IoD press release The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and the Institute of Directors Unite to Champion Black Leadership in the UK
The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (SLDF) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have announced a pioneering joint scholarship programme designed to accelerate the careers of exceptional Black business leaders across the UK. Launching in October 2025, the initiative will open doors to world-class training, influential networks, and new possibilities for leadership in business, public, and third sectors.
Three outstanding leaders – one from a start-up, one from a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME), and one from the public or third sector – will each be awarded a fully funded place on the IoD’s prestigious Certificate in Company Direction programme. Alongside the qualification, recipients will receive a two-year membership to the IoD, granting access to unparalleled resources, mentoring, and professional connections.
This programme directly reflects SLDF’s mission to remove barriers to success and promote equity in sectors where Black professionals remain underrepresented. By investing in high-potential leaders, the partnership seeks to inspire change at the top and strengthen the pipeline of Black talent for senior decision-making roles.
A Pathway to Leadership, Influence, and Impact
The scholarship embodies the SLDF’s “3 C’s” vision:
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Careers: Breaking systemic barriers by equipping Black leaders with strategic, governance, and financial expertise — empowering them to step into Director-level roles with confidence and authority.
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Classrooms: Demonstrating the value of lifelong learning, showing that transformative education extends beyond school and into professional life.
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Communities: Elevating leaders who will act as role models, mentors, and changemakers — amplifying representation and driving equitable growth across sectors.
Narissa Williams, Project Manager of the SLDF said:
“This scholarship is about more than professional development – it’s about transformation. We’re investing in Black leaders whose brilliance, resilience, and vision deserve to be seen at the highest levels of influence. By equipping them with the tools to lead, we’re not only opening boardroom doors but paving the way for systemic change.”
Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon said:
Stephen believed in a world where everyone, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This partnership with the Institute of Directors is a step toward making that vision a reality – by breaking down barriers, elevating Black excellence, and creating space for new voices at the highest levels of leadership. It’s about justice, legacy, and lasting change.
Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the IoD, added:
“The IoD is proud to stand alongside the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation in championing diversity in leadership. We know that great leadership thrives on diversity of thought, perspective, and experience – and this programme ensures we nurture the talent that will shape a more inclusive business landscape.”
Scholarship Details
Each of the three selected leaders will receive:
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Full funding for the IoD Certificate in Company Direction (to be completed within two years), worth £14,850.
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Two years’ IoD membership, including exclusive access to resources, events, and networking opportunities, worth £988.
Who Should Apply
The scholarship is open to applicants self-identify as Black, or from racially minoritised or marginalised backgrounds, with priority for those identify as Black or mixed Black heritage.
Applicants must currently hold (or have held in the last 12 months) a senior leadership or director role for at least two years with influence over strategic decisions.
Candidates should demonstrate a track record of driving business growth, social value or community impact—particularly in underserved or disadvantaged communities—and articulate a clear vision for how this opportunity will support their leadership journey, their organisation, and the wider community.
Applications open from 31 October. Winners will be contacted directly in February 2026.
To apply or find out more, visit iod.com/l/iod-and-sldf-scholarship-hy6sbnjkls866sfx/
