British Academy Elevate Programme Leadership Stream: Apply for an Intensive Leadership Development Programme for Early Career Researchers

The British Academy Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream is an intensive, CPD-accredited professional development programme designed to help Early Career Researchers (ECRs) develop the leadership skills, confidence, networks and practical experience needed to progress in academia and beyond.

Delivered by the British Academy, the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, the Elevate Programme combines structured leadership training with mentoring, coaching, networking and practical opportunities to apply newly acquired skills. The programme is particularly suited to Early Career Researchers in SHAPE disciplines who are preparing to take on leadership responsibilities or are already moving into leadership positions.

The programme is highly selective, with approximately 62 participants selected each year from the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network and Wellcome-funded researchers.

The annual programme normally runs from March to June, while applications open in September. Participants take part in a combination of online and in-person activities, depending on where they are based.

What Is the British Academy Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream?

The British Academy Elevate Programme—Leadership Stream is a structured leadership development initiative created specifically for Early Career Researchers.

Rather than focusing exclusively on academic research skills, the programme addresses the broader professional capabilities researchers need to become effective leaders. These include communication, strategic planning, research management, collaboration, influencing decision-making, and managing teams and projects.

The programme recognises that leadership opportunities can arise at different stages of an academic or research career. As a result, it is designed to be adaptable to researchers at early, mid and later stages of their early-career journey.

Participants are supported through a combination of:

• Leadership training
• Interactive workshops
• Professional mentoring
• Individual and group coaching
• Peer networking
• Practical leadership activities
• Opportunities to apply leadership skills in professional settings
• Post-programme engagement with the wider Early Career Researcher Network

The programme therefore provides participants with both theoretical understanding and practical experience that can be applied directly to their research, academic, professional or organisational responsibilities.

Key Features of the British Academy Elevate Leadership Programme

The Elevate Programme is designed around several interconnected elements of professional development.

1. Intensive leadership training

Participants receive structured training focused on developing the skills required to become effective leaders.

The training can help researchers understand how to:

• Lead projects effectively
• Manage teams and responsibilities
• Communicate with different audiences
• Influence decision-making
• Develop strategic approaches to their work
• Navigate professional challenges
• Build productive collaborations
• Manage research-related activities
• Drive positive change within organisations and institutions

The emphasis is on practical leadership rather than leadership theory alone.

2. Interactive workshops

The programme includes interactive workshops that allow participants to explore leadership concepts and apply them to real professional situations.

These workshops provide opportunities for participants to learn from facilitators and fellow researchers while considering how leadership principles can be used in their own careers.

The interactive format can also help participants develop confidence in areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and strategic thinking.

3. Mentoring

Mentoring forms an important component of the programme.

Through mentoring, participants can benefit from guidance, experience and perspectives that can help them navigate their career development and leadership responsibilities.

Mentoring can be particularly valuable for Early Career Researchers who are preparing to transition into positions where they need to coordinate people, manage projects, influence stakeholders or take greater responsibility for research and organisational outcomes.

4. Coaching

Participants also receive coaching as part of the programme.

Coaching provides an opportunity to reflect on individual leadership strengths, challenges and development areas. It can help researchers identify practical approaches for becoming more effective in their professional roles.

This combination of training, mentoring and coaching gives participants multiple forms of support throughout the programme.

5. Peer networking

The programme brings together a selective group of Early Career Researchers, creating opportunities for participants to develop professional relationships with peers.

Networking can enable participants to:

• Exchange ideas and experiences
• Learn from researchers working in different areas
• Develop professional connections
• Identify potential collaborators
• Share approaches to common leadership challenges
• Build relationships that can continue beyond the programme

The peer network is an important part of the wider professional development experience offered by Elevate.

What Skills Will Participants Develop?

The British Academy Elevate Programme is designed to develop a broad range of leadership and professional competencies.

Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their ability to:

Lead projects and initiatives

Researchers often become responsible for projects involving multiple people, institutions or stakeholders. The programme helps participants develop the leadership capabilities required to coordinate such activities effectively.

Manage teams

Effective leadership requires more than technical expertise. Researchers stepping into leadership roles may need to delegate responsibilities, support colleagues, manage expectations and foster productive working relationships.

The programme provides training relevant to these responsibilities.

Communicate effectively

Communication is a central component of leadership. Participants develop practical knowledge that can help them communicate ideas, expectations, strategies and decisions more effectively.

Influence decision-making

Researchers increasingly need to communicate their evidence and expertise to decision-makers both inside and outside academia.

The Elevate Programme helps participants build confidence and skills for influencing decisions and engaging with different stakeholders.

Develop strategic thinking

Strategic planning is another important component of effective leadership.

Participants gain practical knowledge that can help them think beyond individual tasks and consider broader objectives, priorities, resources and long-term outcomes.

Manage research effectively

The programme also supports researchers in developing skills related to research management.

This can be particularly valuable for researchers who are beginning to coordinate larger projects, work with teams or take responsibility for complex research activities.

Navigate professional challenges

Leadership often involves dealing with uncertainty, competing priorities, difficult decisions and unexpected challenges.

