Clore Social Leadership Programme opens for 2016 with new Fellowships in gender equality, youth social justice and migrant communities

Applications for the 2016 Clore Social Leadership Programme open on Monday (11 May) and, this year, candidates working in the fields of gender equality, youth social justice and migrant communities are invited to apply for three new Specialist Fellowships.

Each year, aspiring social leaders from across the UK apply to become one of the next cohort of Clore Social Fellows. After a highly competitive application process up to 20 will succeed and embark, from January 2016, on either a full-time (12 months) or part-time (up to 24 months) basis. During this time, Fellows will have a 360° review, attend residentials and business capability training, have a coach and a mentor, do a secondment and a practice-based research project, take part in action learning sets, and receive an individual training budget to spend on their personal development.

Clore Social develops leaders with a social purpose so they can transform the world around them. Anyone working or volunteering in UK based charities (including International NGOs, foundations and trusts) social enterprises, housing associations, community organisations and cooperatives can apply.

Dame Mary Marsh, who is moving on in July after nearly seven years as Founding Director of Clore Social had this to say: “The opportunity to apply to be considered for a Clore Social Fellowship is one not to miss.  The application process itself is a very developmental experience as so many candidates have told me previously.  Applicants are challenged to reflect rigorously about themselves and their potential to progress as a leader of social change. Those who are successful in being appointed as Fellows build on this by sharing their learning with each other and making the most of the individualised leadership development programme provided.”

The Programme, now in its seventh year, has seen 101 Fellows accepted over six cohorts and works with people across the sector and beyond, including employers, coaches, facilitators, funders and partners to offer a holistic approach to developing people.

Applications are invited online at www.cloresocialleadership.org.uk before the closing date of midday on Thursday 25 June 2015. Candidates need to be able to demonstrate significant achievements and leadership potential in work already undertaken and a commitment to the social sector in the longer-term.

Employers will receive a bursary of up to £15K to help support releasing Fellows for time on the Programme, while individuals who are not employed are eligible for a bursary of up to £20K.

There will be several Specialist Fellowships in 2016 including three new ones:

  • Gender Equality Fellowship, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, for an aspiring leader working to create gender equality in society. This can be through grassroots campaigning and activism, leading change at a gender equality organisation or service provider, or leading on gender equality issues at a social sector organisation.
  • Youth Social Justice Fellowship funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, for an aspiring leader working with young people in the context of social cohesion and social justice. Applications are particularly welcome from outside London.
  • Migrant Communities Fellowship, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, for an aspiring leader working with migrant communities and supporting integration, social cohesion and social justice through their work; or who comes from a migrant community and wants to support social integration, cohesion and justice in their future career. Again, applications are particularly welcome from outside London.

Caroline Mason, Chief Executive of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation said of their support: “We fund work which challenges injustice and inequality, and we believe in backing expert, tenacious and fearless people to do this. In the last three years we’ve spent £4m on work which aims to make women’s lives better; this grant to Clore Social will support the leaders of tomorrow to continue that work.”

The Programme has attracted funding from a wide range of Foundations and Trusts and corporate partners, building on the core investment by the Clore Duffield Foundation.  Other funders of the Programme include the Barrow Cadbury Trust, Cabinet Office, Deloitte, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Forces in Mind Trust, Friends Provident Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, HSBC, John Ellerman Foundation, Maggie’s, Monument Trust, The National Housing Federation, Nesta, Oak Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Pears Foundation, The Rank Foundation, Resolution Trust, the Scottish Government and Tudor Trust.

Learn about the programme in more detail

Find out how to apply