Applications will open on Monday for the 2015 Clore Social Leadership Programme, with two new specialist fellowships in the fields of older people and the North East.

The Programme, now in its sixth year, has so far seen 83 fellows accepted over five cohorts. Successful applicants for 2015 will begin either a 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time course from January next year.  

Their study will involve residential courses, the attention of a dedicated coach and mentor, an extended secondment, and engagement in “action learning sets, focused reflection and practice-based research”.

As always, anyone working or volunteering in UK-based charities, including international NGOs and grantmaking trusts, social enterprises, housing associations, community groups and co-operatives may apply.

Employers will receive a bursary of up to £15,000 to help them to release fellows to spend time on the Programme. Individuals who are not currently working will be eligible for a bursary of up to £20,000.

The 2015 Programme will include a new older people’s fellowship, targeting people working to improve the lives of older people in the UK, and a North East fellowship for anyone who meets the general criteria but works mainly in the North East.  The former is funded by the John Ellerman Foundation and the Tudor Trust and the latter by the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Programme director Dame Mary Marsh (pictured) said: “With greater focus on clarity of purpose, innovation and sustainable business models the need for investment in leadership has never been greater than it is now.”

The deadline for applications is noon on Monday 2 June.