What is the Future Leaders Programme?
The Future Leaders Programme is a strategy initiative to prepare the UK’s future political, government and business leaders to tackle the challenges and meet the opportunities accompanying China’s rise. Launched in 2021, it is an annual programme that offers tailored courses on China and continued opportunities for engagements with Chinese stakeholders. Apart from learning knowledge about China, participants are provided a safe platform for lively discussion where impartiality and diversity of perspectives are the guiding principles.
With recruitment starting in Feb/March every year, the Future Leaders Programme consists of:
- Welcoming reception in June
- 3-day residential course at the University of Oxford in July
- 2-day non-residential course in London in November
- Deep-dive seminars on specific topics
- Opportunities for exposure to Chinese thinktanks, companies and governmental organisations
Who attends the Future Leaders Programme?
The Programme is geared towards mid-career policy and decision-makers, with annual cohorts of around 25 participants. Our participants and alumni are mostly:
- Members of Parliament, special advisors and researchers
- Civil servants from across Whitehall and devolved administrations
- Representatives from UK-based businesses
- Representatives from think tanks and civil society
What do you get from the Future Leaders Programme?
Phase 1: Bespoke China foundation course
The core programme consists of two short courses, one residential in Oxford in the summer and one non-residential in London in the autumn, with a total of five days of lectures and interactive policy exercises. Under a close partnership between GBCC and the Oxford University China Centre, these courses are designed and delivered by top experts on China. The timings align with the parliamentary recess timetable so that MPs and political researchers can attend.
Phase 2: Deep dives and opportunities for China engagement
An expanding range of thematic sessions and engagement opportunities are offered to current participants and a growing number of alumni, providing opportunities to build a wide network of future leaders with a keen interest in China. Participants and alumni may also be invited to join GBCC’s bilateral Track 2 dialogues with counterparts in China or to meet with Chinese delegations visiting the UK.
What do previous participants say about it?
With two cohorts graduated and the third cohort now running, the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive; in particular the diversity of perspectives and positions, the relevance to day-to-day China jobs and the platform for open and nuanced discussions on sensitive issues is remarked upon.
“…The depth of expertise from the subject experts we heard from. Absolutely terrific…”
“…The breadth and depth of the expertise from the speakers, it was pitched at the right level and was really engaging…”
“…I liked that we were encourage[d] to read and think for ourselves, rather than just accept everything that was being said to us…”
‘’I found all of the lectures incredibly insightful and found the bringing together of civil servants, MPs and business a really rewarding way of hearing different perspectives.’’
“The whole programme was extremely high quality, and a lot of the insight and reward came from the mix of sessions, the mix of participants and the combination of formal lectures with more informal discussion over coffee and meals.’’
What is the cost?
There is a fee for attending the programme, which covers all course fees, as well as the accommodation, dining, and refreshments for the 3-day Oxford residential. To enquire about the fee amount, please email flp.recruitment@gbcc.org.uk.
In 2026, the fee for civil servants will be covered by the FCDO China Capability Programme Fund. Business representatives can usually apply for training sponsorship within their organisations. Depending on merit and funding availability, GBCC may be able to offer financial support for participants who cannot afford the full fee.
Application form
Applications to the Future Leaders Programme 2026 are now open! To apply to the programme, please follow this link.
Applications will close on 24th April 2026.
Supporting the Future Leaders Programme
GBCC is a not-for-profit organisation that aims at building the UK’s China capabilities. We welcome UK businesses and organisations to support us through sponsorship. Sponsors can:
- Nominate a future leader to join the cohort alongside other political, government, business and civil society leaders
- Speak at Future Leaders Programme events such as business panel and themed dinner
- Participate in GBCC’s bilateral dialogues with Chinese delegations as an observer
- Promote your brand with company logo printed on written material
Please contact us for any collaboration at flp.recruitment@gbcc.org.uk