Speakers
Workshop
This session, led by Professor Christian Harrison, addresses one of the most pressing challenges in UK higher education leadership: the urgent need to diversify vice-chancellor appointments. Despite the richness of talent across the sector, there are currently only two Black vice chancellors in the UK, a reality that underlines the need for intentional, systemic change.
This workshop forms part of a strategic initiative by the University of Greater Manchester in collaboration with the Caribbean & African Health Network. It is designed to support and empower senior leaders from global majority communities who aspire to reach executive leadership roles.
The session will explore structural barriers, leadership pipelines, and the competencies required for vice-chancellorship, while offering practical insights on visibility, sponsorship, and strategic positioning. It will also highlight evidence-based approaches to developing inclusive leadership pathways that can reshape the future of higher education leadership in the UK.
Christian Harrison is a Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Greater Manchester UK and the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment. He leads the Research and Doctoral Programmes of the Off Campus Division. He is a well-known scholar in leadership, contributing to media outlets like STV, Scotland Tonight, and the Guardian Nigeria. He has authored numerous research papers and books, including the bestselling Leadership Theory and Research: A Critical Approach to New and Existing Paradigms.
Christian chairs the Academy for African Studies and a vice chair of the British Academy of Management. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Certified Management and Business Educator, and a Fellow of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management. He serves on several editorial boards and panels, and as an external examiner for many UK universities.
An expert consultant and speaker, he has delivered leadership training to the Scottish Government Directors, NHS, SMEs, and a host of others. Professor Harrison’s accolades include an Honorary Doctor of Innovation in Leadership, 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award and multiple Excellence Awards. He is also the founder of The Leadership Mould Initiative International, championing leadership development globally.