Northern Ireland stands at a defining moment. The challenges we face—political, social, and economic—are deeply interconnected and shaped by a complex history. Addressing them requires more than policy or technical expertise. It requires courageous leadership, trusted relationships, and the ability to think different and act across systems.
The Fellowship Programme offers leaders the opportunity to reimagine leadership.
A Transformative Leadership Journey
The Fellowship Programme is a seven-month leadership initiative that brings together up to 28 leaders each year from politics, civic society, and business. Through immersive workshops, residential experiences in Oxford and Dublin, design-thinking projects, and structured cross-sector dialogue, Fellows are supported to:
- Develop systems-level thinking and collaborative leadership skills
- Build trusted relationships across political, community, and professional divides
- Explore innovative approaches to Northern Ireland’s most persistent challenges
- Translate insight into action with real-world impact
The programme creates the conditions for leaders to step beyond institutional silos and work together in new ways.
A Growing Network with Real Influence
Now in its fifth year, the Fellowship has connected over 125 Fellows, including government ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior civil servants, community leaders, and business executives.
Together, they form a trusted and influential alumni network committed to improving outcomes and shaping a more inclusive and prosperous Northern Ireland.
The Fellowship’s long-term ambition is to develop a network of 1,000 leaders over the next decade; leaders who embody integrity, creativity, and effectiveness, and who are equipped to collaborate across difference.
Five Years On: Building the Next Chapter
The Fellowship’s fifth anniversary marked a significant moment of reflection and momentum. It underscored the programme’s growth, the strength of its alumni network, and the tangible impact Fellows are already having across public life, communities, and the economy.
This impact would not be possible without the generous support from our public and private sponsors and partners.
Principle Funders
Corporate patrons
Sponsors
Partnership Opportunities
We invite senior leaders and organisations to explore corporate partnership or sponsorship and play a defining role in shaping the next generation of leadership in Northern Ireland.
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact Programme Director Eva Grosman today.
Email:
eva.grosman@democracyandpeace.org
Tel: +44 7958 241 456
——
To keep up to date with the Fellowship Programme, follow the CDP Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts, as well as subscribing to our newsletter.
