Developing the Next Generation of Learning and Teaching Leaders in Business Schools

Professor Sally Everett CMBE, Vice Dean, Education, King’s Business School, who took over as the facilitator for the 2024 Leaders in Learning & Teaching Development Programme (LLT), reflects on her experience and feedback from delegates in advance of the start of the 2025 programme in January.

“The LLT has transformed my approach to leadership in learning and teaching. I feel better equipped to contextualise situations within the broader Higher Education landscape, making my decision-making more strategic and outward-looking. I have gained a deeper understanding of sector dynamics, and the expanded network of peers in similar roles across institutions is invaluable - I now have a trusted community to tap into for advice, collaboration, and support. This newfound confidence and connectivity allow me to better benchmark what we do as an institution and navigate challenges more effectively and seek innovative solutions by reaching out to colleagues across the sector” LLT 2024 delegate.

Looking ahead to LLT 2025

I took over the LLT programme last year as its facilitator and despite some initial nervousness about creating, managing and leading such a flagship Chartered ABS programme, I loved it, and it is one of the best things I have done in my academic professional career. So, as we approach 2025, I am pulling in the favours (!) once again to secure the best speakers in our sector (in business and beyond) to come and spend time with the LLT 2025 delegates.

I don’t need to tell you that the landscape of higher education we work in continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace and business schools are at the forefront of the debates, challenges and uncertainties. As business and management academics, we are expected by many around us to lead by example and draw on expertise in change management, marketing, organisational behaviour, financial management and strategy – do we, and how? Are we equipped and ready as leaders in the education space to make a difference for our students and wider society?  The challenges and opportunities facing business schools require innovative, agile, and forward-thinking leaders in learning and teaching, so I am thrilled to invite you to consider applying for the 2025 Leaders in Learning and Teaching Programme (LLT).

The LLT programme is designed to equip emerging leaders (most delegates are Directors of Learning and Teaching and Associate Deans) with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive excellence in business education. It is about leading others, but it is also a time for you to think about your own development and career. Through a series of engaging, interactive and inspiring sessions spread across the year (over four overnight residentials), participants engage with thought leaders, industry experts, and peers to explore cutting-edge topics and develop their leadership capabilities.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am finalising the programme, but I am excited that it’s shaping up nicely with our four locations already confirmed and I am thrilled that some stand-out speakers have already agreed to join us and share their experiences, top tips and insights. We also run project based round tables for sharing, discussion and problem solving.

The four sessions are shaping up nicely:

1. Agile leadership and personal development
   The first session will be based at the beautiful Greenlands Campus, Henley Business School, Henley-On-Thames with the wonderful Professors Stefan Krummaker, Christine Rivers and Debbie Lock.

2. The changing teaching and learning landscape
   This session will take place in Birmingham with Professor Edgar Meyer, Dean of Birmingham Business School, Professor Alison Truelove, Associate Professor in Critical Practice, Lead Academic Tutor and Director of the Centre for Innovation in Business Education at the University of Exeter and Dr Tom Lowe, Principal Lecturer & Assistant Head of School (Student Experience) at the University of Westminster with his popular and engaging sessions on student engagement.

3. Supporting others and using your sphere of influence
   The third session will take place in Manchester with Professor Hannah Holmes, Deputy Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Business School  at Manchester Metropolitan University, Professor Steven Rhoden, Dean of School of Business, and Professor of Business Engagement, The University of Central Lancashire, Rob Dixon, Unit Leader Strategic Management, Global MBA, Manchester Metropolitan University and his hugely popular GenAI workshop, and the ever supportive, Dr Sara Bird, Director of Learning and Teaching in the College of Business and Law at the University of the West of England. 

4. Personal career planning
   The final session will take place in London with senior partners from executive search consultants, Tessa Harrison, Partner at GatenbySanderson, entrepreneurial leaders and previous deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Lesley Dobree, Leadership Coach and Leadership Consultant / Advisor with the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE), and maybe a session on using LEGO SERIOUS PLAY too.

I try and carefully craft each session to provide a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications. For instance, Rob Dixon will join us again to offer a hands-on experience with the latest GenAI tools in Using GenAI to Advance Learning and Teaching, ensuring you are at the forefront of educational innovation. As one 2024 participant noted:

 "The session on Gen AI was eye opening and I have now run a similar workshop with colleagues."

The programme also recognises the importance of understanding the broader context of higher education. Sessions on "The changing landscape of HE" and "From policy to strategy to action" will help participants navigate the complex ecosystem in which business schools operate.

Networking

One of the most valuable aspects of the LLT programme is the opportunity to build a strong network of peers facing similar challenges across different institutions. This network becomes a lasting resource for advice, collaboration, and support long after the programme concludes. As one participant shared:

“It is comforting to know that I am now part of a wonderful supportive network of like-minded colleagues across the UK to turn to for advice, sound boarding or just to know that 'it's not just me."

Transformation and inspiration

The LLT programme is not just about absorbing information, I hope it’s also about transformation and inspiration. Speakers challenge participants to reflect deeply on their practice, their institutions, and their career trajectories. This focus on personal and professional development is a key differentiator of the programme, as another 2024 delegate noted:

 “We rarely allow ourselves the time to do this, so I hugely appreciated being given the space to think about my future. It's really changed my way of thinking and my practice - and, above all, I have met some lovely and wise people."

For those who have rapidly progressed in their careers without formal leadership development, the LLT programme offers a valuable opportunity to contextualise your experiences and broaden their perspectives:

"If like me, you have climbed the ladder quite quickly and haven't had formal professional developed in your leadership journey, then this course is for you as it will help you put what you're doing into the wider picture."

The 2025 programme will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including experienced deans, innovative educators, and industry experts. These sessions provide what one delegate called, "a unique window into the minds of established leaders in learning and teaching," offering participants "backstage access to their strategic thinking" and insights into navigating complex decisions and challenges.

An inclusive, safe and supportive environment

Perhaps most importantly, I personally ensure that the LLT programme offers an open, inclusive, safe and supportive environment where participants can openly share their experiences "the good, the bad and the ugly – all without judgement or fear". This openness fosters genuine learning and growth, preparing participants to address the "unique, unscripted challenges of our roles in a way no theoretical book could ever match".

Forward thinking

As we all look to the future of business education, the need for visionary leaders in learning and teaching has never been greater and I was honoured to work with 20 last year. It is your turn in 2025. The LLT programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, expand your network, and gain the confidence to drive meaningful change in your institution. So, join me because I encourage all aspiring learning and teaching leaders in business schools to consider applying for the 2025 LLT programme.

As other LLT 2024 delegates reported:

"I would recommend any colleagues who are passionate about learning and teaching to apply for the LLT to give themselves the opportunity to hear from knowledgeable and ambitious speakers from across the HE sector, the time to reflect on their own leadership development, and to grow their network in an enjoyable, collaborative and relaxed way."

“The LLT programme was an opportunity for me to take time to learn from colleagues, to think deeply about my practice.

“The regular workshops opened up new ways of approaching certain challenges and issues, which will certainly help me to have a positive impact on my institution and team”. 

The future of business education and Higher Education is a minefield so it’s best not to navigate it alone, but with others who are in a similar role and position to you. Join me and other leaders in shaping that future through the Leaders in Learning and Teaching programme.  See you in January.

Register now to join the 2025 Leaders in Learning and Teaching Programme starting on 15 January.