Emerging Leaders

Service, operational or functional managers

There is no minimum time that you have been in post. We would expect you to be at service, operational or functional manager level. As well as people working in frontline services, this programme is also suitable for people working in other disciplines such as fundraising, comms, HR and finance.

Passionate about collaborating to achieve social impact and improve equity, diversity and inclusion

We want the programme to have long lasting impact on the sector. Your interest in collaborating with your fellow participants beyond the life of the programme is key.

Working for an organisation dedicated to ending homelessness

This must be a voluntary community sector homelessness organisation. Your organisation does not need to be a member of Homeless Link.

Commitment to attendance

In order for you and your fellow participants to get the most out of the programme, we ask you to commit to attending all sessions.

London

• Working for an organisation based in London
  This may be a national organisation, but the majority of work within your remit should be in London.

• Hybrid delivery
  Emerging Leaders London will be run as a hybrid programme delivered in person (in central London) and online. 

England

• Working for an organisation based in England
  This may be any organisation based in England, including London.

• Online delivery
  Emerging Leaders England will be run online.

Welcome and Closing Days

All programmes will kick-off and conclude with an in-person welcome and closing day, allowing you to meet your peers as well as leaders on other cohorts, and to build trusted relationships.

Emerging Leaders Workshops

Participants join six workshop sessions that focus on different elements of leadership development. Each workshop is a half-day session in groups of 12 and includes presentations, discussions, small group work and peer learning. Themes include leadership styles, how to get the best out of people, talent development and performance management, developing teams, driving organisational success, and influencing others.

Open-to-all webinars

Our open-to-all webinars provide an opportunity to hear first-hand from CEOs and other expert speakers. Some sessions run as open Q&As, and others address particular themes and topics relevant to all leaders. Planned topics include Inclusive Leadership, creating more diverse and inclusive organisations, and how to involve people with lived experience authentically.

There is no limitations on who can attend these sessions: you are welcome to encourage other leaders from within your organisation to attend.

Action Learning Sets (ALS)

Action Learning is a powerful tool for developing critical-thinking, problem-solving, creative solutions and innovative practice. Action Learning Sets are a simple way for individuals to learn from each other, using the combined wisdom and skills of a diverse group of people to work through real situations faced in the workplace. You will meet three times through the course of the programme, in groups of six, with a trained facilitator. Find out more about Action Learning in Lucy and Laura's blog.

Online networking community

Emerging Leaders provides an opportunity to build relationships with other new and emerging leaders working in the homelessness sector. An online community enables participants to support and be supported by their peers during the life of the programme and beyond. WhatsApp is used as a formal channel to ask questions, share learnings and offer mutual support. At the end of the programme, all participants will have the option to join the growing leadership alumni group on LinkedIn.

EDI workshop

Participants will join leaders on other cohorts for a masterclass on what inclusive leadership and equity mean in the context of homelessness organisations. They will have the opportunity to use the Homeless Link EDI Maturity Tool to self-assess the maturity of their organisation in relation to EDI, and identify practical steps to take.

Mentoring

All participants have the option to be matched with a more experienced leader within the homelessness sector, to receive support and guidance via mentoring sessions during the life of the programme.

Coaching

Coaching provides a confidential, safe space for reflection and discussion, and empowers individuals to take responsibility for their own personal development. We have a range of coaching options available which are great for emerging leaders, whether you want to overcome a particular issue or build your confidence more generally.