WIG is a charity, independent and neutral. Established in 1984, our charitable purpose is to build understanding and co-operation between the sectors for the greater public good – a nation better governed, business better informed and society better served. We provide an unrivalled range of opportunities to bring business, government and the not-for-profit sector closer together.

WIG is also a membership body with over 230 member organisations (central and local government, FTSE companies, regulators, charities, universities and institutes). We help our members connect and understand how other organisations think, while broadening their networks through our programme of events. We develop leaders in a cross-sector environment with our seminars and leadership development programmes. We were originally set up as a secondment scheme to give civil servants real insight into industry and we continue to provide opportunities to taste life in another sector today, with secondments, Trustee and NED placements, mentoring and coaching. 

For more information see 'About Us'.

If your organisation would like to become a member of WIG, please visit the membership section of our website. Alternatively please contact our Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Membership, Fiona Petit. 

As a member of WIG, you can access: 
 

• Over 100 wide-ranging topical events featuring high profile speakers – the majority are free to WIG members, and for costed events we offer preferential member rates
• Priority booking and discounted rates for our highly sought-after leadership programmes
• Career opportunities and placements with other organisations, allowing you to experience life in another sector (including secondments, mentoring and non-executive appointments)
• A strong network of peers from a variety of sectors, including top FTSE companies, government bodies and NfP organisations 
• A safe space to discuss issues of the day (we operate a lot of our events under the Chatham House rule)
• Your own dedicated relationship manager

See a full list of membership benefits

An initiative to improve understanding between the sectors through secondments. Established by The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, it is now working in partnership with WIG to bring opportunities across the private, public and voluntary sectors for the benefit of more individuals and organisations.

Read more about our Charity Next Secondments

Working for a finite time in another sector – sharing your own experience and learning how things can be done differently. Those with deep experience in a particular sector or function often develop profound understanding of the corporate world and its challenges. To get a flavour for how a secondment may benefit you, read the experience of a senior NHS leader seconded into the financial sector with HSBC. For more information see 'Gaining experience in another sector'.

One-day seminars (courses) to enhance management and leadership capability, showcasing leading-edge thinking and providing practical tools and solutions. 

See more information about our Development Seminars 

A short term project-based experience in another sector, often part-time, usually between 3 weeks and 3 months, to meet individual development objectives and answer specific business needs. For more information see 'Gaining experience in another sector'.

A 3-5 day secondment programme designed to allow somebody from one sector to explore how another sector tackles specific organisational issues – such as diversity, knowledge management, corporate governance or talent management. (‘Organisational Raids’ deliver similar benefits but for groups of people).  For more information see 'Gaining experience in another sector'.

 

Organisational raids provide day-long (or half day) exposure to another organisation's know-how. They are purpose-built to allow one organisation to learn from another's expertise and proven practice. For more information see our 'Organisational Raids' page. (‘Insights’ deliver similar benefits but for 1 person). 

All of WIG's longer-term leadership programmes are allowed as part of CSL, and as such do not require special permission to be used (other than your organisation's normal internal process for budgetary approval). All but two of WIG's 1-day courses/development seminars are also included. For more information see our CSL page.

If you have ideas on topics, speakers or any other thoughts please email the events team or call the office at 020 7222 1166.

Find out more on our regional events page.