John Smith Trust | Inspiring leadership. Promoting good governance.

The Fellowship Programmes

We run regular fellowship programmes for exceptional individuals from 12 countries across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia who are working in the field of governance and justice, climate and sustainability, or equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our 6-month hybrid programmes consist of monthly online discussions and workshops followed by a residential programme in the UK. They are built around three pillars – unique insight into UK institutions, personalised professional meetings and leadership skills development – which together offer both a broad picture and an individual focus.

Fellows become part of the John Smith Trust’s collaborative community for life.

John Smith MP

The Rt Hon John Smith QC MP was an outstanding politician of his generation who was deeply committed to building fairer, more sustainable and inclusive societies. We work tirelessly to keep his legacy alive.

"The Fellows network shaped my research and my thinking. The relationships are priceless."

Ilhomjon Aliev, Central Asia, 2018

Our Fellows

The John Smith Trust has a distinguished network of more than 500 Fellows. Over the last two decades, we've facilitated open and honest discussion about the challenges our societies face, the solutions we’ve tried and what we’ve learned.

In cultivating an active network of Fellows, we motivate and stimulate action to progress shared values of tolerance, respect and openness, as well as governance that is rules-based and people-focused. We help Fellows develop the insights and skills needed to build the kinds of societies they want to live in.

The John Smith Trust Fellowship is for life.