Through training, coaching and peer learning, participants can develop greater confidence in navigating these situations.

Foster collaboration

Modern research frequently depends on collaboration across disciplines, organisations and professional networks.

The programme supports participants in developing collaborative approaches and building relationships that can contribute to stronger professional and research outcomes.

Who Can Benefit From the Programme?

The British Academy Elevate Leadership Stream is designed for Early Career Researchers, particularly those working in SHAPE disciplines.

SHAPE refers broadly to disciplines within the social sciences, humanities and related areas, covering fields where researchers study people, societies, cultures, economies, institutions and human behaviour.

The programme can be relevant to researchers who are:

• Preparing to move into leadership roles
• Already taking on leadership responsibilities
• Managing or contributing to research projects
• Interested in developing their professional leadership capabilities
• Seeking to strengthen their communication and strategic planning skills
• Interested in research management
• Looking to expand their professional networks
• Considering leadership opportunities within or beyond academia

Importantly, the programme is adaptable to different stages of the early-career journey.

A Programme Designed for Leadership Inside and Outside Academia

One of the strengths of the Elevate Leadership Stream is that its benefits are not restricted to traditional academic career pathways.

The leadership skills developed through the programme can potentially be applied in areas such as:

• Academic leadership
• Research management
• Policy engagement
• Organisational leadership
• Professional services
• Public engagement
• Research funding and stakeholder engagement
• Mentoring and skills development
• Leadership positions outside academia

This broader focus makes the programme relevant to researchers who want to translate their research and professional expertise into wider societal and organisational impact.

Delivery Format of the British Academy Elevate Programme

The programme uses a combination of online and face-to-face learning.

Participants can expect a mixture of:

• Online workshops
• In-person workshops
• Specialised training sessions
• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Networking events
• Practical post-programme activities

In-person participation for UK-based researchers

Researchers based in the UK should be prepared for approximately 10 in-person training sessions.

Each in-person session lasts approximately one to two days and takes place at a different location in the UK.

Consequently, UK-based participants should be prepared to travel to the various locations where the training sessions are held.

This means applicants should consider the time and travel commitment involved before applying.

Online participation for researchers outside the UK

Online delivery is available to participants who are based outside the UK.

This provides an important opportunity for eligible researchers located internationally to participate without having to attend the UK-based in-person training sessions.

Post-Programme Responsibilities

Participation in the Elevate Programme does not end when the formal training sessions are completed.

Within nine months of completing the programme, participants are required to organise an event or activity for the Early Career Researcher Network.

The British Academy provides funding support for this activity.

Participants must also provide peer-to-peer mentoring to the next cohort as part of the programme’s post-programme requirements.

These responsibilities provide participants with an opportunity to put their leadership training into practice.

Instead of simply receiving training, participants are expected to demonstrate leadership by organising an activity and supporting other Early Career Researchers.

Professional Recognition Through CPD Accreditation

The British Academy Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream is CPD-accredited.

Continuing Professional Development, commonly referred to as CPD, provides a structured way of demonstrating ongoing learning and professional development.

For participants, CPD accreditation adds professional recognition to the leadership training received through the programme.

This can be valuable when demonstrating professional development to:

• Employers
• Research institutions
• Academic institutions
• Funders
• Professional organisations
• Potential collaborators

The accreditation can also strengthen a participant’s professional profile by providing evidence of structured leadership development.

GetTWOit Skills Passport and Micro-Credentials

Participants in the British Academy Elevate Programme can also receive a GetTWOit Skills Passport documenting the skills acquired through the programme.

A Skills Passport is provided for each completed training session, creating a structured record of the professional skills developed.

This can help participants demonstrate specific competencies rather than simply stating that they attended a leadership programme.

The Skills Passport functions as a form of micro-credential and can provide additional evidence of professional learning.

Skills Passport after the Network event

Participants can also receive a GetTWOit Skills Passport after organising an event for the Early Career Researcher Network.

This additional credential can demonstrate the participant’s ability to take the leadership training they received and use it to develop or deliver learning activities for other Early Career Researchers.

It therefore provides evidence not only of participation in training but also of practical leadership and knowledge-sharing.

How the Programme Can Strengthen Your CV

Professional development programmes can be particularly useful for researchers who are building their academic or professional profiles.

The British Academy Elevate Programme offers several elements that can contribute to a stronger CV.

Participants can potentially demonstrate:

• Completion of CPD-accredited leadership training
• Leadership development
• Project management capabilities
• Team management skills
• Strategic planning experience
• Communication skills
• Research management experience
• Networking and collaboration
• Mentoring experience
• Event or activity organisation
• Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
• Practical application of leadership skills

The programme is therefore structured to provide tangible evidence of professional development that can be communicated to employers and funders.

Why Leadership Skills Matter for Early Career Researchers

Research careers increasingly require researchers to operate beyond the boundaries of individual research projects.

As researchers progress, they may be expected to manage teams, coordinate projects, communicate findings to different audiences, collaborate across institutions, secure funding, engage policymakers or contribute to organisational strategy.

Technical research expertise remains essential, but leadership and interpersonal skills can also play a significant role in career progression.

