Members of the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme (DSLP) came together at the end of March for a two‑day residential that offered rare space for deep reflection, meaningful connection and renewed leadership clarity.

The residential opened on Sunday under the guidance of the facilitators from Windsor Leadership, who led participants through structured check‑ins and Windsor syndicate work. These sessions created a trusted environment in which participants were able to step back from day‑to‑day pressures and engage honestly with real leadership challenges, supported and challenged by their peers. A highlight was a session with Windsor speaker Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first female Admiral in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral Terry spoke about her leadership journey and took questions from the group.

As DSLP participant Erica Marks reflected, “Giving ourselves time to step away fully from our work roles and connect with our DSLP colleagues delivers a different level of connection and reflection”.

A further highlight of the Sunday afternoon was a session with Windsor speaker Rear Admiral Jude Terry, the first female Admiral in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral Terry spoke about her leadership journey and took questions from the group.

Sunday evening and the full programme on Monday were led by DSLP co‑programme directors Larry Shulman and Michelle Janes, blending thoughtful leadership exploration with space for informality, warmth and community. Alongside facilitated sessions, shared meals and informal time together played an important role in strengthening relationships and allowing participants to reconnect with the human side of leadership.

Throughout the residential, participants were invited into a range of reflective practices, including guided writing, outdoor reflection, and conversations focused on sensemaking, vision and the kind of leader each person wants to be in the year ahead.

Following a day based on the theme of The leader I am; the leader I need to be led by Larry and Michelle, the retreat concluded with presentations by the participants which encapsulated their evolution as leaders over the course of the programme as they reflected on their progress and articulated a vision for their leadership over the next twelve months.

DSLP participant Marc Levy, CEO of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council said of the retreat,

“I enjoyed my time with my Windsor syndicate and realisation as to my main challenge and what I need to do to progress with both my personal and professional development. But the whole programme was thoughtfully put together to facilitate an environment to assist with my growth.”

A huge thanks goes to the team at Windsor Leadership; Chair Sangita Shah, and facilitators Dino Laudato, Dave Lewis and Rita Symons as well as the Windsor programming team, Sue Graham and Dr Ed Newell who also joined us.

To read more about the DSLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Deep Reflection, Stronger Leadership: Inside the DSLP Residential ExperienceJLCMon, 23 Mar 2026 14:55:35 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/antisemitic-arson-attack-on-hatzola-ambulances-in-golders-green61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:69c15467638ec33cf7b3b66f

“We are horrified by the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green this morning.

Hatzola ambulances provide an extraordinary, life-saving service to Jews and non-Jews alike. It is particularly sickening that someone’s hatred of Jews drives them to target vital ambulance services in this way. We are relieved that no one has been harmed.

It is essential that those responsible are brought to justice.

This attack comes in the context of a tidal wave of hatred against Jewish people in recent years. It has been almost six months since a deadly Islamist attack on a synagogue in this country. We have also seen other plots foiled by the work of the security services.

This is not just an attack on Jews but an attack on Britain and its values. Our society can’t just be outraged, it must act to show that extremism and hatred will not be tolerated.”

On 12th March in Leeds, 18 Jewish communal professionals from across Manchester and Leeds came together for a thought-provoking professional development forum with entrepreneur Simon Gray.

Bringing together leaders from a range of organisations and roles, the lunchtime session offered a valuable opportunity not only to connect across cities, but to engage with a perspective that is still relatively rare within the communal sector: that of a private-sector entrepreneur.

Simon shared his personal journey in building and eventually selling a multi-million pound drinks brand with candour and clarity, offering practical insights shaped by real-world experience. His reflections resonated strongly with the group, particularly around the importance of values and organisational culture as the foundation for effective leadership. He also challenged participants to confront the risks of becoming overly risk-averse — and the need for organisations to “disrupt themselves” in order to stay relevant and responsive in a rapidly changing environment.

The session struck a balance between inspiration and application. It was not simply about hearing a compelling story, but about translating those lessons into a communal context — where resources are often constrained, but ambition and responsibility are high.

