What is the CLI:

The CAUDIT Leadership Institute is a one-week dynamic residential leadership development program that explores in detail the nuances that characterises exemplar leadership for the future leaders of IT within the higher education sector.

Who should attend:

Experienced information technology, library and eResearch managers, or emerging leaders from Australian and New Zealand member organisations, who have a number of years of management experience.  Under a three year agreement with the Council Australasian University Librarians (CAUL (opens in new tab)), CAUDIT will dedicate up to 12 places for library practitioners in the CAUDIT Leadership Institute.  Please note that there will be a separate application link for IT/eResearch and library practitioners.  Library applications are reviewed and prioritised by CAUL.

Why attend:

On completion of the CAUDIT Leadership Institute, participants will be able to:

Characterise leadership as a discipline and differentiate it from management techniques. They will be able to authentically model leadership behaviours in their institutions regardless of their formal leadership role. Critically evaluate their own leadership strengths and weakness on reflection and, with practice, in the moment. Develop strategies to compensate where necessary, by taking ownership of their career/professional development. Participants will be able to identify, compare and prioritise 3 key areas for development/focus and formulate appropriate actions to strengthen their leadership capability.  Apply a range of tools and frameworks to differentiate a variety of leadership approaches in their own practice in a range of contexts, including:

• Relationship building
• Developing high performing departments & teams
• Influencing within and beyond their formal authority
• Strategic thinking
• Decision making
• Innovation and embracing change
• Strategic collaboration
• Leading in an atmosphere of ambiguity
• Apply communication techniques to develop and perform public speaking, presentations and conduct crucial conversations.
• Formulate a balanced approach to work/life by developing strategies to monitor their wellbeing, identify and assess stressors and address these appropriately.

When:

The 2026 program will run from 10am Monday 17th August to 2pm Friday 21 August 2026

Where:

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast (Located at the northern end of the Gold Coast it is approximately 40 minutes from both Brisbane and Gold Coast airports)

Cost:

CAUDIT is proud of the ongoing relationship with the faculty and CLI service providers. It is through these relationships that the Leadership Institute is offered to member organisations at a price point of less than half that of other leadership programs whilst maintaining the integrity and quality of content expected of  an exemplar experience to participants.

The program application fee is $6,000 (excluding GST) per person. 

Price includes:

• Accommodation (in Monday - out Friday)
• Breakfast (Tuesday - Friday)
• Lunch/dinner (Monday - Friday excluding dinner Wednesday night (free night)
• 360-degree profiling tool and reports
• Externally facilitated activities and all materials associated with the program.
• Coach transfer to Gold Coast and Brisbane airports at the conclusion of the event (note that pre-booking is required).

Price does not include:

• Travel to / from the venue.
• Additional accommodation outside of the Mon-Fri block

Join our information session on Thursday 26th March 2026 @ 1pm with CLI Director, Jill Benn and CAUDIT Director Capability & Experience, Cassandra Spencer. Find out more here. 

Applications for the 2026 program will open in May. Visit the Before you Apply page for all the information you need to apply to the program.