Program Overview

Introduction to the Aurora Leadership Development Programme

The Aurora Leadership Development Programme is a leadership development programme designed for individuals who identify as female. It was developed by the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education in the UK.

Programme Overview

The programme is designed to introduce key leadership topics and skills through four online one-day workshops, complemented by online networking, action learning sets, and resources. An in-person networking event is also hosted as part of the programme. The University College Dublin (UCD) HR People and Organisation Development Unit supports the UCD Aurora cohort by hosting several local in-person events, including the UCD programme launch and closing events, mentee training, and a mid-programme review event. Ongoing support is ensured through institutional mentoring.

Programme Structure and Support

Aurora is supported in UCD by an overall Institution Champion, Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin, and an Aurora Coordinator in HR People and Organisation Development, Anna O'Flanagan. The programme requires the University to put systems in place to help support and develop participants, including having mentors in place to work with participants for the duration of one year.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 18 July 2025
• Applications close: 2 September 2025
• Applicants informed of decision: 11 September 2025
• UCD Programme Launch and Mentee Training: 22 September 2025
• Advance HE First Session (Online): Introduction to Aurora: 24 September 2025

Programme History and Participation

The programme was established in 2013 and has run in several venues in the UK and Ireland, including London, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, and Dublin. UCD has supported over 229 women to participate in the programme since 2015, demonstrating the University's commitment to leadership development and gender equality.

Mentoring Arrangement

The mentoring arrangement is for the duration of one year to help participants maximise the benefit of the programme. Guidance on choosing a mentor is available, and a list of mentors is provided to support participants in their leadership development journey.

Participants and Mentors

• The programme has a strong track record of supporting women in leadership development, with a significant number of participants having completed the programme since its inception.
• Mentors play a crucial role in supporting participants throughout the programme, providing guidance and expertise to help them achieve their leadership goals.