We're excited to be able to announce that Flourish Together CIC are the lead delivery partner for the 2026 Greater Manchester Civic and Social Leadership programme, aimed at unlocking the talent and catalysing leadership pathways for people from Global Majority backgrounds. This is the 3rd year running, that we've been involved in the codesign and operational delivery of the programme.
"I've seen more change for the better here than I have seen in a longtime - this is what I hoped would come through this programme."
Andy Burnham - speaking at the 2025 Programme Graduation (November 2025)
To date more than 70 people from diverse cultural backgrounds have undertaken the programme co-developed by Sharon Amesu at She Leads for Legacy and Nickala Torkington at Flourish Together.
Within a six month period, here's what findings show from the programme evaluations:
- 100% felt that more confident, capable as leaders and felt recognised as diverse leaders to lead change
- 100% feel more able to influence change, compared to the start of the programme
- 95% said they now had increased access to connections with public leaders of influence
- 75% now have increased awareness and interest in taking up public appointments
Programme participants are progressing in a range of ways:
- Becoming local Councillors
- Becoming active members of political parties
- Applying to become Magistrates
- Becoming School Governors
- Becoming 'In work champions' as part of networks and forums
- Leading their own Charities and Community organisations
- Becoming Non-Executive Directors
Apply Now!
Leading for Legacy 2026 is now accepting expressions of interest.
This nine month civic and community leadership programme, delivered by Flourish Together CIC with diverse partners, is backed by all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
This pioneering initiative is designed to empower diverse leaders from Global Majority backgrounds across Greater Manchester, equipping them with the skills, networks and confidence to thrive in civic and public leadership roles.
What is the Programme?
Leading for Legacy is a high-level civic leadership programme for both current and future leaders from diverse backgrounds across Greater Manchester.
Funded by the GMCA and delivered by Flourish Together and wider partners, the programme runs from June to December 2026, featuring:
✅5 in-person programme days
✅ 3 online sessions
✅A Graduation day
✅Access to wider leadership opportunities and an evolving Alumni Network
How to express an interest?
Expressions of interest for the programme are now open HERE
Closing date: is 12 noon on 30th April 2026.
Participants will be selected by independent decision making panel and people will be notified by 22nd May.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, join an information session:
💻Leading for Legacy Information session – Monday 30th March at 1pm
💻Leading for Legacy Information session - Tuesday 14th April at 6.30pm
If you have any further questions, or require support with the Expression of Interest form, please get in touch via anna@flourishtogether.org.uk
Please visit, https://flourishtogether.org.uk/leading-for-legacy/ for more information and to complete the Expression of Interest form.
We look forward to another year Leading for Legacy and hope you can support or get involved.