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For enquiries or support, please contact the Talent Development team.

Imperial Strategy – Why we are investing in Talent

Imperial’s Strategy of Enabling Talent commits to developing the people, high-end STEMB capabilities and leadership skills the world needs now and in the future.

The Talent Development Programme supports this by identifying, attracting, and nurturing the next generation of future leaders within Professional Services.

About the Talent Development Programme

This programme is designed to:

  • Identify and cultivate high-potential colleagues in Level 3B Professional Services roles
  • Strengthen Imperial’s leadership succession pipeline
  • Develop future Higher Education specialists for the institution and the wider sector

Following a successful pilot in March 2025, which received consistently positive feedback for its usefulness, learning application, and leadership development, the programme continues to focus on supporting participants in building their confidence, strategic awareness, and visibility across the institution.

Further Information

Future Direction

Following the success of the pilot, the programme has now expanded to:

  • Two cohorts per academic year
  • 20 places per cohort (40 per year)
  • Eligibility: Permanent Level 3B Professional Services staff, minimum 0.5 FTE

The programme will also build an alumni network of emerging leaders across Imperial to support succession planning, cross-functional working and internal career mobility. By year three, there will be approximately 120 alumni.

Eligibility and Selection

Who is eligible?

  • Level 3B Professional Services staff on a permanent contract (0.5 FTE or above).

How are participants selected?

  • Staff are nominated through Faculty Chief Operating Officers and then invited to apply.

What support is required from line managers?

  • Approving and enabling participation
  • Supporting development goals and practical opportunities

How much does the programme cost?

  • Cost per place to be funded through departmental contribution
How to Apply

Entry to the programme is through nomination only from your Faculty or Directorate.

Faculty Chief Operating Officers will coordinate nominations in consultation with Departmental Operations colleagues and Line Managers.

If you are interested in being considered:

  • Speak to your Line Manager about your development goals, especially during your Annual Review Conversation.
  • Ensure you meet eligibility criteria (permanent Level 3B Professional Services role, minimum 0.5 FTE)
Voices From the Pilot

Quotes from participants and line managers:

  • “The networking opportunities were great. The strategic challenge and conversations with senior leaders were the highlight.”
  • “This Talent Development programme was really important for my professional development. It targeted exactly what I need to reach the next job level.”
  • “I have observed my team member become more confident and take on responsibilities they would not previously have put themselves forward for.”
  • “My team member is speaking up more confidently in meetings. Their leadership capability is slowly coming through.”