An East–West Collaboration between Northern Ireland & Scotland

Are you passionate about community development and health equity? Do you want to connect with other leaders, share ideas, and shape change across borders?

The Common Ground Leadership Programme is a unique opportunity to build your leadership skills, explore shared challenges, and co-create solutions with peers from Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Who can apply and what is involved?

Applicants with experience working in community development and health, especially project workers or managers in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors. Volunteers may also apply if they are involved at a strategic level within their organisation.

We’re looking for people who want to:

  • Build lasting connections with community leaders across NI and Scotland

  • Learn from successful models of community-led health and development

  • Contribute to shaping inclusive, equitable futures

  • Be part of a cross-border movement for change

Events and funding

Applicants must be able to commit to attending all the programme activities, which involve travel to Northern Ireland as part of the learning exchange.

  • Networking and round table discussion events in Belfast - (2 nights in December 2025)

  • Networking and round table discussion events in Glasgow (2 nights in March 2026)

  • Two online dialogue group sessions in January and February 2026

The programme is funded by the Northern Ireland Office through the Connect Fund and participation costs, including flights and hotel, will be covered. More details on this will be available for successful applicants.

Apply

If you’d like to apply for this exciting opportunity, please fill in the form below. Applications are open until 1st November 2025 and we may be in touch with you sooner if we need more details for our selection process, as spaces are limited.

If you’d like any more information on this programme, please email Sarah.