Aurora 21/22 Open for Applications

The Aurora Women’s Leadership Development Programme combines guest speakers, reading material, ‘watch parties’, workshops and action learning sets to support women’s professional development. Since its launch in 2013 more than 7,000 women from nearly 200 different institutions across the UK and Ireland have participated, including nearly 100 LJMU colleagues.

LJMU is again sponsoring a limited number of places for the 2021/22 cohort.  For more information and the application form please visit the website here

The closing date for applications is Friday October 29^th 2021. Before applying, please note the requirement to attend all sessions of the programme and ensure you can be available on the dates listed.

Here is what some of the class of 20/21 had to say about their experience:

Learning from the cohort’s experiences, being able to see your blind spots and discuss ways to work on them was really helpful. I gained a better perspective! Paula McNulty Operations Manager Liverpool School of Art and Design
 

The action learning set days gave you time to delve into each other’s challenges and to draw on the learning and experiences of other capable and supportive women. There were many useful tools shared that could be applied in real life scenarios. I have felt emboldened to take steps out of my comfort zone. Lois Thomas, Research Funding Coordinator, Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies
 

The invited speakers and action learning set colleagues were generous sharing their stories, challenges, and strategies. The development tools and exercises have been one of the most positive elements of the programme. I have been using them in my own mentoring sessions. Rafaela Heath Matters Project, School of Nursing and Allied Health

I have left the programme feeling equipped with a number of tools, techniques and strategies I can employ in my academic practice to help push my career forward. The individual learning and development resources provided will be invaluable to me on my leadership journey. Dr Anne-Marie Bartlett, Lecturer, Graphic Design and Illustration, Liverpool School of Art and Design
 

Aurora has provided fantastic virtual networking opportunities and a space to discuss ideas with a range of professional women within HE. I particularly enjoyed the Action Learning Sets, as they provided time for reflection, valuable peer support and specific, time-bound actions for me to focus on. Emma Devany, Communication Officer, Student recruitment and Admissions

It was valuable to meet people from different organisations, understand their work dynamics, organisational structures, struggles and demands. It was clear that these are not unique to any organisation. Praba Rabasse Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Allied health

Highlights included sharing experiences on topics ranging from day-to-day job activities to life-changing decisions, and all in a safe and open-minded environment. Also the mentorship meetings provided a great opportunity to explore alternative leadership skills and opportunities Michaela Gkantou, Senior Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment

I thoroughly enjoyed networking and sharing experiences, knowledge and challenges from both professional services and academic perspectives. The guest speakers were fascinating and the key message was “you never stop learning as a leader!” Kerry Noon, Customer Services Manager, Estate and Facilities Management

We congratulate all of our 2020/21 cohort for demonstrating commitment to their development and for their motivation to explore their professional ambitions.  Well done all!

If you too would like to experience Aurora, please submit your application by the closing date.  If you would like an informal chat about the programme, please contact Mel Jones, Aurora Champion: M.Jones1@ljmu.ac.uk