Feedback from participants reflected the impact of the session. Amanda Newdall, North-West Head of Clinical Services at Chai Cancer Care, described it as “an interesting and thought-provoking session.” David Israel, Executive Director of Sinai Synagogue in Leeds, added: “Bringing the skills and expertise of the private sector to support the ambition of our community was invaluable, and inspiring.”

Our thanks to Simon and to the team at the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board for hosting the session. Thanks also to Susie Gordon, CEO of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council for her support in organising the event. This is the second forum session to have been held in Leeds/Manchester and we plan for these to be the first in a series of development workshops for communal professionals in the North of England.

To find out more about our regular Forum sessions for Jewish communal professionals, please contact us at info@thejlc.org.

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]]>Leeds & Manchester Leaders Reflect on Enterprise ThinkingJLCWed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:02 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/home-secretarys-decision-to-ban-the-al-quds-day-march61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:69b14e5b69ddfe76e0163f18

“We welcome the Home Secretary’s decision to ban the Al Quds Day march this Sunday. In past years, this annual march, organised by a group with alleged links to the Iranian regime, has been a hotbed of antisemitism, incitement and support for terrorism.

Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental rights, but they must be balanced against the risk of disorder and the context of hostile state threats.

In light of recent attacks and foiled plots against the Jewish community in the UK, as well as the heightened tensions caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this year’s march had the potential to result in serious public disorder. It is reassuring that the Metropolitan Police and the Home Secretary have recognised this concern.

It is, however, likely that this march will be replaced by a static protest, with many of the same risks remaining. This underscores the need for Lord Macdonald’s review into public order legislation to recommend measures ending the arbitrary distinction between processions and assemblies.

Ensuring that the authorities have the tools they need to police events that risk intimidation, incitement and disorder effectively, is essential to protecting public safety and security.”

On Thursday 26th February, members of the Adam Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) cohort of emerging Jewish lay and professional leaders gathered at South Hampstead Synagogue for a focused conversation on Leadership Through Adversity. This was our second Adam Science regional gathering in February, following the dinner event in Leeds the previous week.

We were privileged to hear from Baroness Luciana Berger, Adrian Cohen (Senior Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews) and Adam Langleben (Executive Director of Progress think tank), who reflected candidly on their experiences of leading during a period of significant communal strain. Their insights moved beyond events themselves to the deeper questions of leadership under pressure.

What does it mean to remain principled when doing so carries personal or professional cost? When is it right to stay and advocate for change, and when is it right to step away? How does a leader maintain clarity and integrity amid scrutiny and challenge?

The speakers spoke about their experiences, as well as answering questions and joining the cohort for dinner.

For the cohort, the evening was both sobering and energising. A consistent theme was that resilience is not simply endurance; it is rooted in clarity of values, a strong sense of identity, justice and connection to community.

Yehuda Fink, Managing Director of StandwithUsUK, said:

“It was a real privilege to hear from three exceptional leaders of our community share insights on their experiences during one of the most challenging periods for British Jewry. Opportunities like this evening are what make the Adam Science Leadership Programme so rewarding.

Nick Young, ASLP programme director, added, "We are deeply grateful to Luciana, Adrian and Adam for their generosity and honesty in sharing their reflections and to all involved in the evening.”

To read more about the ASLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Adam Science: Leadership through AdversityJLCTue, 03 Mar 2026 18:55:44 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/statement-on-the-governments-response-to-the-war-in-iran61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:69a9d1b00bffa81dbbf8708b

“It is astonishing that even after the Iranian regime’s apparent targeting of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the government has emphasised its decision not to become directly involved in responding to this threat. At a time of escalating regional instability, we believe the UK should take clear and robust steps to address the threat posed by the Iranian regime.

The Prime Minister has acknowledged that Iran’s aggression towards Britain and our interests is long-standing. Yet, as our allies in the United States and Israel are confronting this aggression, the UK consistently fails to take meaningful action.

In the last two years, the regime’s capability and willingness to target Israel directly has become increasingly clear, as large-scale missile and drone attacks have been launched against Israel, many of which have struck or threatened civilian areas. Iran continues to strike not only military targets, but economic infrastructure across the region, with no regard for civilian casualties.

