The Stonewall LGBTQ+ Leadership Programme
Applications for the January 2026 intake have now closed. If you are still interested in applying and would like to submit an application to be considered for the next cohort, please use the button below. We will keep your application on file for up to 12 months.
What will I get from the Leadership Programme?
This 6 month programme kicks off with a 2.5 day retreat where we’ll leave behind the everyday of work to create a safe and supportive space to learn and share expertise.
After the retreat, you’ll be invited to join 3 online skill shares on topics chosen by the group. These interactive sessions, facilitated by Stonewall and expert speakers, will take place from months 3-5 of the programme.
The programme will round off with an in-person reconnection event in month 6, to celebrate, reflect and address challenges collectively.
LGBTQ+ Leadership Programme objectives
This programme has existed for over 20 years. In this time, it’s grown and changed with new generations of leaders. It’s now the only programme that gives you the chance to:
- Reflect on the importance of your LGBTQ+ identity and the value it creates in your leadership practice
- Explore Stonewall’s theory of authentic leadership, identifying how it can support you to lead intentionally.
- Understand more about what drives you and how to map your continued leadership development with key skills including coaching, networking and reflective practice.
- Consider what it means to be an inclusive leader, acting in solidarity to create more inclusive workplaces.
- Develop a supportive network of LGBTQ+ leaders to share in the powerful impact of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
If this sounds like a programme for you, please submit your application
Who should attend?
This programme is open to both aspiring and existing LGBTQ+ leaders. Leadership looks different in every organisation, many of us are leaders in our network groups, and some leadership positions can be inaccessible to LGBTQ+ people. There’s no set level or type of leadership you have to achieve in order to access the programme.
How do I apply?
To be considered for a place on the next iteration of the programme, please complete this application form. If you need to complete this in a different format, please email us: empowerment@stonewall.org.uk.
The application form will ask you more about your approach to leadership, what you’re hoping to get from the programme and what you’ll bring to the group.
We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in LGBTQ+ leadership, including People of Colour, trans people, working class people and people with disabilities. We take steps to ensure that the programme is an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for more marginalized members of our community.
Applications are open on a rolling basis. We’d suggest applying as early as possible to secure your place.
Cost of Stonewall’s LGBTQ+ Leadership Programme
Proud Employers get discounted places at this event:
- Non-Member Rate: £3,000 (+VAT)
- Private Sector Proud Employer Rate: £2,500 (+VAT)
- Public/Third Sector Proud Employer Rate: £2,000 (+VAT)
The cost includes food and accommodation for the retreat as well as access to three skill shares and an in-person reunion event. Travel costs are not included. If you need support securing funding for this programme we’ve prepared a business case you can share with your employer. Click here to download.
We know that additional barriers to leadership exist for some members of our community and that some of us face greater challenges in accessing budgets for personal development. For some programmes we receive grant-funding to offer a limited number of fully or partially funded bursary places. We do not currently have any bursaries available, but if your employer does not have available resource to fund a place on this programme and you would still like to apply, please do - there is space on the application form to indicate interest in future bursary opportunities.
What to expect: Leadership Programme agenda
- Month 1: The Retreat
Months 3-5: Skillshares
Month 6: Reconnection
Access Statement
We take access and inclusion seriously at all of our events. There is space in the application form to describe any adjustments we could make to support you in accessing this programme. If you have any questions about the accessibility of the programme in the meantime, please get in touch with empowerment@stonewall.org.uk.
