CALL NOW OPEN - September 2026 - January 2027

Under Goal 4: Our Staff, Our Culture of the Strategic Plan 2023-2028, 'we commit to growing professional development of all staff led by UCC leaders and people managers as role models towards embedding a strong culture of CPD'. 

Priority 3 of our People & Culture Plan is 'Inspiring Leadership', we commit to 'investing in leadership development programmess that equip managers and senior leaders with the skills needed to inspire, guide, and support their teams.' 

The Culture Evolution Project is a university-wide, strategic initiative to intentionally shape the culture that underpins how University College Cork works, leads, and delivers on its ambitions. 

To deliver on these, we are now entering year ten of our IMI certified leadership development programmes, designed to further develop Current Leaders Level 1 (CL 1) & Current Leaders Level 2 (CL 2) (formerly known as Aspiring Leaders) in UCC.

The goal is to develop the competencies of potential leaders and leaders at an individual level which will in turn contribute to the strengthening of the overall leadership capability within UCC.  Both programmes are framed by a set of leadership competencies – personal, team and unit leadership, analysis and decision making, management and delivery of results, interpersonal and communication skills and self-development.

Each programme consists of 2 x 2 day modules followed by a concluding morning workshop.  Attendance at all 4.5 days is a pre-requisite for applying. Further on-going support will be provided through opportunities for action learning, online resources and institutional level support, including mentoring and coaching. 

The programmes distinguish between staff a) new to, considering or interested in a leadership role (Current Leaders Level 2 - formerly known as Aspiring Leaders) and b) experienced staff typically at Head level or about to take on that role (Current Leaders Level 1).

** DEADLINE for submission - Thursday, 28 May 2026.**

Note:

All new employment contracts for academics at senior lecturer level & higher and professional & technical staff at grade 7 & higher (or equivalent) are required to participate in the most relevant IMI/UCC Senior Leadership Development Programme to them, to further develop their leadership development capabilities.

Should you wish to discuss which programme may be most relevant, do not hesitate to contact Anne Gannon or Mary Horgan or your HR Business Manager.