MU Future Leaders will take part in a six-month training programme on navigating union structures, network building and campaign planning. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team is proud to announce the 10 members selected for our first MU Future Leaders programme. With more than 40 applications, the selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the depth of talent, commitment, and organising experience across our membership.
We were impressed by the range of activist interests and the experience across the applicants, and we look forward to continuing to work with the members we’ve met through the process.
Supporting members on their journey as trade unionists
The successful cohort began the programme last week, with training delivered by MU Campaign and Organising Official Sinéad McCarney.
“As the MU’s Campaign and Organising Official, I work closely with members at a grassroots level, helping to build member-led organising and supporting our campaign work", says Sinéad. "I also deliver our MU organising training, which provides members with the skills and toolkit to feel empowered and build union power."
"I’m delighted to be working with the MU Future Leaders 2026 cohort. This programme is an important opportunity to support members on their journey as trade unionists, and I hope it provides the building blocks to amplify members’ voices, strengthen diversity in every strand of our work, and create pathways into future leadership that will help shape the Union for years to come.”
The 2026 cohort of MU Future Leaders.Top row (left to right): Ellen Beth Abdi, Kirsty Munro, Josephine Sillars. Second row (left to right): Matt Hickman, Simone Seales, Eve Simpson. Third row (left to right): Jamie Smith, Roxana Vilk, Char Walsh, Rūta Vitkauskaitė.
This is where the next generation of leaders begins
John Shortell, MU Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added: “The Future Leaders programme is more than training - it’s a chance for underrepresented musicians to step into their power, build their networks, and shape the future of our Union. This is where new voices grow, confidence takes root, and the next generation of leaders begins.”