Programme Leader

Dr François Nel, Reader/Associate Professor of Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Lancashire

Balanced Sustainable Leadership

The Sustainable Innovation and Leadership Accelerator (SILA) is inspired by the word sila, representing ethics, environmental stewardship, and interconnectedness across cultures. SILA combines these values with a strong focus on economic sustainability, guiding media leaders to adopt practices that are not only ethically and environmentally responsible but also economically viable. Rooted in the principles of kindness, discipline, and a commitment to the common good, SILA equips media professionals to drive sustainable innovation within their organisations and beyond. Through applied learning, mentorship, and a global network, SILA empowers participants to balance social, environmental, and business imperatives—ensuring that media organisations can thrive while contributing positively to society and the planet.

Get Involved

Follow us on LinkedIn for updates as we continue to develop the Sustainable Innovation and Leadership Accelerator alongside the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme, bringing cutting-edge insights to media leaders across the globe.

To express your interest in joining or learning more about our programmes, please fill out our Expression of Interest Form, or contact us directly at JILeaders@lancashire.ac.uk.

Empowering Balanced Leadership

As global awareness of the interconnected nature of economic, environmental, and social sustainability grows, media producers and distributors are under increasing pressure to both report on these issues and lead by example through responsible operations and innovative practices.

However, there is a significant gap in the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

The Sustainable Innovation and Leadership Accelerator (SILA) is designed to address these urgent and multi-faceted challenges. By focusing on balanced sustainable leadership, SILA empowers media managers to drive positive change across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

Offered by the University of Lancashire, UK, in association with the Thomson Foundation, University of Warsaw, Poland, University of Stellenbosch, SA, and a broader global network of industry and academic partners, SILA is a unique blend of research, advocacy, and professional development. It serves as a community of excellence for current and emerging news media managers across EMEA and beyond, equipping them to be responsible leaders who can inspire sustainable transformation within their organisations and in society.

Core Components

The Sustainable Innovation and Leadership Accelerator addresses the critical need for knowledgeable, innovative, and influential leaders in the media industry to drive environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

This multi-faceted initiative is not just about knowledge transfer, but about empowerment. It inspires and motivates media managers to steer their organisations towards a more sustainable future, bridging the gap between awareness and action.

By participating in this programme, media managers gain knowledge and skills and become part of a growing global community of engaged, equipped, and motivated sustainability change-makers. This sense of community can be a powerful motivator.

JILeaders FORUM: Reimagining News for a Climate-Conscious World – Industry experts gathered at the University of Lancashire’s Media Factory and online to explore how journalism can attract climate-conscious young audiences, create sustainable news products, and address greenwashing in climate reporting. Watch the videos and learn more here.

Why the focus on newsroom decision-makers?

Sustainability efforts are growing in the dynamic worlds of audio, print, and screen media, producers, distributors, and advertising. Economic concerns are increasing the focus on user needs and social sustainability. At the same time, there is heightened awareness of the need to integrate environmental sustainability, from better reporting on environmental issues to adopting green operations.

However, the success and speed of these efforts depend on the active support and involvement of newsroom decision-makers. As the key influencers in the media industry, their decisions and actions can significantly impact the sustainability initiatives of their organisations.

Key Benefits of SILA Education and Training

• Expert-Led Curriculum: Delivered by world-leading media and climate science academics and industry experts convened by the University of Lancashire and the University of Stellenbosch, ensuring participants receive world-class education and insights.
• Comprehensive Education Pathways: SILA offers flexible training options to suit different needs and career stages. Participants can progress from executive briefings and events to non-accredited workshops, or pursue accredited programmes from a Postgraduate Certificate to an MA, and even to a PhD—providing a structured pathway for lifelong professional development.
• Applied Learning Projects: Projects are scoped with business needs in mind, providing immediate benefits to both the participant and their organisation.
• Thematic Study Groups: Comprising participants from developed and developing markets, these groups foster a global perspective and a deep understanding of systemic challenges.
• Individual Mentors: Participants receive guidance from individual mentors, enhancing their learning experience and professional development.
• Flexible Learning: SILA’s flexible, part-time, distance learning formats and in-person events and workshops allow media managers to balance their studies with professional commitments. With options ranging from short executive briefings and Carbon Literacy certification to in-depth programmes leading to advanced qualifications, SILA adapts to the unique needs of media professionals at all career stages.
• Certified Programmes: Builds participants’ confidence and enhances their CV, making them more competitive in the job market.
• Access to Global Alumni and Industry Board Network: Participants gain access to a robust network of alumni and industry leaders, providing ongoing support and opportunities for collaboration.

