G15 launches second Accelerate programme to boost minority ethnic careers

The second edition of the highly successful G15 Accelerate leadership development programme for minority ethnic colleagues has been launched today.

G15 Accelerate is a high calibre Chartered Management Institute (CMI) leadership development programme that’s open to minority ethnic managers who want to accelerate their career trajectory.

In April 2020, G15 CEOs collectively signed the G15 Ethnic Diversity Pledge, committing to a set of actions to improve the ethnic diversity of our organisations particularly at senior managerial, leadership and board levels. The pledge to achieve 30 per cent of G15 board members being from minority ethnic backgrounds by 2025 is on track, with 1 in 4 board members being minority ethnic people at the end of 2021. Progress against this and the other pledges was published in May, alongside the inaugural G15 Ethnicity in Housing awards.

G15 Accelerate is a leadership programme that aims to break down barriers facing talented minority ethnic people, ready to progress their careers. It seeks to support culture change within G15 organisations – facilitated by senior mentors within each organisation, it supports people of colour who have the potential to shape the future of the housing sector and create more diverse leadership teams within the housing sector.

The first G15 Accelerate programme saw 37 colleagues complete the course.

The detailed prospectus with information on the programme including the application and onboarding process can be viewed here.

Geeta Nanda OBE, G15 Chair and Chief Executive of MTVH said:

“The barriers faced by talented colleagues minority ethnic backgrounds are all too real. It is on all of us to do all we can to break them down. Doing so will unlock access to the greatest possible talent and drive success for our organisations and the communities in which we work. Whilst we have made progress, there is still a long way to go, and I believe this programme can help us move closer towards our goals.”

Asif Khan, Head of Asset Management at Notting Hill Genesis and G15 Accelerate Programme 1 Alumnus (pictured above), commented:

"This amazing platform and programme is more than a course, it is a cause. It is one where you not only learn about leadership, management, strategy, risk, and change, but where you very quickly learn that you are in fact the change itself. It challenges, but equally rewards on every level, and not least also introduces you to likeminded folk on the same incredible journey, and also those amazing G15 leaders who are currently at the pinnacle. Embrace it, realise it, become it, would be my message."

Other G15 colleagues who completed the first edition of G15 Accelerate said of the programme:

‘’I have really enjoyed our sessions and the support from coaches kept me going. I have since been promoted to Head of Service.’’

‘’I have changed and grown as an individual and my confidence has rocketed. I now feel I am empowered to challenge back at times, armed with the leadership skills that this programme has taught me.’’

If you would like to find out more about the programme, the One Academy team (who lead the programme) are offering Programme Information Sessions on:

  • Wednesday 15th June 2022 at 11.30am-1pm
  • Tuesday 21 June 2022 at 11am-12.30pm

Please register your interest at academy@onehousing.co.uk and you will be sent a Teams link a couple of days before the meeting.