
Led by a team of four leadership experts, participants will explore four key areas associated with leadership success: Identity, Impact and Voice; Power and Politics; Core Leadership Skills; Adaptive Leadership Skills.
Each of the four delivery days are held online, with delegates usually being drawn from a wide range of institutions in the same region. These days combine the best of conferences (prominent keynote speakers, open space technologies, outstanding networking opportunities, energy and dynamism) with the best of development workshops (interactivity, small group work, individual reflection, sharing of experiences and learning from role models). The development days are intended to be introductory events which will provide inspirational stories, guidance for growth of skills and knowledge, opportunities to share solutions to common problems and signposting for further learning.
Aurora 2020-21
Cohort dates for Aurora 2020-21.
Aurora Online Development Days
Day 1: Identity, impact and voice
Day 2: Politics and influence
Day 3: Core leadership skills
Day 4: Adaptive leadership skills
Aurora 2020-21 speakers
Past Aurora speakers
Additional learning activities
Alongside attending the four online development days, participants are required to attend an introduction webinar and two action learning set days between days one and two and at the end of the programme. Participants are also encouraged to undertake self-directed learning, provided via online resources and materials and are required to engage with a mentor during and after the formal learning process.
Introduction Webinar
This introduction session will introduce participants to the overall aims and objectives of Aurora. Additionally, we will be introducing participants to their Action Learning Set Groups, giving them the chance to develop their network. Furthermore, we will be introducing the online delivery platforms and how we will be using them to deliver Aurora. This webinar will be recorded for participants who join Aurora at a later date
Aurora action learning sets
The middle and final days of the programme is set aside for full-day action learning sets. Participants of each set will utilise the sessions to discuss their personal work-related challenges and seek support through the action learning process, to identify solutions and next steps.
Whilst only two action learning sets are scheduled, we encourage sets to stay in touch and to schedule subsequent sets. It is anticipated that institutions will support Aurora participants in maintaining these sets as a positive approach to problem solving and as a way of developing networks, sharing good practice and learning from experience.
Self-directed learning (online)
Throughout Aurora, four streams of self-directed learning that echo the subjects of the development days will be available online for participants to use and follow throughout the programme. The self-directed learning will include reading, reflection, activities and challenges and be provided via online links to specially commissioned materials, internet articles and websites and via an Aurora community mail list.
Mentoring
Aurora participants are required to have a mentor to support and guide them throughout and after the end of the formal learning process. Find out more here.
Aurora delegates
• Committed to the full Aurora process, attending all four development days plus the action learning set days and be prepared to undertake some self-directed study;
• Able to undertake all pre-work set for the course in advance of attending each development day;
• Ready to embrace the mentoring relationship, and actively work with their mentors to address their personal development and build their self-reliance;
• Committed to career development higher education and prepared to devote some time to thinking about and planning their career;
• Willing to host an action learning set day at their institution, with the support of their institution;
• Prepared to embrace the extensive networking opportunities and participate fully in Aurora;
• Willing to undertake projects or assignments for their institution in order to build on their developing leadership skills;
• Prepared to participate in a longitudinal study;
• Willing to act as mentors or role models to future participants.