An invitation to join an Advance HE Member Benefit session exploring how inclusive practices can be embedded at the highest levels of leadership to drive real organisational change.
In a rapidly changing world, institutions are being challenged to evolve in ways that are meaningful, sustainable and deeply human. At the heart of this transformation lies one essential capability: inclusive leadership.
On 16 April 2026 (08:00–10:00 BST), leaders across higher education and beyond are invited to join Transforming Institutions Through Inclusive Leadership a thought-provoking Advance HE Member Benefit session exploring how inclusive practices can be embedded at the highest levels of leadership to drive real organisational change.
Why this conversation matters
Inclusive leadership isn’t a trend. It’s a strategic necessity.
When leaders foster cultures of belonging, representation and shared voice, they build institutions that are more innovative, adaptive and aligned with the people they serve. Inclusive environments attract talent, deepen trust and unlock the diverse perspectives needed to solve today’s complex challenges.
This session will challenge leaders to reflect on what it truly takes to lead with inclusion at the centre, not as an add-on, but as a core leadership philosophy.
What you’ll explore
Over the course of the morning, contributors will guide attendees through critical questions shaping the future of leadership:
- What does inclusive leadership look like at the executive level?
How can senior leaders model authenticity, openness and shared decision-making? - How can leaders sponsor and commission transformation that centres belonging?
Discover how inclusive practice can anchor institutional initiatives, strategies and partnerships. - What are the risks, responsibilities and rewards of stewarding inclusive change?
Explore the mindset shifts and commitments required to lead with courage and accountability.
The session concludes with reflections on the partnerships, leadership approaches and ongoing commitments needed to make inclusive leadership a driving force for institutional transformation.
Meet the chair and contributors
Transforming Institutions Through Inclusive Leadership is a rich and timely conversation chaired by Dr Orla Flyn, Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Inclusive leadership is the only legitimate approach to steering a higher education institution through today’s storms; hearing all voices and inspiring togetherness gives leaders the courage to act, even when choices appear unpalatable.
Dr Flynn, President, ATU
“Whether our challenges are financial, structural, global or cultural, inspiring a feeling of togetherness and inclusion can give leaders the confidence and courage to make decisions and, more importantly, to take action.”
The panel features contributions from exceptional leaders who bring international, cross-institutional and cross-cultural perspectives:
Kendi Guantai, Lancaster University
Steve Olivier, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen
Shaun Ewen, Griffith University
Their collective experience will provide a global lens on inclusive leadership, highlighting both strategic thinking and practical actions that can transform institutions from within.
Be part of the conversation
If you’re working to reshape your institution with inclusion at the core, this session will offer insight, inspiration and actionable pathways to move forward.
Institutional transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when leaders choose to champion inclusion, empower diverse voices and commit to change with intention.
