Why Different Matters
The landscape of local government leadership needs change. The civil disturbances across several cities during the summer highlighted the critical need for more credible and meaningful engagement with our diverse communities. As our communities become increasingly diverse through global changes and migration, this gap in representation becomes more pronounced. Modern leadership demands cultural competence and a deep understanding of diverse community needs, alongside the ability to build authentic relationships with all sections of our communities.
Recent data reveals a significant disparity in representation: and the numbers have decreased since 2024.
Currently, our senior leadership positions show limited diversity:
3%
Only 3% of Chief Executives come from the Global Majority
3.7%
First and Second tier managers show just 3.7% representation, down from 6% last year
5.5%
Third-tier managers show just 5.5% representation, down from 12% last year
Different Programme Overview
Our programme stands out through its authentic, practical approach to leadership development:
Real-World Leadership
Led by two accomplished non-white female senior leaders with extensive public sector experience, bringing genuine understanding and insights.
Practical Focus
Less theoretical, more hands-on solutions addressing real-world challenges in local government leadership.
Personalised Support
Carefully matched mentors and coaches aligned with your career aspirations and specific challenges.
Industry Backing
Sponsored by Tile Hill and Newtrality, leading sector specialists in executive recruitment and transformation with a combined commitment to driving better representation in public sector leadership.
Senior Engagement
Every participant is personally nominated and sponsored by their Chief Executive, ensuring organisational commitment to your development.
Targeted Professional Mentoring
Customised mentor matching based on your career goals, skills gaps, and real-life challenges.
Networking opportunities
With inspirational sector and system leaders who will feature throughout the 12-month programme.
Assessments
Tailored psychometric assessment and feedback to support the development of your leadership skills, alongside practical advice and support to equip you in applying for, and securing, more senior positions.
“This programme is phenomenal. It's taught me how to navigate spaces that have never been designed for me thrive. It's stretched my thinking and challenged my assumptions. I've obtained resilience, and I'm networking and meeting exceptional people, learning from some of the best in the field. My toolkit is now practical, my mindset has shifted, and I'm able to manoeuvre through systems with confident humility. I'm internally empowered.”
Sarah Lal
Chief People and Culture Officer (promoted from Director of People and Culture during Different)
West Midlands Combined Authority