Leadership Lighthouses Berkshire

Leadership Lighthouses: Berkshire

Apply now

Application deadline: Sunday 9 August

Fully funded programme

Celebrating and strengthening your extraordinary leadership

Apply now Register your interest Join a webinar

Apply now
Register your interest
Join a webinar
Key dates
Eligibility
Programme learning
Programme schedule
Programme partners
FAQs

Programme information

Leadership Lighthouses: Berkshire is a fully funded leadership development programme for social purpose leaders from Global Majority backgrounds working across Berkshire.

The programme will bring together local leaders who are working to create change in their communities. Together, participants will strengthen strategic leadership skills, develop peer relationships and explore practical ways to sustain their work and increase their impact.

Rooted in the strengths, opportunities and realities of Berkshire’s social sector, the programme will explore collaboration, community-led change, sustainability, wellbeing, advocacy and storytelling.

Leadership Lighthouses: Berkshire is part of a national series of fully funded programmes supporting social purpose leaders from Global Majority backgrounds across England. Learn more about the series here.

We want to remove as many barriers as possible to help people engage with this opportunity. If you, or a colleague, need any reasonable adjustments, please email us.

To learn more about the programme, hear from a previous Leadership Lighthouses participant and ask any questions, join us for a webinar on Friday 19 June, 12:30 - 1pm or Wednesday 29 July, 12:30 - 1pm. Sign up for a webinar here.

Programme detail

Blended, with in-person and online sessions
In-person sessions in Slough and Reading
Fully funded
Register for a webinar to learn more

Programme features

Part of the nationwide Leadership Lighthouses series
Peer network of social leaders
Clore Social Leadership Fellowship
Programme shaped with local insight and sector input
Designed to be manageable for leaders and organisations stretched for time and resource

Thanks to National Lottery players, Clore Social Leadership has received more than £1 million over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The funding will be used to support the leadership development of people from Global Majority communities.

Key dates

Register your interest

Applications are open until Sunday 9 August, 11:59pm.

Applications

The application process has two stages: a short online application form followed by a 20-minute interview for shortlisted applicants.

The application form will ask about your work as a social purpose leader, the communities you serve and what you hope to gain from the programme. This is an opportunity to discuss your work in more detail, learn more about the programme and share any access requirements or support needs. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the programme and what participation involves.

The final outcome of your application will be sent to you in email by 14 August 2026.

Programme dates

The programme will run from September to December 2026, with a blend of in-person learning days, online workshops and Action Learning Sets.

Eligibility criteria

All levels of experience

This programme is open to all levels of experience. It is suited to individuals who work on a local, community level, who demonstrate leadership of projects or teams. This could be in a full or part-time, and paid or voluntary capacity.

Working for social purpose

This refers to any local group, initiative, project or organisation that works within the charity, social enterprise or social purpose sectors in Berkshire.

Global Majority

Designed for leaders working in England, who are from a Global Majority background. By Global Majority, we mean leaders who identify as Black, Asian, of mixed heritage, Indigenous, or from other communities racialised as non-white in the UK.

Passionate about social change

Ideal for those who are looking to enhance their strategic and leadership skills, foster innovation, build peer networks and promote social impact. A keen interest in using your leadership skills and knowledge to help make the world a better place is key. Your determination to develop yourself so you can lead social change effectively is a key criterion for your application.

What Our Previous Leadership Lighthouses Participants Say

“I found the balance between self-reflection and practical application particularly strong - it wasn’t just theory, but something I can actively use especially in team settings.”

“This programme is not what I expected – in an amazing way. Others’ attempts to do this kind of training have felt performative. This feels so real.”

“The guest speakers were inspiring and thought provoking, introducing some new content that is helping me to think differently.”

“The most impactful moment for me was the opportunity to openly share and reflect in a safe space with other leaders, while also hearing their honest experiences. It helped me realise that many of us face similar challenges, even if our journeys are different, and that sense of connection was very powerful.”

Programme elements

Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with experienced leaders and practitioners. Their diverse perspectives and real-world insights are designed to challenge and inspire you. You will explore new ideas, sharpen your skills and uncover practical ways to tackle the challenges you face, helping you create a lasting impact in your work.

Click on the buttons below to learn more about each element of programme learning.

Lumina Spark

This powerful personality profiling system provides a unique portrait of who you are, helping you increase your self-awareness, reveal hidden potential and understand how you respond in different situations. This includes a dedicated learning day to explore your profile in depth and consider what it means for your leadership, relationships and decision-making. For more information on Lumina Spark, please click here.

Action Learning Sets

Action Learning Sets provide a dedicated space for participants to reflect on real challenges they are facing in their organisations and communities. Working alongside a small group of peers, participants will explore different perspectives, deepen their understanding of complex issues and identify practical ways forward. The sessions encourage reflective practice, strengthen peer support and create space for participants to learn from one another's experiences throughout the programme.

Online Workshops

The online workshops provide focused opportunities to explore some of the key challenges and opportunities facing community leaders today. Participants will strengthen their communication and advocacy skills, explore approaches to visioning and strategy, reflect on sustaining wellbeing while leading change and consider the legacy they want their leadership to create. Each workshop combines practical tools, discussion and shared learning that can be applied directly within participants' organisations and communities.

