Leadership programme wins national award

Posted on 9 October 2026 • Around the OU, Business, Business and law, Management, University news

The Open University’s Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme has won the Excellence in Education Award at the Evenfields Black Talent Awards, recognising its contribution to developing diverse leadership across the voluntary and community sector.

The national awards celebrate the achievements of Black professionals and organisations across the UK. The award recognises the success of the MEL Programme in supporting minority ethnic professionals to develop leadership skills, expand their networks and increase representation in leadership roles. The programme is delivered through the OU’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership and brings together learners from across the UK.

A key part of the programme’s success has been the support of the Henry Smith Foundation. Its funding has enabled the OU to expand the initiative and provide participants with tailored leadership development, mentoring opportunities and peer learning experiences.

Launched in February 2025, the programme was created to address the under-representation of minority ethnic professionals in leadership roles. It aims to equip participants with the confidence, skills and connections needed to drive positive change in their organisations and communities.

The award was collected by Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo, Senior Lecturer in Work-Based Learning and Director of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, alongside colleagues and programme participants at the ceremony.

Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo said:

Winning this award is a wonderful recognition of the commitment, talent and ambition of everyone involved in the Minority Ethnic Leadership Programme. I am especially proud of our participants, who are using their learning, confidence and networks to lead positive change in their organisations and communities.

We are deeply grateful to the Henry Smith Foundation for its support, which has enabled us to widen access to inclusive leadership development and help create a more representative voluntary sector.

A spokesperson for the Henry Smith Foundation said:

We are proud to support the Minority Ethnic Leadership Programme and delighted to see this initiative being recognised through this award. By investing in inclusive leadership development, the programme enables talented people from minority ethnic communities to strengthen their skills, confidence and networks, helping them to lead positive change within their organisations and communities.

The award highlights the impact that partnerships can have in creating opportunities for under-represented groups and supports the ambitions of the OU’s Opening Up strategy. Through programmes such as MEL, the University is helping open up access to learning, leadership development and opportunities for people to thrive and lead within their organisations and communities.