This study is based on a project funded by the Leadership Foundation in Higher Education (Small Development Fund) that explored the experiences of Black and minority ethnic 1 (BME) leaders working in higher education institutions (HEIs), with a particular focus on participants’ career experiences to explore the strategies for success into leadership roles. This research differs from previous research that has focussed on the careers of BME academics, as it focuses on BME leaders and examines how they have secured leadership roles in higher education institutions, and aims to explore which strategies have been beneficial for these roles. Very little is known about the type and nature of support networks BME leaders’ access in pursuit of successful careers. This project therefore, represents a unique perspective on existing and emergent work around BME academic careers in HEIs.