In-person Learning Days

The in-person learning days bring participants together to explore leadership in the context of Berkshire's communities and social sector. Through interactive learning, reflection and discussion, participants will explore leadership identity, build deeper self-awareness through Lumina Spark and strengthen relationships across the cohort. They will examine the role of trust, power and collaboration in creating change, while identifying practical opportunities to work alongside others and strengthen local networks.

Programme schedule

We know that professional development can have a transformational impact for you and your organisation, but making time for it can be a challenge. Please see below for an overview of the programme schedule to help you plan ahead. Action Learning Sets will be arranged

Session	Date and time
In person: Learning Day 1 - Welcome session including establishing foundational leadership themes	Week commencing Monday 7 September 2026, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Online: Workshop 1 - Communication and advocacy	Week commencing Monday 14 September 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
In person: Learning Day 2 - Lumina Spark	Week commencing Monday 5 October 2026, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Online: Workshop 2 - Visioning and strategy for change	Week commencing Monday 12 October 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
In person: Learning Day 3 - Power, relationships and collaboration	Week commencing Monday 2 November 2026, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Online: Workshop 3 - Wellbeing: Sustaining the work of social change	Week commencing Monday 9 November 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Online: Workshop 4 - Legacies and generational impact	Week commencing Monday 30 November 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
In person: Learning Day 4 - Celebration event	Week commencing Monday 7 December 2026, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Programme partners

We are proud to be partnering with a steering group, safeguarding lead, locally connected facilitators, and independent evaluators to deliver this series of programmes. The partners reflect the diversity and reach of the local sector - indicative of the impact we want the programmes to achieve. The steering group's role is to help shape the programme to make it as relevant and impactful for the social sector in each regional location.

Further Berkshire partner information will be added as it is confirmed.

Programme partners

Safeguarding lead: Michael Daley
Michael Daley is the Founder of Bridging Perspectives Ltd and Safeguarding Lead for Clore Social Leadership Lighthouses programme. With 17 years' experience in safeguarding, an MSC in Social Work and a BSC in Psychology, he specialises in trauma-informed, reflective practice and online safety. Through Bridging Perspectives, Michael supports organisations, communities and carers applying these approaches in practice, building confidence and capacity to create safer, more inclusive environments. He provides both strategic safeguarding oversight and practical training that bridges the gap between policy and everyday practice.

Independent evaluators: The Social Investment Consultancy
The Social Investment Consultancy will play a crucial role in refining the programme design and enhancing monitoring and evaluation process, ensuring the programme remains accountable and responsive to feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need specific qualifications to access the programme?

No, you don’t need to have any particular academic or professional qualifications to take part in the programme. We know that leadership development training can be very difficult to access in the social sector, so try to make it accessible to those with minimal prior training. Your passion for and experience in the social sector are all you need to apply.

Can I do this programme while doing a full-time job?

Yes, the programme is being designed with busy leaders in mind. The schedule includes a blend of in-person learning days, online workshops and Action Learning Sets, with space built in between sessions to support reflection and application.

Do I have to attend the live workshops and information sessions?

Yes, we strongly recommend that you attend all live sessions scheduled for this programme to make the most of the programme, deepen your learning and meet peers from across the social sector. Full attendance expectations will be confirmed before applications open.

What is the application process?

The application process has two stages.

The first stage is a short online application form, including two questions about your work as a social purpose leader, the communities you serve and what you hope to gain from the programme.

If shortlisted, you will then be invited to a 20-minute interview. This is an opportunity to discuss your work in more detail, learn more about the programme and share any access requirements or support needs. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the programme and what participation involves.

Why is there an interview for this programme?

This programme has been designed for social purpose leaders from a Global Majority background and places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive, inclusive, accessible and safe learning experience.

The interview helps us better understand your work, experiences and what you hope to gain from the programme. It also gives us an opportunity to discuss any access requirements or support needs, so we can create the best possible experience for participants.

As participants may bring lived experience into the programme, the interview is also part of our commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and participant care. The programme has a dedicated Safeguarding Lead, and this process helps us understand how best to support participants throughout the programme.

The interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the programme, ask questions and decide whether it feels like the right fit for you.

Who do I contact if I need any reasonable adjustments to engage with the programme?

We want to remove as many barriers as possible to support you to engage with this development opportunity. If you, or a colleague, need any reasonable adjustments please email us at info@cloresocialleadership.org.uk.

I need support to complete my application, who should I contact?

If you need any reasonable adjustments for the application process contact us at info@cloresocialleadership.org.uk. Please expect a response time of 48 hours.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@cloresocialleadership.org.uk. Please expect a response time of 48 hours.

Why is this programme free?

Thanks to National Lottery players, Clore Social Leadership has received more than £1 million over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support the leadership development of people from Global Majority communities. This funding enables Leadership Lighthouses programmes to be fully funded for participants.

What happens after I register my interest?

We will email you when applications open and when programme updates, information sessions or webinars are confirmed. Registering your interest means you will receive updates, but it does not commit you to applying.

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