NEON was founded on the belief that, in order to create a fairer and more inclusive higher education system, professionals working within the sector should have access to high-quality development opportunities that broaden their understanding of fair access, student success and social mobility.
Leading the Way is NEON’s advanced professional development programme for practitioners who are currently in management positions, or who aspire to move into leadership and management roles within widening participation, fair access and student success.
The course provides participants with the opportunity to learn directly from senior sector leaders, develop their leadership skills, explore contemporary challenges facing the sector and build a network of peers committed to creating meaningful change.
Successful completion of the programme, including attendance requirements and completion of a reflective learning diary, will lead to NEON Advanced Professional Status.
Who is the course for?
Leading the Way has been designed for:
- Current managers and team leaders working in widening participation, outreach, access, student success or social mobility
- Practitioners preparing to move into leadership or management positions
- Professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic leadership skills
- Those wanting to develop a deeper understanding of policy, strategy and organisational leadership within the sector
Course structure
The programme consists of eight online sessions, each lasting two hours.
Each session explores a different leadership theme, combining expert insight, discussion and practical reflection. Participants will also gain access to a dedicated online community of practice, enabling networking, peer support and knowledge sharing throughout the programme.
Course dates
Sessions will take place online on the following dates:
- 9 December 2026
- 14 January 2027
- 3 February 2027
- 9 March 2027
- 7 April 2027
- 5 May 2027
- 9 June 2027
- 7 July 2027
All sessions will run from 10.00am to 12.00pm (subject to confirmation).
Guest speakers
Each session will feature a guest speaker drawn from senior leadership positions across higher education and the widening participation sector.
Speakers will share their experiences of leadership, strategic decision-making and driving organisational change, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn directly from influential sector figures.
Confirmed speakers will be announced soon.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme participants will:
- Develop greater confidence in leadership and management roles
- Understand key policy developments affecting access and participation
- Enhance their strategic thinking and decision-making skills
- Build networks with peers from across the sector
- Reflect on their own leadership style and professional development
- Gain practical insights that can be applied within their own organisation
Places on the course are limited to ensure a high-quality and interactive learning experience.