Research project: BME leaders: support networks and strategies for success in higher
education.
This small scale research project explores the experiences of Black and minority ethnic (BME) leaders in higher education institutions. BME is defined as individuals who identify as Black, Asian or Chinese and those who are from mixed heritage backgrounds. The project examines survey data to provide an overall picture of BME experiences in higher education, followed by case study interviews exploring the experiences of BME academics in senior leadership roles (senior lecturer/associate professor and above).
We are conducting a survey questionnaire targeting 200 BME academics of any grade, followed by in-depth interviews with 20 participants (10 male and 10 female). The study specifically focuses on participants' career experiences to explore strategies for success into leadership roles. The research will be used to inform HEIs on the implementation of support strategies for the successful transition of BME academics into senior leadership decision making roles. The study will provide a better understanding of successful career trajectories so that leadership programmes can be adequately equipped to support BME academics in HEIs.
Are you a BME academic (of any grade)? If so please consider completing our survey which can be found at this link: https://www.isurvey.soton.ac.uk/17345
This project is a joint collaboration between the University of Southampton (PI Professor Kalwant Bhopal) and the University of Winchester (Co-I Dr Hazel Brown) and is funded by the Leadership Foundation for HE.
