United Kingdom Acumen Fellowship 2027: 9-Month Leadership Programme for Social Entrepreneurs and Leaders
The United Kingdom Acumen Fellowship 2027 is a nine-month leadership development programme for ambitious social entrepreneurs and leaders across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is designed for individuals who are building and scaling solutions to poverty and social inequality.
Overview
The United Kingdom Acumen Fellowship is a leadership initiative offered through Acumen Academy for social entrepreneurs and leaders working to address poverty, inequality, and other pressing social challenges. The programme brings together founders, CEOs, and senior leaders whose organisations or initiatives are already creating meaningful impact. Rather than focusing on early-stage ideas, the Fellowship aims to help established leaders strengthen their practical skills, scale their organisations, and address wider systemic challenges.
The nine-month hybrid curriculum combines in-person immersives, virtual workshops, self-paced learning, group calls, and peer accountability. Participants continue running their organisations while engaging in the programme. Key curriculum areas include Polarity Management, Good Society Readings, Adaptive Leadership, and Authentic Voice. Additionally, the programme covers costs for in-person immersives, including lodging and food.
Benefits
- Leadership development frameworks and real-world skills to navigate organisational growth.
- A peer community of diverse leaders across different locations and sectors.
- Opportunities to deepen organisational impact and explore systemic issues.
- Lifelong access to the Foundry, Acumen's global community of over 2,000 social innovators across 71 countries, offering coaching, tools, and pathways to capital.
Eligibility
- Open to social entrepreneurs and leaders based across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Must lead an organisation, social enterprise, or initiative that is already operating and demonstrating measurable or meaningful social impact.
- Must have a credible vision for expanding reach and addressing the systems connected to their work.
- Must be prepared to learn alongside and contribute to a diverse cohort of peers.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should follow the steps outlined by Acumen Academy:
- Review the Applicant Toolkit prior to preparing the application.
- Submit the online application before the final closing date.
- Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a Selection Festival scheduled for 14–15 January 2027.
- Successful Fellows will begin the programme in February 2027.
Deadline
Applications for the 2027 UK Acumen Fellowship close on 3 November 2026.