Exchange
Exchange is a unique programme, run in partnership with the Cabinet Office. It brings together senior leaders from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to learn from each other and collaborate on real-world leadership challenges. This 11-month programme supports senior leaders to explore the integration of the role of society, the environment and the economy with their leadership and governance in a holistic and integrated way.
Each Exchange module covers a different aspect of leadership. The programme draws on experience from different sectors to challenge existing perceptions as participants expand their leadership perspectives. During the programme, participants are encouraged to shape and co-create the agenda around key areas of interest where they’ll gain most benefit.
At WIG, we champion learning and understand how cross-sector collaboration can improve outcomes for individuals, organisations and society.
Who is it for?
Are you a senior leader looking to develop fresh and diverse perspectives and new ways of thinking? Do you want to improve the way that you and your organisation approach complex change and volatility? Exchange could be for you.
This 11-month programme brings together senior leaders from government, arms-length bodies, private and not-for-profit sectors to share insights, collaborate on shared challenges and develop new ways of thinking about how they can best lead through complexity.
The programme is open to talented senior directors in the private sector, Director Generals in the Civil Service and Chief Executives in the wider public and not-for-profit sectors.
Please note: Director General applications from the Civil Service are processed by the Cabinet Office. Please contact us, and we will put you in touch with the Cabinet Office team.
How you'll benefit
- Collaborate with other talented senior leaders
- Develop fresh perspectives on shared leadership challenges and avoid leadership blind spots
- Learn successful leadership approaches from other sectors
- Enrich your personal leadership style
- Draw on insights, knowledge and experience from other industries
- Make strong peer connections and a supportive leadership community for life
- Support and challenge other senior leaders from different sectors to enable their performance and potential
"This is a great programme - so eye opening. So important if we want to make successful societal change that government and business work together. We need great minds from across the sectors to work in harmony to make things happen."
Paul Friston
International Director, Marks & Spencer
Why we're different: WIG's approach to leadership development
For nearly 40 years, we’ve been working collaboratively with public, private and not-for-profit organisations, helping leaders to gain cross-sector insight that enriches their personal and organisational performance. That’s what makes WIG’s leadership development programmes different – a unique focus on cross-sector peer learning brings true diversity of ideas, encourages curiosity, openness and innovation and helps individuals and organisations to find inspiration and fresh ideas from others.
Our programmes complement an organisation’s in-house delivery, bringing fresh perspective from different sectors and expanding high-value professional networks.
Meet the Leadership Team
If you think this programme isn't for you, explore our other leadership programmes that might work better for you. Click the button below for our leadership brochure.
Leadership Brochure
"The Exchange Programme was really professional and the facilitators highly skilled in helping us shape a programme that met our needs. I learned a lot from my participation not only for my organisation but for my own development. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well which was a bonus!"
Tracey Burke
Director General, Welsh Government
Programme Information
2027 cohort schedule (April 2027)
How to apply
For more information and to apply for a place on the Exchange programme, please get in touch with our leadership team using the 'Register your interest' link below.
For Civil Service participants: WIG’s leadership programmes are part of the Government Campus and Civil Service Learning. Get in touch (via 'Register my interest' button below) if you need help or advice.
Read our Terms of Engagement here.
Register your interest2026 Fees
- WIG member fee: £8,320+ VAT*
- Non-member fee: £10,900+ VAT
*If you are a public sector organisation signed up to CSL, it is government policy that you will be required to raise the booking via Government Campus. Please note that the final price is agreed by Government Campus not the fees displayed on the WIG website.
WIG’s leadership development programmes are delivered through a blend of virtual and face-to-face learning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants within a stimulating and collaborative learning environment. Fees include all programme materials. If you are from a not-for-profit and would like to discuss fees please get in contact at [email protected].
Learn more about membership here.