The Character Advantage
Senior leaders are under pressure to deliver results in a world shaped by polarisation, AI disruption, economic uncertainty, generational change, geopolitical tensions, workplace churn, and declining institutional trust.
Professional competence matters, but alone, it is not enough.
Over the next decade, character will increasingly separate exceptional leaders from technically proficient managers. It will shape who builds loyalty, who sustains performance under pressure, who earns trust, who makes sound decisions when the stakes are high, and who creates teams resilient enough to withstand shocks and continue to perform.
Drawing on more than a decade of research from the Oxford Character Project, this programme helps experienced leaders develop the character and wisdom required to lead effectively in a complex world.
Application launch: 15 June 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application deadline: 7 July 2026
We strongly encourage early applications as places are limited and we may not be able to consider applications submitted close to the final deadline in July.
Decision notification: Within one week of submission
You will be informed of the outcome and the next steps.
Confirmation of acceptance: Within 10 working days of receiving your offer
Successful applicants must confirm their place and pay the course fee (£8,000) to secure participation.
Programme days: 31 Aug - 4 Sep 2026
Participants will join the programme at the University of Oxford and begin their leadership journey.
Why this programme?
The Oxford Leadership and Character Programme helps experienced leaders develop the virtues and practices that drive successful, flourishing leaders, teams, and organisations. Grounded in research and led by Oxford faculty, the programme will offer participants practical tools to further develop their own leadership style and to build and embed character-driven cultures within their teams and organisations.
The programme combines rigorous research, practical leadership development, structured reflection, and experiential learning in a setting designed for depth, challenge, and meaningful exchange. You will engage with leading academics and experienced practitioners, join Oxford tutorial discussions, hear from guest speakers from business, sport, public life, and other sectors, and experience the best of Oxford through rowing, music, portraiture, walks, and formal dinners.
The programme is designed for experienced and ambitious leaders across sectors who are already successful and preparing for the next level of responsibility. We are looking for participants who want to:
- Strengthen the character and judgement required for greater responsibility
- Develop confidence in making difficult decisions under pressure
- Reflect deeply on your leadership style, purpose, and next stage of growth
- Build resilience and moral courage for shocks, setbacks, and the demands of senior leadership
- Learn from leading academics, practitioners, and peers from across sectors
- Leave with a practical leadership and character roadmap
- Join a network of leaders committed to character-based leadership
FAQs
1. When and where will the programme take place?
The programme will run from 31st August to 4th September at Jesus College, University of Oxford. Participants will stay at the college, and the cost of accommodation and meals during the programme is included in the course fee.
2. What is the course fee?
The course fee is £8000 per participant. Organisations sending multiple participants may be eligible for a discretionary group discount. To discuss group bookings, please contact the Programme Director at neil.unsworth@politics.ox.ac.uk.
3. How many participants will attend the programme?
We intend to limit the number of participants to 18.
4. I'm interested, but I'm not available on the mentioned dates. When is the next programme?
The next programme will take place in early 2027 (exact dates TBC). If you're interested, please write to us to be included in the waiting list. We will inform you when the dates are confirmed.
5. Do you provide visa support?
No, we do not provide or cover the costs of visa applications, nor can we assist with the application process. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate visa or immigration status to attend the programme.
All visitors participating in University activities must comply with UK immigration requirements. Please consult the University’s guidance on visitor visas.
If you do not require a visa, you may still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). View guidance and application information on applying for an ETA.
6. Who can I contact to learn more?
If you have any questions about the programme that aren’t answered above, please contact us at info@oxfordcharacter.org.