greater diversity in leadership 
  • Improved culture
  • Improved psychological safety
  • Stronger innovation and performance
  • Better retention of underrepresented staff

"I was promoted to EDI Head of Department and a NED charity role" 

Sharon, NHS

Success Stories & Impact

Stepping Up has empowered leaders across sectors to accelerate their careers and transform their organisations. Impact 960 participants achieved personal growth 87% progression 63% confidence increase Leadership skills uplift 70-90%.

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I got promoted before I even finished the programme!
DAN OBI
I have been promoted three times since completing Stepping Up
Deanna Berry
Stepping Up Stretch Assignment enhanced my inclusive leadership skills.
Abishek Ravindran

"Stepping up gave me the confidence to organise the Race and Culture conference, and step up to be a shadow board member."

Abishek, Civil Service

How to Apply?

Ready to Step Up?

We welcome applications from committed individuals eager to develop their leadership potential.

The full cost of the programme is £3,000 (VAT exempt) per participant. Employers sponsor the programme, please check with your HR representative for elligible funding requirements. Payment is required prior to commencement (multiple payment options available).

Limited bursaries are available for self-employed, unemployed, and voluntary organisations.


To apply:
• Complete our online application form.
• Submit a short personal statement.

Deadline is Friday 17th April.

 Upcoming Cohorts:

  • Cohort 14 open for application now.
  • Cohort 15 Aumtumn 2026.
  • National (online) current accepting expression of interest.


For organisational partnerships or custom leadership programmes, please email contact@steppingupleadership.com

Our Trusted Partners

We are proud to collaborate with leading organisations committed to inclusion, talent and leadership development.

 Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of the programme?

 The full cost of the programme is £3,000 (VAT exempt) per participant. Payment is required prior to commencement (multiple payment options available).

How many days is the programme?

12 days over 6 months.

If I am not able to attend how do I catch up ?

All learning sessions are offered  virtually, hybrid or on demand videos.

Am I expected to learn in my own time?

You will need to check the study leave policy with your employer.
It is expected some self study will be required.

Are there bursaries if my employer is not able to fund?

There are a small number of bursaries for those who are self employed or work in the voluntary sector.
All requests for a bursary has to be made at the application stage.

How are mentors allocated?

Participants can choose from the Mentor Gallery or leave the choice to Stepping Up.