Community Leadership Accelerator Programme Launches for B:CAN
The B:CAN Community Leadership Accelerator 2026 has officially launched, marking an exciting new chapter for community leadership development across Birmingham.
On 28 April 2026, participants gathered at Perry Common Community Hall to mark the launch of this ambitious new programme, designed to nurture the next generation of community leaders.
The Community Leadership Accelerator offers a unique opportunity for employees, volunteers and emerging leaders from member organisations to strengthen their leadership skills while driving real change in their communities. With a strong commitment to inclusion, B:CAN has ensured the 2026 cohort reflects the rich diversity of Birmingham.
The programme is facilitated by Harris Beider, CEO of the Forward Institute and a Birmingham-born academic, nationally recognised leader in inclusive leadership and community development. Under his guidance, participants will take part in a structured and immersive learning experience that blends theory with practical and real-world application.
Running from April to November 2026, the programme, made possible through funding from the Community Power Fund, thanks to the support of The National Lottery Community Fund and The National Lottery, will support a cohort of 16 participants from across the B:CAN network, including representatives from, Small Health Community Foundation, Age Connects, Northfield Community Partnership, Witton Lodge Community Association, Springfield Project and Our Community Foundation.
At its core, the Accelerator is experiential and place-based, designed to build confidence, deepen systems understanding and strengthen participants’ ability to influence and collaborate effectively. Through a combination of peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and hands-on project work, participants will develop the skills needed to lead within complex community environments.
Throughout the programme, participants will attend eight structured policy and leadership labs, work in small groups to design and deliver a community project supported by a £10,000 budget and receive mentoring from experienced B:CAN leaders. They will also take part in learning visits to community projects in Manchester and London, engage directly with decision-makers and sector leaders, present their work at a public showcase event in November 2026, and go on to join the B:CAN Leadership Alumni Network.
Waheed Saleem, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at WLCA, said:
“The Community Leadership Accelerator represents a significant step forward in how we invest in and develop leadership within our communities. Designed as a structured, practical programme, it equips participants with the skills, confidence and insight needed to strengthen community power and drive meaningful change locally.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Professor Harris Beider in shaping a programme that is both ambitious and grounded in real-world impact. By supporting emerging leaders in this way, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected community sector across Birmingham.”
By investing in local people and supporting collaborative leadership, the B:CAN Community Leadership Accelerator aims to strengthen Birmingham’s community sector from within – building a network of confident, connected leaders equipped to tackle the challenges facing their communities.
As the cohort begins their journey, the impact of this programme is set to extend far beyond the individuals involved, creating lasting benefits for communities across Birmingham. Since launching in May 2025, B:CAN has grown rapidly, strengthening its network and commitment to developing community leadership across the city. As part of this continued growth, the 2026 B:CAN Annual Conference on 3 July will provide an opportunity to welcome members of the cohort to share their early experiences and insights from the programme.