This is a fast moving and challenging situation but the government’s approach to responding to a regime which actively targets Jews, Israelis and Iranian dissidents on UK soil is a matter of serious concern.

Iran remains the leading state-sponsor of terrorism.

Its threat is not confined to the Middle East; it operates networks across the world including in the UK. The Intelligence and Security Committee report published last year revealed that since 2022 Iran has attempted at least 15 assassination or kidnapping operations against individuals based in the UK.

It has now been nine months since the then Home Secretary promised to create a new power of proscription to cover state threats such as the IRGC. The government must introduce emergency legislation at the earliest opportunity to implement Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations and finally proscribe the IRGC.

This is not a moment for complacency. We expect the government to act to defend Britain’s national security, and the safety of those targeted by this regime.”

Thursday 19th February in Leeds, members of the Adam Science Leadership Programme gathered with alumni, Dangoor participants and senior communal leaders from Leeds and Manchester for dinner and to reflect on a central question: what does it take to grow — and sustain — a thriving Northern Jewish ecosystem?

Among those present were Mark Adlestone, Chair of the Manchester Jewish Representative Council, Bernie Yaffe, Chair of The Fed, and we were warmly hosted and welcomed by Helen Lewis, Chair of the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board which houses Leeds Kosher Kitchen, where the event took place. The discussion was facilitated by Adam Science programme director Nick Young.

Around one table sat leaders at different stages of their journeys. Senior figures reflected briefly on decisions that had strengthened their communities — and what they might approach differently with hindsight. Their candour set a constructive tone. The focus then shifted to emerging leaders and alumni of Adam Science, who spoke from within the day-to-day reality of communal life. They highlighted both fragility and possibility: the importance of collaboration across cities, the challenge of long-term sustainability, and the need to create space for new leadership while valuing experience.

Those present accentuated the importance of not being limited by the past but to look upon it as “standing on the shoulders of giants”. What became clear is that a resilient ecosystem and community depends on innovation, inclusion of diverse voices and above all bravery to meet the challenges of today to meet the needs of the community tomorrow.

Aaron Lowe, Programme Manager at The Friendship Circle and a member of the Adam Science 2025-26 cohort reflected, “It was especially powerful to connect with fellow leaders in the Jewish community and to build strong, lasting relationships. It was a real reminder of how impactful it is when we come together, share ideas, and plant seeds for the future of our Jewish community.”

Also present, Hannah Gerson, an Adam Science alum (2022-23) who has just started her role as Regional Director of Paperweight, said, “Many thanks to the organisers for convening such a meaningful evening.  The discussions were both thoughtful and energising, focusing on leadership and growth which was particularly resonant following the recent opening of our new Paperweight office in Manchester”.

No single evening resolves systemic challenges. But it can model the kind of conversation that makes progress possible: honest, disciplined and forward-looking. For our emerging leaders, being part of that dialogue is itself a vital step in shaping what comes next.

Our thanks to the staff of Leeds Kosher Kitchen for looking after the group so well and for providing a delicious oriental meal in honour of Chinese new year.

To read more about the ASLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Adam Science: Growing a Northern Jewish Eco-SystemTyla DallasMon, 09 Feb 2026 19:44:01 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/dslp2526-leadership-gatherings3-spzjr61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:698a31eedbbe586f90183c9d

The latest gathering of the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme (DSLP) 2025-26 brought together leaders from across the cohort for a lively and thoughtful day of learning, guided by co-programme directors Larry Shulman and Michelle Janes. The title for the session was Community ThinkTank, with participants considering the Opportunities, Threats, Strengths and Weaknesses of their own organisations before considering those of the wider Jewish community in support of the JLC’s Forge the Future initiative. As they considered the broader communal picture, they were joined by members of the JLC team including interim CEO Debbie Fox, COO Abigail Carmel and Head of Strategic Programmes Claire Mandel.

Warm, energetic and rich with insight on a personal, group and communal level, the ThinkTank reinforced the value of reflective practice and high‑quality dialogue at the heart of community leadership.

As Larry and Michelle expressed in their closing message, an important strength of the community lies in how its leaders show up for one another—and days like this demonstrate that the DSLP cohort continues to model the kind of leadership our community needs.

