Lead celebrates graduation of latest Dangoor senior leadership programme cohort
2025/6 graduates of JLC's development initiative include Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation's Rabbi Daniel Walker, Norwood's Anthony Shaw and Tel Aviv University Trust's Ruth Etzioni
The leadership development division of the Jewish Leadership Council recently celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme at Hammerson House in Finchley, marking the culmination of fifteen intensive months for professional and lay leaders from across the UK Jewish community.
Launching in 2017 to build on its predecessor, the Gamechangers programme, the DSLP brings together experienced professionals and lay leaders from across denominations, regions and organisations, providing a unique opportunity to develop their leadership practice, strengthen relationships and explore communal challenges and opportunities together.
Representing organisations based in Manchester, Leeds, Brighton, Wales as well as London, the 2025/6 cohort included senior leaders from Norwood, the United Synagogue, World Jewish Relief and Leeds Jewish Representative Council.
Led by the co-directors of Lead, Larry Shulman and Michelle Janes, the cohort participated in a programme of in-person workshops, online learning, executive coaching and reflective leadership practice. Sessions explored topics including personal leadership, organisational culture, collaboration, systems thinking and the future of Jewish communal life.
The programme also included a partnership with Windsor Leadership and contributions from a wide range of leading speakers from both within and beyond the Jewish community.
The graduation ceremony brought together graduates, alumni, family members, programme faculty, communal leaders and guest speaker Judy Dewinter, (chair of the Royal Free charity and president of Myeloma UK).
Cohort member Louise Froggett, co-chief executive of New North London Synagogue, said: “I’ve come away with a broader network of colleagues from across the Jewish community, a deeper appreciation of the many different ways people lead, and the confidence to lead in a way that feels authentic to me.”
Rabbi Daniel Walker, Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, said: “More than simply teaching me principles of leadership, the DSLP gave me the peace, support and space to put it into practice at a time when I was being called upon to lead through some of the most challenging circumstances of my life.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of certificates by programme sponsor David Dangoor, whose ongoing support has enabled the programme to continue developing outstanding communal leaders.
The ceremony also marked the presentation of Lead Fellowship Awards 2026-27 to alumni of previous DSLP cohorts, Sam Clifford (chief executive, Jewish Women’s Aid) and Jamie Field (head of change at Jewish Care).
The honours, which recognise continued excellence in communal leadership and ongoing commitment to professional development, were presented by Jo Grose (chief executive of the United Synagogue) who was their predecessor in receiving the honour in 2024.
Jamie Field said, “To be named a Lead Fellow is incredibly humbling. The DSLP gave me a unique space to reflect, challenge my assumptions and grow as a leader, and the impact of that learning continues to influence both my work and the people I have the privilege to lead.”
The newest DSLP graduates join a growing alumni network of 84 senior leaders making significant contributions across communal life.
Members of the 2025/6 cohort were: Helen Atkinson, a trustee of the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre based in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales; Olivia Davidson, co-founder of Laviot, a social space for queer Jewish women and non-binary people in London; Stuart Diamond, Brighton and Hove Jewish Community Centre; Ruth Etzioni, head of operations at Tel Aviv University Trust; Louise Froggett, co-chief executive of New North London Synagogue; Shimon Gillis, community operations director at Hampstead Gardens Suburb Synagogue; Michael Gladstone-Levy, technology consultant and the head of staffing for Thoughtwork; Susie Gordon, chief executive of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council; Dalia Kaufman, leader of volunteer services at The Fed, Manchester; Jay Kissinger, consultant; Marc Levy, chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester; Erica Marks, chief executive of Mavar; Candice Mendes da Costa, Maccabi GB director of major events; Jonny Newton, director of external relations at Community Security Trust (CST); Anthony Shaw, director of fundraising, Norwood; Paul Shenholds, head of community finance, the United Synagogue; Rachel Stein, director of communications and marketing at World Jewish Relief; Rabbi Daniel Walker, Manchester’s Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation.
- For information about future cohorts of the programme, contact Nick Young at nick@thejlc.org
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