228 technicians from 77 higher education and research institutions have benefited from a pioneering national technical leadership programme delivered by The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.
The Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership was developed to address the under representation of women in technical leadership roles in the sector.
Funded by Research England, it is the fifth time this six-month leadership programme has been delivered, concluding with an Achievements and Aspirations Day in Birmingham on 2 July 2026.
Participants have gained renewed confidence, secured promotions or new jobs, and described the programme as ‘life-changing’, ‘confidence-building’ and ‘inspiring’.
The programme has created a vibrant network of more than 1100 women technical leaders from more than 120 unique organisations, UK-wide.
Keynote speaker, Anita Coppock, Making Services Manager from Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh shared her personal career journey and experiences managing and leading technical teams.
She explained how a person-centred approach empowers leaders to embrace individual strengths, allowing technical teams to thrive.
“Understanding the unique values and beliefs each person brings to work is the key to authentic leadership,” she said. “It is this focus that empowers teams to succeed and helps individuals bring their best selves to work.”
Insights were shared during a careers panel discussion led by Lindsay Davies, ITSS Learning and Development manager featuring Herschel alumni.
Andrea Rodrigues, Technical Lead, Engineering, Design and Metallurgy, Brunel University of London now leads a team of 40 technical services professionals in the Engineering and Design division, having gained the confidence to successfully apply for a new role. She encouraged people to “take all the opportunities that come [their] way – even if you’re not ready or meet the criteria.”
Ranbir Bailey, Molecular Biology Laboratory Manager, Science Innovation Platforms from the Natural History Museum added that Herschel had helped her become a “better leader” and “have more of a strategic impact and influence” at work.
Jo Scamp, Technical Manager, University of Kent explained that “confidence can come later” and encouraged people to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” to succeed.
Monika Steinke, Research Assistant at School of Life Sciences, University of Essex shared that Herschel had helped “accelerate her career in different ways.” She has celebrated technician achievements within her organisation, delivered talks to academics and professors to illustrate the importance of technicians, and became a mentor with the Cross-Institution Mentoring Scheme for Technical Professionals, to support technicians to fulfil their careers.
Dr Kelly Vere, MBE Director for The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment Programme Lead added: “This pioneering programme gives women technical professionals space to support, challenge and celebrate each other.
“More than 200 technical professionals completed the 2026 programme which wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable team effort from multiple institutions who have helped to design this specialist leadership programme and deliver more than 90 hours of training. This programme has now supported technicians from more than 120 institutions, improving the diversity of the technical workforce nationwide. I am so proud to see this remarkable community that continues to grow and how it is shaped by the women who have completed it.”
Contributions on the day were also made by guest speaker Helen McNamara, Chief People Officer, University of Nottingham and Claire Cawthorne, Herschel Programme Director, University of Nottingham.
The 2026 programme was designed and delivered by Emma Colley (Keele University), Janet Papworth (nee Marshall) (Cranfield University), Sandy Sparks (Sparks Development), Jenny Wilkinson (Goodman Wilkinson Associates) Lindsay Davies (UK ITSS) with support from Jo Scamp (University of Kent).
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Notes to editors:
Lack of diversity is one of the biggest challenges impacting the future and sustainability of the technical community, highlighted by HESA (18/19) workforce data which identifies 31% of senior technical staff are female and 60% of the total workforce is male.
The Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership has been co-created with technical and organisational development experts to address topics specifically relevant to women in technical roles, the programme set out to elevate and advance career opportunities for current and aspiring leaders who identify as women.
The programme is named after Caroline Herschel – a pioneer in the discovery of comets and an early technician.