The Institute of Leadership is delighted to welcome The Oxford Exchange Leadership Programme as a new Institute Approved programme, recognising its commitment to developing confident, capable and globally minded future leaders.
Based at Oriel College, The Oxford Exchange is a two-week residential programme combining academic study with leadership development. Designed for students seeking to make a positive impact across business, politics, international relations and global health, the programme encourages scholars to think critically, question assumptions and develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Through three specialist pathways: Political Leadership and International Relations; Strategic Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship; and Global Health and Medicine, students explore complex challenges from multiple perspectives while developing their ability to collaborate, communicate and lead with purpose.
Leadership development is embedded throughout the programme, with lectures, collaborative seminars, simulations and Oxbridge-style tutorials giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge, consider different perspectives and reflect on their own leadership potential.
This approach recognises that academic achievement is only one part of effective leadership, with creativity, adaptability and resilience equally important to navigating future challenges.
Achieving Institute Approved status represents an important milestone for The Oxford Exchange and reflects its commitment to developing leadership capability alongside academic excellence.
Professor Louise Formby and Professor Craig Tiedman, Co-Directors of The Oxford Exchange, said:
“Earning Institute Approved status is a monumental milestone for The Oxford Exchange. It validates our commitment to embedding practical leadership into rigorous academics. For our scholars, this partnership bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world executive skills, empowering the next generation of global leaders.”
The partnership also connects learners with the wider Institute of Leadership community. Students participating in the programme have the opportunity to access Institute membership, supporting their continued leadership development and helping them build connections as they progress into further study and their careers.
The value of this approach is reflected in the experiences of the programme’s scholars. Ivy Joloya, a recent participant, said:
“Not only did I meet a lot of new people from all over the world, but I also got to gain a deeper knowledge of a range of subjects like Business Entrepreneurship and Law. Throughout the programme, I felt truly cared for.”
For The Institute, the partnership provides an opportunity to support an ambitious programme that shares its commitment to developing better leaders at every stage of their journey.
Laura Chassels, Corporate Partnerships Lead at the Institute of Leadership, said:
“It was fantastic to witness first-hand how The Oxford Exchange brings leadership development to life. Students are encouraged not just to learn about leadership, but to question it, practise it and consider the kind of leader they want to become.
“We’re delighted to welcome The Oxford Exchange as an Institute Approved programme and look forward to building on this partnership, exploring further opportunities to support and showcase the leadership journeys and achievements of its learners.”
Through this partnership, The Institute of Leadership and The Oxford Exchange share a commitment to helping young people develop the knowledge, confidence and capabilities to become effective leaders, both now and in the future.
Institute Approved status recognises programmes and organisations that demonstrate a commitment to developing leadership capability and supporting individuals on their leadership journey. Through Institute Approved partnerships, learners can connect their development to a wider professional leadership community and benefit from the recognition associated with The Institute of Leadership.
Find out more here.
The Oxford Exchange Leadership Programme is a two-week residential programme based at Oriel College, Oxford, bringing together academic study and practical leadership development. Its three pathways - Political Leadership and International Relations; Strategic Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship; and Global Health and Medicine - provide students with an opportunity to explore their chosen field while developing the skills and perspectives required to become future leaders.
Learn more here.
