Topic outline

  • General

  • The New Scots leadership programme is returning for its third year!

    • From October 2023 to March 2024, 16 refugees/asylum seekers took part in the third cohort of the New Scots leadership programme. Learners were given the opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills, and access tools to create impact and build a strong community with other refugees living in Scotland.


      During this programme, you they have:

      • Accessed a supportive space to connect with peers
      • Developed the tools to step up as key leaders within their community
      • Equipped themselves with practical skills to help them understand themselves better; lead, motivate and inspire others
      • Considered they could take a more strategic approach to lead in their community, whether it was the refugee community or the geographical communities that they found themselves in.


      Who is the programme for?

      This programme is for Scottish refugees who would like to build on their existing leadership skills, develop their resilience and become key leaders for their communities.

      This programme is for people who...

      • Have experienced the asylum system in Scotland, whether they are in the process of seeking asylum and/or have a protection status (refugee, resettlement, humanitarian protection, etc.)
      • Are interested in developing their leadership potential so that they can assume a leadership role in Scotland (e.g. as a working group or core group chair or executive member).
      • Are committed to participating in the entire year-long learning programme; and
      • Have a strong professional work history that demonstrates increasing development of skills and increasing responsibilities;
      • Have expressed desire and passion for exercising leadership in their community


      We have created a FAQ document based on the questions that have been asked about the programme:

      Image of a button labelled "Q&A Notes"


      Programme Details

      Please note that all sessions will run from 10am-4pm sharp, but you are welcome to arrive at 9.30am for a hot drink and to get settled in.

      Module 1: 

      11 & 12 October 2023

      8 & 9 November 2023

      Module 2: 

      6 & 7 December 2023

      17 & 18 January 2024

      Module 3: 

      14 & 15 February 2024

      13 & 14 March 2024

      Where: Glasgow Central

      Cost: The programme is fully funded. Lunch and refreshments are included. Transport costs will be covered and/or reimbursed.  If you need any support with transport, accommodation or childcare, please let us know on the application form. Please note that it is not guaranteed.

      Overview: Click the bubbles below to view the programme overview.

      This course was an excellent opportunity to test my experiences against leadership theories and frameworks. Creating an environment in which people feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves is your responsibility as a leader. But before we stand out we should be clear on what we stand for!" Tandy Nicole Matikiti from Govan Community Project, Code Your Future, MIN Voices Group and Refugees for Justice


      Your Facilitators

      Your facilitator for this programme will be Roy Clunie. Roy supports the Social Enterprise Academy Scotland as an Associate Facilitator, facilitating programmes on Leadership and Enterprise in Scotland, Africa, Asia and Europe.



      Picture Fatima Ramzan      Fatima Ramzan. For the past 25 years, Fatima has worked in community-led projects. She played a pivotal role in the success role in the success of Dundee International Women’s Centre. Originally from Pakistan, Fatima moved to Dundee from Yorkshire in 1993 and has worked on many community-led projects.



      Sign up button

      Deadline 24 September
      Q&A Sessions

      If you're wondering if this programme is for you, the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) and the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) will be running online Q&A sessions. It will provide an opportunity to learn more about the New Scots Leadership programme and the eligibility criteria. Attendees will have a chance to ask questions to representatives from SEA and SRC.

      1. Monday 28th of August at 10am
      2. Monday 28th of August at 5:30pm
      3. Wednesday 13 September at 11am

      If you would like to attend a session, please sign up below and we will be in touch with more information. We would love to see you there!

      Sign up


      More Information

      Elsa Vibert | elsa@socialenterprise.academy


      Scottish Refugee Council logo

      The programme will be delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council.