Accelerate for senior leaders

Professional growth for senior leaders from an ethnic minority background.  

We know there is historic underrepresentation of ethnic minority leaders in the education sector. At Dixons, we are committed to changing this so leadership teams across our trust are more representative of the communities we serve. Our Centre for Growth is offering an innovative programme designed to meet the needs of our Dixons leaders from an ethnic minority background.  

What are the programme benefits? 

• Form powerful new networks and join other leaders from an ethnic minority background in an inclusive and supportive space for honest and open dialogue 
• Receive expert advice so you can make successful applications for promotion   
• Be inspired by other leaders from an ethnic minority background in the education sector 
• Access to the Dixons Accelerate network, where you will have access to termly inspirational case studies, think pieces and research digests.  
• Contribute to the ED&I strategy by ensuring principals and the executive team deepen their understanding of the lived experience of ethnic minority leaders and their intersectional identities.   

Who is this programme suitable for? 

This programme is suitable for both associate and education-facing senior leaders from an ethnic minority background.  

Programme curriculum 

Accelerate Conference - reflect on the impact of your lived experience in a safe space; foster new networks with other ethnic minority leaders across our trust; and hear from a diverse range of inspirational ethnic minority leaders in the education sector.  

Participants will then be able to create their own bespoke Accelerate programme in 2024 - 2025 by opting into the programme components that best serve their needs. 

Optional components:   

• Group career coaching and a stay conversation: foster strong new networks through group coaching and meet with your principal to discuss how you can meet your career goals within Dixons  
• Mock interview and instructional coaching with principals and the executive team   
• Professional shadowing: visit other Dixons academies and find out more about other senior roles  

What is the commitment? 

The programme will be launched with the Accelerate Conference at The Centre for Growth, Bradford, on Wednesday 5 June, 1pm - 6pm, where you will be able to reflect on the impact of your lived experience in a safe space; foster new networks with other ethnic minority leaders across our trust; and hear from a diverse range of inspirational ethnic minority leaders in the education sector.  

• Group career coaching on Teams (5 sessions between September and January and each session is approximately 1 hour) and a stay conversation with your principal (1 hour in January) 
• Mock interview with a principal or member of the executive team on Teams (1 hour in term 5) 
• Professional shadowing (1 day in term 6) 

Testimonials

 “The Accelerate programme has been transformative for me. It felt significant to be able to hear from such a wide range of leaders from racially minoritised groups and to share both similar and contrasting experiences.  Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect from the group coaching but it was brilliant. The opportunity to seek advice from experienced colleagues as well as the coach was incredibly valuable and it was refreshing to receive advice from someone who empathised with the impact of our lived experiences. The programme left me feeling seen, heard, and hopeful for the future.”  

“The Accelerate programme has been so beneficial to me.  It’s been empowering and liberating and has helped me grow as both an individual and a leader.  I think more than anything it has given me the tools and belief to be more of an advocate for myself as well as others. The coaching in particular - and the safe space it provided - has allowed lots of reflection. Ultimately, I think someone’s strength comes from being authentic and the programme has helped those taking part to celebrate this, when perhaps they have not always felt comfortable or empowered to do so.  I look forward to seeing how it develops in the future to support other people from the global majority in our trust.”   

Next steps for Dixons leaders  

This programme has the power to ensure everyone belongs. To be part of this change in the future, or if you have any questions, please contact Natasha Raheem, Assistant Vice Principal, Dixons Centre for Growth nraheem@dixonsat.com.