Generation UK
Leadership Development Programme

Generation UK was launched by the British Council in 2013 to help young UK nationals increase their employability, enhance their long-term job prospects, and develop a global mindset through study and work experience opportunities in China.

Matt Burney, Director, British Council China | Minister (Culture and Education), British Embassy Beijing

"In an increasingly complex and globalized world, the UK continues to invest in the young leaders of tomorrow. We need young people who are culturally aware and have the skills and networks to put the UK’s best foot forward. Our Generation UK alumni are absolutely central to this."

It has also sought to provide a growing number of opportunities for young people from the UK to understand and engage with China, as well as raising students’ awareness of the benefits of gaining international experience. Generation UK aims to bring young people from both countries closer together, increase mutual understanding, and pave the way to lasting links and partnerships between the UK and China.

As a continuation of this leadership journey, Common Purpose is delighted to be working in partnership with British Council to bring you the Generation UK Leadership Development Programme (LDP).

The programme will cater for 50 participants who have previously taken part in the Generation UK study and work programme China Immersions. It exposes participants to different perspectives, places, organizations and challenges that will enable you to develop into Asia-capable leaders who can create impact in your universities, workplaces, societies, communities and beyond.

About the programme

The Generation UK Leadership Development Programme (LDP) will take a multi-faceted, experiential approach to learning, developing your Cultural Intelligence, leadership, networks and knowledge within the Asia-UK context. As a result, you will develop your leadership skills and ability to cross boundaries and thrive in multiple cultures.

This 3-week Leadership Development Programme will be delivered as a combination of online (synchronous and asynchronous) and in-person components through five stages.

Stage 1: Introduction to the LDP – half-day online synchronous session – 26 April 2022

Stage 2: Building Cultural Intelligence – 6 hours asynchronous content over 2 weeks – 26 April-10 May 2022

Stage 3: Cultural Intelligence in Asia – 2 hours online synchronous Masterclasses – 29 April and 6 May 2022

Stage 4: Leadership in Practice – 2-day in-person residential in London – 12-13 May 2022

Stage 5: Articulating their learning – 2-hour individual online reflection Assessment – 16-17 May 2022


The programme is free of charge to participants and is inclusive of accommodation in London during the face-to-face event. Please note however, that you will be responsible for your own travel costs to and around London.

Who is it for?

The Generation UK LDP is for alumni who participated in the Generation UK internship or scholarship programmes between 2014-2019 and are looking to further develop their leadership skills in the Asia-UK context.

As a result of the programme you will develop your cross-cultural capability and further your Asia-literacy while advancing three core leadership competencies – Agility, Empathy and Influence. By the end of the programme you will have increased:

  • Ability to adapt to new environments
  • Ability to work in diverse teams
  • Ability to understand other cultures
  • Ability to solve complex problems

After successful completion of the course and assessment, you will be eligible to receive a micro-credential and to join a cohort of over 105,000 Common Purpose alumni globally. As alumni, you will be eligible to attend Common Purpose’s bi-annual one-day Global Leadership Forum events, bringing together students from universities around UK and Asia-Pacific regions, further enhancing your leadership network.

Apply

To apply for the Generation UK Leadership Development Programme please click on the button and complete the application form. For any queries regarding the application, please contact us.