After an intense collaboration over three days in Oxford, the inaugural Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships programme came to a close last Friday.

Reflecting on the programme, Programme Director Eleanor Carter described a collaborative atmosphere with productive outcomes: 

"Over the three-day programme, participants and faculty bonded over shared frustrations in status-quo partnership practice and came together to develop new strategies for the future. Our lively and influential participants each arrived with a trove of experiences and were generous in sharing these. It was fantastic to make space for debate and challenge and also to work on practical models of ‘formal-relational’ partnership working for the future.”

The programme, designed to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, brought together leaders from diverse backgrounds including business and government. Participants immersed themselves in workshops, seminars, and presentations, exploring the depths of collaboration and cultivating essential skills for effective partnerships.

The course was fantastic. Really inspiring, thought-provoking and useful for seeing different ways of inspiring cross-sector partnerships and therefore outcomes. Great, knowledgeable, motivational teaching staff, really well organised, curated and a great group of fellow students that it was also inspiring to be with. Highly recommended! 

Janet Phillipson, Head of Commissioned Rehabilitative Services Strategy

Armed with new frameworks and practical tools to enhance partnership management, our participants left empowered to drive positive social change as they navigate the evolving landscape of cross-sector collaborations.

The Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships programme aims to equip public leaders with strategic insights and practical tools to navigate the intricacies of partnership management. Blending theory with real-world applications, participants delve into innovative learning, gaining solutions to the challenges presented by short-term approaches in partnership management. Applications for the 2025 cohort will open soon, register your interest or discover more information about the programme.