Leadership Research - Take Part

Arts Council England (ACE) has commissioned Art Reach and All In Leicester to undertake research into ways to increase the representation of Disabled People in leadership roles within National Portfolio Organisations across the Midlands.

Background

Many NPOs in the Midlands are struggling to develop disabled leadership to ensure their teams and governance are representative. Following reflection and analysis on diverse-led 2023-26 National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs), it is clear that although significant change was made, the representation of disabled leadership in NPOs or disabled-led NPOs in the Midlands has more progress to make when compared to other regions.

Consultation taking place now

ACE are delivering a range of research activities to look at current provision in place to support those in leadership positions or who are on a leadership journey, highlight best practice and gaps, and address challenges in developing disabled leadership in the Midlands’ cultural sector.

They are hosting Focus Groups on 23 and 24 January and invite people to consider what’s working, what’s not and what needs to change for people who identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and are on a leadership journey. It's hoped this will be a valuable opportunity to share experiences with others, discuss barriers and help shape a more inclusive leadership pathway in the cultural sector in the Midlands.

For full details of all consultation activities, and to book a place at a focus group, please visit www.artreach.org.uk/ddlr

Please do share the opportunity to participate in this research to anyone that you think could contribute insights, lived experience and might have ideas to achieve change.

ACE recognise the time and cost that might be involved in enabling participation in this research. Funding is available to support travel, subsistence and access provision for anyone that participates in this research through our interviews or focus groups.

Where freelance creative and cultural practitioners are directly engaged with as research participants, ACE will comply with their Arts Council England’s Consulting Creative and Cultural Practitioners Policy and offer remuneration for time spent working on this important project.

Participate in a Focus Group

ACE are hosting sessions on the following dates. You only need to attend one morning or afternoon session:

Thursday 23 January – Library of Birmingham, Birmingham

Session 1: 10.00am – 12.30pm (Book here for this session)

Session 2: 1.30pm – 4.00pm (Book here for this session)

Friday 24 January – Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham

Session 1: 10.00am – 12.30pm (Book here for this session)

Session 2: 1.30pm – 4.00pm (Book here for this season)

At all focus groups, there will be BSL Interpreters, and all meeting rooms have step-free access and are near accessible facilities and Changing Places facilities.

Book online, email hello@artreach.org.uk or call 0116 261 6882

Birmingham - Developing Disabled Leadership Focus Group (Session 1)

Join a focus group to discuss the barriers, challenges and support available to disabled leaders in the arts and cultural sector.

Contact Amelia Silver on hello@artreach.org.uk or 0116 261 6882 for more information.