Five Strategic Challenges Addressed by SILA

1. Lack of Specialised Knowledge, Competencies, and Diversity: SILA addresses critical gaps in expertise, providing specialised knowledge and fostering diversity within the media sector.
2. Leadership Deficit in Sustainability Initiatives: SILA cultivates leaders who can develop and implement strategies that ensure the future legitimacy and sustainability of the media sector.
3. Innovation Challenges: The programme equips participants with the tools to drive innovation, enhancing the sector’s ability to engage and inspire audiences effectively.
4. Integration of Sustainability into Media Practices: SILA enables media managers to embed sustainable practices across all aspects of their organisations, supporting long-term industry transformation.
5. Global Collaboration and Best Practices: By connecting participants from around the world, SILA promotes collaboration and the exchange of best practices, addressing sustainability challenges from a global perspective.

The Philosophy Behind SILA: Ethics, Environment, and Sustainable Leadership

The Sustainable Innovation and Leadership Accelerator (SILA) draws inspiration from the word sila, which holds profound meanings across cultures, aligning with the core values that drive this programme. In Buddhist philosophy, sila refers to “behavioural discipline,” “morality,” or “ethics,” embodying a philosophy of kindness, understanding, and shared purpose—qualities essential to leading positive change in today’s media landscape. SILA incorporates these principles, guiding media leaders to foster ethical practices that benefit not only their organisations but also the communities they serve.

In Inuit mythology, sila signifies the fundamental essence of all existence, underscoring the interconnectedness of life. In the Inuktitut language, it also represents the concept of climate change, symbolising the delicate balance of our natural environment. This perspective aligns with SILA’s mission to equip media leaders to address urgent environmental challenges while recognising their interconnectedness with social and economic factors. SILA’s approach encourages a commitment to sustainability that recognises the importance of preserving the planet alongside pursuing responsible business growth.

While SILA is deeply rooted in ethical discipline and environmental awareness, it is equally focused on the economic and business perspective essential to sustainable leadership. By integrating strategic insights on business innovation and resilience, SILA prepares media leaders to implement sustainable practices that are not only ethically sound but also economically viable. Through applied learning, mentorship, and a global network, SILA empowers participants to balance social, environmental, and business imperatives—ensuring that media organisations can thrive in an ever-evolving landscape while contributing positively to society and the planet.

In embracing the values of sila, SILA seeks to build a community of media leaders who understand the importance of ethics, environmental stewardship, and economic sustainability. This balanced approach ensures that media executives are prepared to lead responsibly, transforming both their organisations and the public’s understanding of critical issues in ways that are sustainable and impactful.

Working Group

This high-level group of industry and academic leaders from the Global North and South brings together researchers, educators, sustainability strategists and independent advisors with extensive experience from leading organisations and media outlets worldwide.

Dr Marja Heinonen, Independent researcher, advisor and writer (Finland), Senior Research Associate, Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire (UK)

Sarah Hartley,
Environment journalist and Carbon Literacy Facilitator. Climate Arena Fellow 2024, ex-Google, Guardian (UK)

Trijntje Huisman, Independent advisor, ex Ikea Foundation, Unilever (Belgium), Senior Associate for Leadership in Sustainability, Public Engagement and Policy, Media Innovation Studio, University of Lancashire (UK)

Dr Anna Jupowicz-Ginalska,
Faculty of Journalism, Information, and Book Studies, University of Warsaw (Poland)

Deborah Kelly, Director of Training and Communications, Thomson Foundation (UK)

Caro Kriel, Chief Executive, Thomson Foundation (UK)

Dr Paulina MacKrell, lead for MRes Sustainability & Management, School of Business, University of Lancashire (UK)

Jacqui Merrington, Sustainability Strategy Lead, Mail Metro Media (UK)

Prof Rika Preiser, Centre for Sustainable Transitions, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

Dr Renuka Thakore, Global Sustainable Futures Group, University of Lancashire (UK)

Inga Thordar, Chief External Relations Officer, Ocean Born Foundation (ex CNN, BBC)

Prof Herman Wasserman,
Department of Journalism, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

Our University’s Commitment to Sustainability

This Working Group reflects the University of Lancashire’s strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Our recent achievements, including a 42.5% reduction in carbon emissions, ethical investments, and impactful community initiatives, have contributed to our rise in the People & Planet Green League table. As one of only 13 universities worldwide to achieve Bronze Carbon Literacy Status, we are dedicated to driving meaningful global change.