The issue
Analysis shows that leadership teams within the UK charity sector are predominantly white, and funders are disproportionately funding white-led charities. Yet we know that racial diversity is not only good for society, but it is also good for performance - teams with greater ethnic diversity perform better and make better decisions than non-diverse teams.
The Leadership Academy aims to support the development of leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, enabling them to progress into more senior roles in the UK youth sector, ultimately to improve outcomes for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The programme
The programme supports participants to explore and develop their personal leadership styles, increase their knowledge in key management topics, and access networks that can unlock more senior leadership roles. The programme is designed and delivered by people from ethnic minority backgrounds for people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The 9-month fully-funded programme consists of:
- Technical masterclasses: Topics include fundraising, impact management, financial management and more. Participants will have the opportunity to widen their technical knowledge and share their expertise and experience on key topics.
- Coaching: Participants receive eight 90-minute coaching sessions with a qualified coach, working towards agreed goals. This non-directive support is a powerful tool for leaders to solve their challenges with the support of an independent and expert coach.
- Mentoring: Participants receive four 60-minute mentoring sessions with corporate volunteers. Mentors will share their experience and expertise and offer advice and guidance on topics relevant to participants.
- Networking and events: Participants will attend and take part in networking events, including an annual panel discussion event. Participants will also benefit from bespoke networking opportunities, brokered by Impetus.
22 of 36
participants secured new and more senior roles within two years of completing the programme
20%
Participants reported more than a 20%* increase in key competencies required for leadership in the youth sector
Please note: Participation requires approximately two days per month during office hours. Course delivery will be a mix of online and in-person. We are committed to supporting emerging leaders from around the UK. For those based outside London, travel expenses and reasonable accommodation expenses will be covered by Impetus for in-person events. Please see FAQs (at the bottom of this page) for further detail on our expenses policy.
Eligibility
The Impetus Leadership Academy is aimed at aspiring leaders within the UK youth sector, working with young people aged 11-24 and focused on education and employment.
Applicants must be from ethnic minority backgrounds and be middle managers or senior managers looking to move into a more senior role.
We particularly encourage applications from people:
- Living and working in the North of England, Scotland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East of England
- From Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Black backgrounds
- Who have lived experience of the issues faced by the young people with whom they work
Suitable candidates will:
- Be currently employed by a charity or social enterprise
- Be committed to supporting young people to succeed in education and employment, evidenced by past experience and future ambition
- Have some leadership or managerial experience (e.g. leading a team)
- Have ambition to take on a more senior role in the sector, and be a voice in the national conversation on issues for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK
- Be able to fully commit to all ILA course content (illustrative dates listed in FAQs further down this page) across the 9-month programme
How to apply and timelines
Confirm eligibility
Read this page in full then please complete our online eligibility survey to confirm you are eligible to apply.
Open from 8 December 2025. Closes 11:59 pm on 11 January 2026.
Application form
If eligible, you will be sent a link to the application form. Application will consist of uploading your CV, providing information about your current org, providing two references and answering five questions about your experience as a leader.
We will let you know by the end of 16 January if you are invited for an interview to further discuss your application.
Open from 8 December 2025. Closes 11:59 pm on 11 January 2026.
Interview
If you have been shortlisted for the Leadership Academy, you will be invited to meet virtually with Impetus between 16 and 23 January 2026. This is a chance to hear more about you and your experience as a leader to help assess if this programme is a good fit.
16 - 23 January 2026
Panel review, final approval and invitation
The Impetus Leadership Academy panel will review all shortlisted candidates and work to curate a cohort of 12 that span different levels of leadership and experience, with an aim to build a rich cohort effect. Candidates will be informed of their final result by 30 January 2026.
w/c 26 January 2026
Programme start
The programme will launch on 6 February 2026.
The full course details are as follows:
- Friday 6 February: Programme kick-off
- Thursday 12 & Friday 13 March: Masterclass 1 & 2 (in person)
- Wednesday 15 April: Masterclasses 3 (online)
- Thursday 14 May: Masterclass 4 (in person)
- Thursday 11 June: Masterclass 5 (in person)
- Wednesday 8 July: Masterclass 6 (online)
- Thursday 3 September: Masterclass 7 (in person)
- Thursday 1 October: Five-year celebration event (in person)
- Thursday 5 November: Masterclass 8 (in person)
- Thursday 26 November: End of programme celebration event (in person)
N.B. these dates are provisional and are therefore subject to change.
