The programme is aimed at technical colleagues who may be seeking to further develop their knowledge and skills in order to progress to senior technical roles, as well as recently appointed Technical Managers.

Over the course of a year, twelve participants have the opportunity to come together in three themed sessions, to identify key issues and goals they will address throughout the year.  In these sessions, delegates are offered a safe space for discussion and exploration of key challenges facing new Technical Managers or those seeking to move into senior roles.

Each participant is paired with a mentor, including alumni from the previous year’s programme, to guide them in their leadership journey. Project ideas developed include creating sustainable revenue streams, improving team cohesion and communication, increasing technician involvement in research and knowledge exchange, enhancing student engagement, and building resilience and confidence for leadership.

Participants benefit from the involvement of a range of contributors drawn from a breadth of art and design HE institutions sharing their experience and reflections on key themes.

By the end of the programme, attendees have developed skills in a range of areas to enable them to consider a move into a leadership role and to feel they have a network of colleagues to draw on for support as well as further mentoring opportunities.

Registration has closed for the 2024-25 programme and will reopen in summer 2025.