The Elevate Programme addresses this broader professional development need by combining research-sector knowledge with leadership development.

Networking and Long-Term Professional Development

Another important aspect of the programme is the opportunity to become part of a community of Early Career Researchers.

Participants can develop relationships with other researchers who are facing similar career-development questions and leadership challenges.

These connections can potentially support:

• Future research collaborations
• Knowledge exchange
• Professional mentoring
• Cross-disciplinary relationships
• Career advice
• Leadership development
• Peer learning
• Engagement with the wider research community

The requirement to mentor a subsequent cohort further strengthens the programme’s emphasis on creating a continuing professional network rather than a one-time training experience.

Application Timeline

The British Academy Elevate Programme is offered annually.

According to the programme information:

• Applications open: September
• Programme delivery: March to June
• Selection: Competitive and application-based
• Annual cohort: Approximately 62 participants

Application deadline

The information provided for this article does not specify a closing date for applications.

Applicants should therefore consult the official British Academy application page for the current application deadline and any updated dates before submitting an application.

How to Apply for the British Academy Elevate Programme

Applications are submitted through the British Academy’s application process for the Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream.

Applicants should carefully review the programme’s dedicated How to Apply information before beginning their application.

A strong application should clearly demonstrate why leadership development is relevant to the applicant’s current career stage and professional goals.

Applicants should consider explaining:

1. Their Early Career Researcher background.
2. Their research area and connection to the relevant disciplines.
3. Their current or anticipated leadership responsibilities.
4. The leadership skills they want to develop.
5. How the programme fits into their career development.
6. How they expect to apply the skills gained through Elevate.
7. Their interest in collaboration and peer learning.
8. Their ability to participate fully in the programme.
9. Their readiness to undertake the post-programme responsibilities.

Applicants should also carefully check the official eligibility requirements because programme requirements and application details may be updated for each annual cohort.

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Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

1. Clearly explain your leadership potential

Do not focus only on your academic achievements. Show how you have demonstrated initiative, responsibility, collaboration or leadership.

2. Connect the programme to your career goals

Explain why leadership development is important at your current stage and what you intend to accomplish with the skills gained.

3. Demonstrate practical experience

Examples of managing projects, coordinating activities, supervising people, organising events, collaborating with stakeholders or mentoring colleagues can help demonstrate leadership potential.

4. Show how you will contribute to the cohort

The programme is also about peer networking and learning. Explain how your experience and perspective could contribute to the wider cohort.

5. Consider the programme commitment

UK-based applicants should take into account the requirement to attend approximately ten in-person training sessions at different UK locations.

Applicants based outside the UK should also ensure they can participate in the required online sessions and complete the programme’s post-completion responsibilities.

Important Information for Prospective Applicants

Before applying, prospective participants should take note of the following:

• The programme is selective and application-based.
• Approximately 62 participants are selected annually.
• It is designed specifically for Early Career Researchers.
• The programme focuses on SHAPE disciplines.
• Training combines online and in-person activities.
• UK-based participants should expect approximately ten in-person training sessions.
• Each UK in-person session can last one to two days.
• Participants may need to travel to different locations across the UK.
• Online delivery is available for participants based outside the UK.
• The programme is CPD-accredited.
• Participants receive GetTWOit Skills Passports documenting skills gained during training.
• Participants have post-programme responsibilities.
• Within nine months of completion, participants must organise an activity for the Early Career Researcher Network with British Academy funding support.
• Participants must also provide peer-to-peer mentoring to the following cohort.
• Applications open annually in September.
• The programme normally runs from March to June.
• The application deadline should be confirmed on the current official application page.

Why You Should Consider the British Academy Elevate Leadership Stream

For Early Career Researchers seeking to move beyond research expertise and develop broader professional leadership capabilities, the British Academy Elevate Programme offers a comprehensive development experience.

Its combination of training, coaching, mentoring and networking allows participants to work on multiple dimensions of professional development at the same time.

The programme also places significant emphasis on practical application. Participants are expected to use their leadership skills to organise activities for the Early Career Researcher Network and mentor future participants.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to researchers who want to demonstrate tangible leadership experience rather than simply complete a professional development course.

The CPD accreditation and Skills Passport provide additional mechanisms for documenting the learning and competencies gained through participation.

Visit HERE for more information about the British Academy Elevate Programme Leadership Stream.

Conclusion

The British Academy Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream provides a structured leadership development opportunity for Early Career Researchers seeking to strengthen their professional capabilities and prepare for greater responsibility.

Through intensive training, mentoring, coaching and peer networking, participants can develop practical skills in leadership, communication, strategic planning, research management, collaboration and decision-making.

The programme also offers valuable professional recognition through CPD accreditation and GetTWOit Skills Passports, allowing participants to document the skills acquired during their training. Its post-programme requirements further provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in practice by organising an activity for the Early Career Researcher Network and mentoring the next cohort.

With applications opening annually in September and the programme running from March to June, eligible Early Career Researchers interested in developing their leadership potential should review the latest British Academy application guidance and prepare their applications carefully.

For the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and deadline, applicants should consult the official British Academy Elevate Programme – Leadership Stream application information before applying.

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