DSLP participant Erica Marks concurred saying, “We are deepening our connections with our cohort, which is leading to better shared understanding and growth.”

Fellow participant Shimon Gillis, COO of Jewish Futures added, “Delighted by the opportunity to discuss the deep rooted challenges within the community and to work through these challenges with a talented group of leaders”.

The next events for the group will be an online forum with three communal CEOs followed by a residential in March which will feature Windsor Leadership and include sessions on The leader I am; the leader I need to be.

To read more about the DSLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme: Community ThinkTankJLCWed, 14 Jan 2026 17:50:46 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/statement-home-secretary-west-midlands-polices-chief-constable-slmr261d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:6967d34d92dae60ef9ee7e28
]]>Joint JLC and Board of Deputies statement following the Home Secretary’s statement of no confidence in West Midlands Police's Chief Constable Craig Guildford.JLCWed, 07 Jan 2026 12:05:41 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/statement-west-midlands-polices-chief-constable61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:695e4adc0964a063211c3b54Following today's appearance at the Home Affairs Select Committee regarding the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their fixture with Aston Villa, we join the Board of Deputies of British Jews in calling for West Midlands Police's Chief Constable to resign.

On Sunday 30th November, the 2025-26 cohort of the Adam Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) for emerging communal leaders gathered for a day-long mid-programme workshop at Hammerson House. As this is a hybrid programme bringing together lay and professional leaders from Leeds, Manchester and Brighton in addition to London and the South-East, this workshop followed a number of online sessions- which made this event eagerly anticipated as it was the first time that the whole group had been together since their residential weekend in May. The group took the opportunity to reconnect and catch up in addition to professional development.

Centred on the theme Hineni (“Here I am”), the day focused on reflection, leadership presence and impact. During the first session- a reflective check-in led by prgoramme director Nick Young along with consultant Michelle Janes (COO of Kisharon Langdon), the group talked about things that they had actioned or noticed in themselves since beginning the programme. A common theme was that the programme had helped participants to find their voices.

Participants then heard from Jo Grose, CEO of the United Synagogue, who shared insights from her leadership journey in-conversation with Michelle. The afternoon saw the group take part in a practical session led by Leadership Development Consultant Larry Shulman on strengthening authority, presence and confidence as emerging leaders.

One of the ASLP participants, said, “I really valued the chance to reconnect with our cohort and to catch up with Nick and Michelle. It was an important day to focus on our authority, presence and impact in our varied roles. The sessions with Jo Grose and Larry Shulman were inspiring and offered practical guidance that will strengthen our leadership going forward.”

The group will now continue to work with their mentors from the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme. They have online workshops in December and January before gatherings in London and Leeds in February.

To read more about the ASLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Adam Science: A Day of Leadership ImpactTyla DallasThu, 20 Nov 2025 15:53:57 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/northern-forum-november2561d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:691b65e16566b72494813704

On Wednesday November 19th, Lead (our leadership development division) held our first ever Forum event in Manchester. 20 communal professionals from 13 different communal organisations based in Manchester and Leeds, came together at The Fed for a session on leadership through adversity and change led by inaugural speaker Kate Pearlman-Shaw. Although a clinical psychologist by background, Kate is an organisational development and leadership specialist who is also a former chair of the Leeds Jewish Housing Association.

Kate unpacked the psychological processes that take place when we are under stress affecting judgement and decision-making, and worked with the group on ways of remaining grounded, authoritative and discerning- even when facing multiple leadership challenges. The session was timely, given recent events, but also relatable and affirmative as Kate distilled some of the key concepts from her recent book, The Psychology of Effective Leadership: This Works.

The interactive session featured pairwork and group interactions- as well the opportunity to connect to the others in the room over lunch. We hope that this will be the first of a series of these gatherings, with the next due to take place in Leeds in early 2026. We mirrored a format that works well for groups that we run regularly in London which are based around professional areas such as marketing/comms, fundraising, finance, HR and safeguarding. Although this event had a more general leadership focus, subsequent occasions may be similarly geared towards specific areas of expertise and practice.

