Who are WIG?
Founded in 1984 WIG (The Whitehall & Industry Group) it is an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building understanding between government, business and the voluntary sector. To learn more about us see here.
What's the need?
In the UK today, there is increasing interdependence and partnership working between the sectors. Good business relationships are the key to success.
All relationships prosper with mutual understanding, and People Exchange is designed to build awareness between the sectors by providing individuals and organisations with practical hands-on experience of how another sector works, offering the one-stop shop for a range of activities.
"I fully support what WIG does to provide opportunities for civil servants to gain first hand experience of the ways in which other sectors manage their business and for others to see what we do. This is great for personal development and just as beneficial for our organisations: we learn new ways of operating so that our services are more customer friendly and we develop better policies. I often advise our staff - If you want to get on, get out!"
Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service
Benefits of People Exchange
People Exchange can help to establish more effective partnerships. Doing business with government is continually evolving and there's a clear competitive edge to be had from understanding the other partner's needs, constraints and ways of working.
People Exchange allows companies to build an in-house understanding of how policy can be influenced and challenged; it allows business to build better informed working relationships with government officials.
People Exchange is a way of sharing expertise. It brings in new ideas and different perspectives and is a means of providing government and business with wider talent and skills. It's a practical way of developing networks, contacts and connections with individuals and organisations in other sectors.
What are the options?
People Exchange offers a range of schemes from short-term attachments to long-term secondments as well as alternative such as mentoring and organisational raids. More information on the types of People Exchange available can be found under 'What People Exchange Offers'.
Our product flyers are available to download:
