Welcome to
Stepping Up!

Accelerate your career today! Apply to our leadership programme, and sign up to our newsletter for regular new and updates
Thank you!
Award winning Leadership training

Stepping Up Positive Action
Diversity Leadership Programme
2025 - 2026

Application deadline is Friday 30th May

“Step Up and become
a transformational leader!”

Who is Stepping Up For?

  • Individuals from protected characteristics
  • Members of the Global Majority, Disabled, Neurodiverse, LGBTQI+ and women
  • All ethnicities including white British who aspire to progress in their career
  • Must be 18+ to apply

Download our Brochure

What Will You Gain?

By joining Stepping Up transformational leadership programme you will be supported to progress, overcome barriers to help you grow in confidence, to be your best self, to be an inclusive leader.

participants since 2017

Training Milestones

Partner organisations

Mentors Matched

Proven
Success

87% step up into a new role, and 94% of our first cohort have been promoted more than once.

Leadership Development

Gain hands-on experience through training modules, mentoring, and action learning projects.

Career-Boosting Support

Receive expert mentoring, career planning tools, and interview preparation.

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Inspiring Community

Join a diverse, dynamic network of like-minded professionals and professional tutors who will challenge and support you.

Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Connect with senior leaders, industry experts, and alumni who can open doors to new opportunities.

Continuous learning

Post programme CPD workshops and access Masters in Public administration-University of Portsmouth.

Confidence
boost

Career
Progression

Talent
Retention

Employer's
Statisfaction

Benefits for Employer

Investing in your employees’ leadership development has tangible benefits:
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Internal Talent Growth

Develop high-potential employees for leadership roles, reducing the cost of external recruitment.

Increased Retention

Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay and contribute to your organisation's success.

Enhanced Leadership Skills

Participants return with improved problem-solving,
decision-making, collaboration, and strategic thinking abilities.

Diversity and Inclusion Impact

Build an inclusive leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of your workforce and the clients you
serve.

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

Wali Rahman (DEI manager and NED)

Stepping Up at the forefront of digital innovation in L&D (CIPD 2023 Winner)

When and How Does It Work?

  • Programme Duration: 12 days of immersive learning, spread across training modules, virtual learning, project assignments, and mentoring (see more details on our website).

  • Format: Hybrid learning with virtual, in-person, on-line and experiential sessions (available in virtual format for National and International particpants).

  • CPD Certificate: All participants who graduate receive a Continuing Professional Certificate.

  • Pathway to Masters: Once graduated individuals can access University of Portsmouth Masters in Public Administration (under the levy system).

What our Mentors say...


My Mentee has been promoted twice!


Kevin Millwood Hargreaves Lansdown


I feel infinitely proud of the success of my mentees.

Ololade Adesanya
HSBC

Every mentee has special qualities thats what makes them unique.

Ray Berg
Osborne Clarke

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

Corinne Funnel, Visiting Professor

Programme Cost

The full cost of the programme is £3,000 (VAT exempt) per participant.

Payment is required prior to commencement (multiple payment options available)

If you are interested in joining, please speak with your team leader or HR representative to confirm access to the sponsorship for the programme.

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

Apply Today!

What our participants say about us...

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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
in 2023
Deanna Berry
Stepping Up Stretch Assignment enhanced my inclusive leadership skills.
Abishek Ravindran

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 10 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.

Do I receive a CPD Certificate?

Yes, all participants who graduate receive a Continuing Professional Certificate.
Once graduated individuals can access University of Portsmouth Masters in Public Administration (under the levy system).