UHI backs women’s leadership with Aurora programme places

Four women from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been selected for Advance HE’s Aurora Leadership Development Programme, with places funded by UHI’s Learning and Teaching Academy.

Cat Meighan from UHI Moray; Sarah-Jane Rogers from UHI North, West and Hebrides; Fran Stuart from UHI Inverness; and Selina-May Miller from UHI Shetland and will take part in the 2026–27 programme. Their selection reflects UHI’s commitment to recognising women’s leadership potential and supporting their progression into roles where they can influence decisions and shape change.

Aurora brings together women working in academic and professional services roles to develop their leadership skills, build confidence and strengthen professional networks. The four colleagues will join more than 200 women from across Scottish higher education.

Since 2018, the Learning and Teaching Academy has coordinated UHI’s participation in Aurora, with 48 colleagues completing the programme. Evaluations have highlighted its highly positive impact on participants’ professional practice.

Lorna Walker, UHI Chief Operating Officer and Aurora Institutional Champions, said:

“Across UHI, women bring expertise, ambition and fresh perspectives to their work. Supporting them to develop as leaders is an investment in their futures and in the future of our partnership.

“Aurora gives our colleagues space to recognise their strengths, build supportive networks and take the next step in their leadership journey. Congratulations to Cat, Sarah-Jane, Fran and Selina-May. I look forward to seeing how they use this experience to shape change and inspire other women to pursue their leadership ambitions.”

The programme includes four development days exploring key aspects of leadership and two action learning sets. Each participant will also receive a mentor through UHI’s University Mentoring Scheme, alongside support from the Learning and Teaching Academy and colleagues who have previously completed Aurora.

That support continues beyond the programme, with opportunities for participants to put their leadership skills into practice, contribute to UHI’s Women’s Network, share their experiences at university events and mentor future participants. This helps build a lasting network of women supporting one another to lead and develop across the UHI partnership.