The Onwards and Upwards study, conducted by Sarah Barnard, John Arnold, Sara Bosley and Fehmidah Munir at Loughborough University, gathers and considers the views and progression of women in higher education who have participated in the Advance HE’s Aurora leadership programme. Using longitudinal mixed-methods research, it looks at career trajectories, aspirations and work experiences. A comparison group of women in similar university roles is being tracked over the same time period. The themes emerging from the Year 2 data analysis revolve around two key areas: leadership approaches and practice, and institutional structures and practices. The study considers what is working or making a difference, as well as the challenges women face and what needs to change.
