Alex Baird and Ellis and Lou Beardsmore
Session summary
This session will highlight the significance of LGBTQ+ leadership development programmes. It will provide insights into these programmes and their outcomes for attendees and their respective institutions. The presentation will discuss how the community of LGBTQ+ attendees reframed concepts of leadership during their time together. Additionally, an overview of follow-up research will be shared, which acknowledges both the longitudinal and curvilinear outcomes for attendees. The research has enabled participants to co-create the design of the programme for 2025-26. The session will encourage audience engagement through creative methods, such as the ‘Rainbow Tree of Life’ and ‘narrative writing’ workshops planned for the LGBTQ+ Leadership Development Programme in 2025-26. The presenters will explain how these creative approaches aim to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, enhance attendees' self-awareness (an essential component of leadership), and offer new outlets for self-expression. They intend to publish the findings and exhibit anonymised art and writing within the local community. Through this dissemination, they hope to inspire LGBTQ+ leaders, engage allies, secure funding, and guide the development of future LGBTQ+ leadership programmes.
1.15 PM
24 Oktober 2025
All times should be listed in UK time however if you are viewing outside the UK you may see it listed in your local time; if so, please check the UK time at the full programme listing for #SaferToBeMe.
Biography
Dr Alex Baird
Alex is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Physical Education at the University of Bedfordshire. Alex is the vice chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network and they have also been involved in the leadership of EDI actions across and beyond the university. Alex’s EdD thesis research accessed a rare LGBTQ+ Leadership Development programme that was run at one UK university. They have published in peer review journals are currently co-authoring a book LGBTQ+ Educators: Leaders in Every Role. Prior to working in higher education, Alex taught for 13 years in primary and secondary education.
Ellis and Lou Beardsmore
Ellis and Lou are co-founders of Proud Futures, an award-winning social enterprise specialising in LGBTQ+ leadership, training, and wellbeing. With extensive experience across charity leadership, international development, and EDI practice, they’ve partnered with over 200+ organisations to build inclusive cultures where LGBTQ+ people lead and flourish. They developed Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ Leadership and Changemaker Programme and will host Leading with Pride, Scotland's LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference on 13th November in Glasgow this year.