To find out more about our regular Forum sessions for Jewish communal professionals, please contact us at info@thejlc.org.

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]]>Exploring Leadership Under Pressure: Kate Pearlman-Shaw Opens Our Northern Forum SeriesTyla DallasMon, 03 Nov 2025 12:48:01 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/dslp2526-leadership-gatherings261d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:69089ca0390ef175d6d98d29

The participants of the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme (DSLP) for lay and professional leaders convened for a leadership workshop at Hammerson House, North-West London on Sunday November 2nd. The event, faciliated by DSLP co-directors Michelle Janes and Larry Shulman, covered strategic leadership in a session entitled “What got us here won’t necessarily get us there?”. The gathering also provided an opportunity for members of the group to be together in person for the first time since July, to pick up with each other and reflect on themselves and their leadership following a turbulent few months for the community. We were especially delighted to see cohort members from Manchester including Rabbi Daniel Walker of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation.

We were also joined for lunch by Debbie Fox, who has supported the programme for many years as Chair of Lead, but is now just beginning her period as interim CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council. Debbie addressed the group, thanking them for their work and emphasising its significance for our community.

Susie Gordon, CEO of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council said of the session, “Well-paced, practical session with tangible next steps…and a lovely chance to reconnect with great people.”

Erica Marks, CEO of Jewish Sexual Abuse Support, added, “Being with our DSLP cohort, especially through turbulent and emotional times, felt like a warm hug. Much needed and sustaining.”

The next event for the group will be an online workshop with Professor Deborah Ancona in December, Founder of the MIT Leadership Center.

To read more about the DSLP programme and the 2025-26 cohort, click here.

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]]>Strategic Leadership in Action: DSLP Cohort Gathers to Reflect and ReconnectTyla DallasTue, 28 Oct 2025 15:59:30 +0000https://www.thejlc.org/news/towards-a-comprehensive-government-strategy-on-antisemitism61d6f7e054be4a05ac56bf25:61d70bc6cb049f705388fea8:6900e7baf6a3622fbce3978528 October 2025

In the wake of the Heaton Park Synagogue terrorist attack, Jewish community organisations have come together to present the Government with a detailed set of policy priorities to tackle antisemitism, and a call for a Comprehensive Government Strategy on Antisemitism.

The document, entitled, ‘After the Heaton Park attack: Towards a Comprehensive Government Strategy on Antisemitism’, has been issued jointly by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Union of Jewish Students, and builds on consultations with other leading communal organisations including the Community Security Trust.

The policy priorities reflect the focus of community engagement with government and others since the attack, focusing on four key areas: policing and security; extremism; civil society; and schools and universities. It builds on existing initiatives including the recent report of the Board of Deputies Commission on Antisemitism.

The organisations say the document should form the foundation for ongoing work between government, experts and partners within and beyond the Jewish community to root out antisemitism from British society.

Commenting on the launch of the document, Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg said:

“Following the awful Yom Kippur attack at Heaton Park Synagogue we have seen a series of welcome announcements from the Government. However, these measures on their own will not be sufficient to meet the long-term society-wide challenge of confronting antisemitic hatred. We need to see a Comprehensive Government Strategy on Antisemitism, and this paper points the way to what that should include.”

Keith Black, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council said:

“The murder of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, was a devastating blow to our community’s sense of safety and belonging in this country. In the aftermath of this horrific terrorist incident, the government’s announcement of up to £10 million in emergency funding to protect Jewish communities is an important step to prevent further attacks. But protecting Jewish life must not end at physical security measures. We need sustained action to combat the root causes of antisemitism and extremism which make this security funding necessary. It is time for a Comprehensive Government Strategy on Antisemitism.”

Louis Danker, President, Union of Jewish Students said:

"Combatting antisemitism and extremism on campus must be central to coordinated cross-government action on antisemitism. Jewish students welcome the steps taken so far to extend UJS antisemitism training and demand action from universities. However, extreme student groups have never been so emboldened to glorify terrorism and incite hate. Government must act with urgency to break the culture of impunity, clarify universities' obligations, and root out antisemitism from our campuses."