Leadership for Sustainability

Who We Are and What We Do

The Leadership for Sustainability Research Interest Group (LfS RIG) brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to explore the depth and scale of responses required to the challenges we face, and how educational leaders can drive environmental, social, and economic change in society. This includes the use of Systems Thinking and Regenerative methodology. The RIG meets several times a year, including at the BELMAS Conference, offering a collaborative space for research development and knowledge exchange.

Background and Themes

As a new RIG, we are building a dynamic network. Our aim is to cultivate ongoing exchange, collaboration, and partnership across global contexts and cultures, addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, social justice, and ethical leadership within education. Together we are asking: what would educational leadership look like if it took the Climate Emergency and Sustainability seriously?

Topics and Subject Matters Covered by this RIG

Our thematic scope encompasses sustainability education, educational leadership for environmental and social justice, whole-institution approaches to sustainability, leadership practices for climate action, and the integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into educational leadership and policy. All in relation to School Improvement as currently understood, and how a more expansive interpretation of this can better meet the needs of society now and in the future.

Benefits from Participation

• Membership of a growing community of researchers and practitioners focused on sustainability in educational leadership
• Opportunities to collaborate on research and share practice across international and interdisciplinary contexts
• Engagement with current issues such as climate action, equity, and the SDGs in leadership and policy, and how these can influence national policies from the bottom up.
• Participation in events that explore the intersection of leadership, sustainability, and education

Co-Convenors

Dr Marie Beresford-Dey

Senior Lecturer, University of Dundee

Email: m.z.beresforddey@dundee.ac.uk

Dr David Dixon

Leadership & Curriculum Consultant, Leadership for Sustainability Partnership, Tynedale Bicycle Mayor

Email: daviddixon649@gmail.com

Dr Denise Buttigieg Fiteni

Adjunct Lecturer in Educational Leadership: Data Analytics, Policy and Leadership Division, Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE), Abu Dhabi, UAE

Email: denise.fiteni@ecae.ac.ae

Dr Rupert Higham

Email: rupert.higham@ucl.ac.uk

Latest News

Annual RIG Report 2024-25

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