The issues of equality, diversity and inclusion that face institutions today are broad, nuanced and dynamic. These challenges don’t only impact students, but also professionals working in institutions.
Our 2025-26 programmes and events portfolio offers focused, practical support to help institutions navigate these challenges. Each programme and event provides space to connect, reflect, and explore shared issues, while also offering insight into how others across the sector and around the world are responding. Through thought leadership, peer learning, and the sharing of lived experiences, our 2025–26 portfolio supports institutions to build inclusive cultures and develop strategies that lead to lasting, meaningful change.
Our Equality in HE Statistical Report, as well as our work across the sector with groups such as the Disabled Students Commission, gives us additional insight that we feed into our portfolio, to put you and your institution in the best place to anticipate and respond to emerging issues.
Request the NEW brochure
Request your copy of the Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education 2025-26 brochure.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2026
26 March 2026
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Conference is a flagship annual event that brings together practitioners, academics, and senior leaders from across the globe to share learning, challenge thinking and advance the equity agenda in higher education.
It provides space to rethink and refresh our approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion, share our successes, and contribute to a collective discussion about how we are shaping the future of EDI in higher education across the globe.
"This is a conference that anyone serious about matters of Inclusivity, Equity and Diversity, should attend. It really is a box of delights with something for everyone to take away".
Dr Barbara Howard-Hunt, Senior Lecturer Inclusivity Hub, Birmingham City University
Inclusive Leadership Programme
12 January 2026
This interactive programme uses a social justice lens to equip current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to transform their leadership practice. It introduces contemporary scholarship and key discourses on inclusive leadership, supporting participants to lead with greater awareness, authenticity, and impact.
Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference 2026
6 May 2026
At this one-day conference, organised in association with the Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education Expert Group, we will hear from expert keynotes and panel speakers, discuss new ideas, learn from successful sector-wide initiatives, and aim to boost motivation and a fresh vision for all delegates.
Designed to be a supportive and inclusive space, this event fosters open dialogue, shared learning, and meaningful collaboration. It offers a welcoming platform for presenters to share research, insights, and practice in a collegial and engaging environment.
Inclusive Pedagogy Symposium 2026
19 May 2026 | Online
This symposium will draw on insights from Advance HE’s recent series of change-impact programmes on Building Belonging in higher education and explore topics of inclusive pedagogies, embedding inclusion and diversity and building academic confidence.
Diversifying Leadership
New cohorts start from 15 October 2025
Tackling the under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders in HE institutions
The Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics and professional services staff from racially minoritised groups in taking their first steps into a leadership role.
It explores themes of power and influence, demystifying leadership, cultural identity and cultural capital, increasing your visibility and authentic leadership and features leadership stories from high-profile HE leaders.
Senior Women’s Leadership Development Programme
New cohort starts from 7 October 2025
The under-representation of women in senior posts within institutions remains a significant concern, despite the improving outlook at executive and board levels in recent years. The Senior Women’s Leadership Development Programme is a unique programme which combines technical knowledge of finance, structures and governance that senior leaders require with crucial leadership skills linked to navigating organisational politics and creating a powerful narrative for influence and strategic impact.
Senior Women's Leadership Development Programme Ireland
New cohort starts from 26 January 2026
The Irish higher education sector is working to improve gender equity and support women’s leadership at all levels. We’ve developed a Senior Women’s Leadership Development Programme tailored for the nation. Aimed at senior academic and professional roles, it provides a safe space and equips women with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed.
Aurora
Aurora is Advance HE`s leadership development initiative for women.
It is run as a unique partnership bringing together leadership experts and higher education institutions to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions in the sector.
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