Aurora: Development Programme for Women
We will create excellent development and progression opportunities so that employees can take ownership of their own career and personal development
In support of the University’s commitment to promoting leadership development and career progression for women, Queen’s supports female staff to attend the Advance HE Aurora leadership development programme.
In support of the University’s commitment to promoting leadership development and career progression for women, Queen’s supports female staff to attend the Advance HE Aurora leadership development programme.
Advance HE offer the programme as a “Leadership Ignition” programme aimed at Early Career women and those who identify as a woman up to Senior Lecturer level or the professional services equivalent, who may not have done any previous leadership development training and who would like to develop and explore issues relating to leadership roles and responsibilities.
This typically, but not exclusively, equates to staff at level 2 of our Leadership and Management Framework - Academic staff at grades AC2 – AC3 (by exception, AC4 staff who may be just starting a leadership role) and Professional Services staff at grades 6 – 8, with the potential to progress into more senior roles.
Queen's has committed to supporting a number of individuals from each Faculty and Professional Services to complete the Aurora programme.
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WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE AURORA PROGRAMME?
Aurora addresses core areas associated with leadership success:
- understanding organisations and the sector
- developing leadership behaviours, skills and knowledge
- identifying and overcoming barriers and obstacles
- growing confidence and a leadership identity
- building networks, coalitions and support processes
Further information about the programme is available on the Advance HE website
- WHAT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS PROVIDED BY QUEEN'S?
In addition to providing financial support to enable staff to participate in Aurora, Queen's provides initial support through structured networking events and guidance for mentors. Each year, we hold a welcome event for all new participants, with past participants contributing as guest speakers to share their experience.
An integral part of the programme is having access to mentoring support throughout the programme. All Queen’s participants will have a mentor allocated via the Queen’s Gender Initiative (QGI) mentoring scheme.
Participants and mentors alike have access to our interactive mentoring guide.
There is a further opportunity to build connections and broaden your network through the Aurora Community events which take place throughout the year.
- QUEEN'S AURORA TEAM
You are supported in your Aurora journey by a dedicated team within Queen’s.
- Central point of contact and Professional Services Champion: Paula Teggart, Talent Manager, Organisational Development (OD)
- Faculty MHLS Champion: Dr Donna Rogers, Faculty Engagement Manager
- Faculty AHSS Champion: Prof Jannette Elwood, Dean of Graduate Studies
- Faculty EPS Champion: TBA
- OD Support: Deborah Morgan, Organisational Development Co-Ordinator, OD
We also partner with the Queen’s Gender Initiative Office (QGI) to provide mentors for the programme participants, as part of the QGI Mentoring Scheme.
- AURORA COMMUNITY
Once you have completed your Aurora leadership development programme, you automatically become an Aurora Alumna and a member of the Aurora Community, as a means of continuing your learning and networking. We offer the Community a dedicated teams space, small group support via our Peer Coaching Groups and ongoing networking opportunities via institutional links with the Aurora Community in Ulster University.
Read about the unique partnership approach to Aurora by Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University in this Advance HE article.
