The Stonewall LGBTQ+ Leadership Programme

Upcoming Programmes

We are currently accepting applications for our next two programmes, starting in October 2026 and February 2027. The retreat for each programme will be held at the beautiful Pelham House in Lewes, and the Regroup and Reconnect events at venues in central London. You can apply for a place on a specific programme or on either programme, but please ensure you’re available for the relevant programme dates before applying.

Our next two programmes

	Retreat	Regroup	Reconnect
Autumn-Spring Programme	20–22 October 2026	20 January 2027, 10am–3pm	21 April 2027, 2pm–7pm
Autumn-Spring Programme	Pelham House	Central London	Central London
Winter-Summer Programme	3–5 February 2027	5 May 2027, 10am–3pm	21 July 2027, 2pm–7pm
Winter-Summer Programme	Pelham House	Central London	Central London

What will I get from the Leadership Programme?

Month 1: 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.

Month 3: After the retreat, we’ll come together again for a mid-programme regroup. This interactive day session will offer an opportunity to reflect on progress, reset intentions, and explore themes that have emerged for the group during and since the retreat.

Month 6: 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 the regroup and reconnection events. 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.