Liverpool City Region (LCR) leadership initiative: Shadowing programme

Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Race Equality Hub, GraceHola Ltd has successfully launched the Shadowing Programme bringing together 50 senior leaders and their organisations with 50 aspiring leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Our mission is to strengthen leadership development and improve representation for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) professionals living or working in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

A Look at Our Journey So Far:

  • 14th March 2025 – Senior Leaders from 30+ organisations came together in our onboarding virtual room, demonstrating commitment to promoting diverse leadership.

  • ⁠21st March 2025 – Our Ethnically Diverse Aspiring Leaders joined in with energy and excitement as they set their goals for the programme!

  • 28th March 2025 – Over 100 participants gathered in person to co-design the programme, strengthening ownership, commitment, and long-term sustainability.
Over 12 months, aspiring ethnically diverse leaders will shadow senior leaders in at least five sessions, supported by three guidance sessions. This two-way experience allows senior leaders to share their expertise and sponsor new talent, while participants gain real-world insights and build powerful networks—strengthening leadership, inclusion, and opportunity across the Liverpool City Region.

PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES

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The shadowing opportunities will cut across a range of leadership areas, including:

Board membership and governance roles, Policy development and implementation, and Organisational strategy and planning
Project and programme management, Service delivery oversight, Process improvement and resource management.
Team and departmental leadership, Decision-making and resource allocation, Performance management and staff development.
Corporate governance, Race equity, Equality, Diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy execution, Regulatory and policy compliance, Ethical leadership and accountability.

Roles within local government, healthcare, education, or law enforcement, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Corporate strategy and innovation, Business development and market expansion, Entrepreneurial leadership, and startups.
Charity and non-profit management, Advocacy and fundraising initiatives, Volunteer management and public outreach.
Building partnerships across sectors, Community engagement and impact leadership, and Advocacy for underrepresented groups.

In collaboration with GraceHola Ltd, LCR Race Equality Hub, NHS Northwest Leadership Academy and a senior EDI Consultant in Cheshire and Merseyside, this initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and promote diversity in leadership roles.

  • Personalised leadership development through shadowing experienced senior leaders
  • Access to potential sponsorship to unlock career advancement opportunities.
  • Gain hands-on insights into leadership roles in real-world environments.
  • Opportunity to develop leadership competencies and innovative thinking, while applying
    acquired skills in real-world settings.
  • Boost employee engagement and retention by promoting a culture of learning and growth.
  • Enhance the development of diverse talent, supporting the creation of a more inclusive and adaptable workforce.
  • Strengthen organisational culture by promoting diversity, innovation, and inclusion, and enhance your reputation as a forward-thinking employer.
  • Supporting the delivery of organisational Race Equity Plan and Priorities in collaboration with lived experience BAME communities
  • Opportunity to develop and sponsor the next generation of BAME leaders while deepening your understanding of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Broaden your perspective, enhance your communication skills, and strengthen relationships across various levels of the organisation.
  • Actively contribute to promoting racial equity within your organisation and the wider community.
  • To commit to completing the programme.
  • Provide guidance and mentoring during shadowing sessions.
  • Support BAME participants.
  • Create and maintain an inclusive environment.
  • To actively promote, where appropriate, the skills and talents of your BAME sponsoree.
  • Commit to attending shadowing sessions, training, and support activities.
  • Actively engage with your paired leader and/or sponsor to develop leadership skills and gain organisational insights.
  • Apply learning to drive personal growth and inspire positive change.

CONTACT US

For more details or queries, please contact GraceHola Ltd at info@graceholaconsulting.co.uk

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a key initiative that is shaping the future of leadership and diverse workforce in the LCR. Apply now to be a part of this exciting journey!