Diverse Futures: LJMU Sponsorship Programme for ethnically diverse staff
Connecting and Pairing Ethnically Diverse Staff with LJMU Senior Leaders
Sponsorship is a valuable way to support individuals who face barriers in advancing their careers. A sponsor advocates for the person they are paired with, known as the "sponsee," by showcasing their skills and potential to others. This support can boost the sponsee's confidence to pursue promotions or new opportunities. Sponsors may also use their professional networks to further promote their sponsee. In turn, sponsors gain by developing more inclusive leadership skills through their interactions with sponsees and other participants in the programme.
Strong workplace networks are crucial for career advancement. They offer support, keep individuals connected and informed, and provide access to mentors or senior sponsors who can guide career growth. This social support enhances career progression, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
Why Consider Sponsorship and Informal Networks?
Ethnically diverse individuals often face significant barriers to reaching senior positions, partly because they have less access to informal workplace networks and career sponsors. This sponsorship programme is part of LJMU's positive action initiatives, aiming to create a structured sponsorship framework that pairs ethnically diverse staff with experienced senior Leaders. This aligns with LJMU’s commitment to improving the representation, success, and advancement of underrepresented communities.
What are the Main Benefits of Sponsorship?
- Research shows that people with sponsors feel more satisfied in their careers.
- Sponsors will develop more inclusive leadership skills.
When Will This Initiative Start?
The programme is scheduled to commence in January 2025. Leaders who wish to become sponsors, as well as ethnically diverse staff members interested in being sponsees, are encouraged to submit their interest by Thursday 12 December 2024 at 5 PM.
Download the following forms:
Expression of Interest for Sponsees (Word, 68.1KB)
Expression of Interest for Sponsors (Word, 69.1KB)
Completed forms should be submitted to Equality@ljmu.ac.uk with the subject line, ‘Sponsorship Programme 2025’.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
Anyone in a management position can be a sponsor.
Who Can Be a Sponsee?
This opportunity is open to ethnically diverse staff at any level within the university.
Do I need sign off from my line manager for this Programme?
Yes. It is necessary to obtain support from your manager to take part in this programme. This ensures that they are informed about the time commitment involved and can grant you the necessary time away from your work as needed.
Who Will Facilitate the Programme?
The programme will be led by Dr Tinu Cornish, a Chartered Psychologist, author of the Sponsorship Toolkit, and a consultant for Advance HE.
Length of Programme: One semester (January 2025 – June 2025)
Key dates for the Sponsorship Programme:
Kindly take note that certain sessions will involve both Sponsors and Sponsees, while others will be designated exclusively for either Sponsors or Sponsees.
Wednesday 29 January 2025, PM session (In-Person) – Sponsors and Sponsees
Launch event: Programme overview and networking.
Wednesday 12 February 2025, AM session (In-Person) – Sponsees only
Leading Self: Leadership and Authenticity
Wednesday 12 February 2025, PM session (In-Person) – Sponsors only
Leading Self: Bias, Race Awareness and Competency
Wednesday 19 March 2025, AM session (In-Person) – Sponsors only
Leading Others: Privilege, Advantage, and Cultural Wealth, Part 1.
Wednesday 19 March 2025, PM session (In-Person) – Sponsees only
Leading Others: Privilege, Advantage, and Cultural Wealth, Part 2.
Wednesday 2 April 2025, PM session (Online) – Sponsors and Sponsees
Five-year action plan
Wednesday 30 April 2025, PM session (Online) – Sponsors and Sponsees
Joint session: Inclusive Leadership
Wednesday 21 May 2025, PM session (Online) – Sponsors and Sponsees
Joint session: Networking
Wednesday 11 June 2025, PM session (Online) – Sponsors and Sponsees
Programme Close workshop: Learning and commitments.
Wednesday 10 September 2025, PM session (Online) – Sponsors and Sponsees
A subsequent follow-up session after the conclusion of the sponsorship programme.
Please be advised that both Sponsors and Sponsees are expected to engage in meetings outside of the scheduled sessions. These meetings should last at least 1 hour and focus on discussions related to the programme such as, race conversations, shared reflections, as well as the development of five-year action plans and projects.
Detailed description of Modules and personal project can be found in the appendix.
Appendix
The 2025 Sponsorship Programme: Each session and the personal project explained.