Centre for Public Policy

The Centre for Public Policy (CPP) at the University of Glasgow is proud to be delivering a dynamic new leadership development programme for UK civil servants based in Scotland, in collaboration with the Cabinet Office. The Transforming Leadership Programme brings together a wide range of civil servants from across UK government departments to explore what it means to lead productively and with agility in an era of complex, multi-layered challenges.

A Partnership for Impact

Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy, welcomed participants by highlighting the Centre’s mission to connect research, expertise and skills development with the realities of modern policymaking.

“This programme is about shared learning, reflection and building the confidence to tackle the myriad challenges you face as officials. We’re delighted to have the support of the Cabinet Office in designing a learning experience that we hope will add real value when you return to your teams,”

Marion Francis, Deputy Director of Strategy at the Cabinet Office, echoed this ambition.

“This programme is an exciting opportunity that provides space to test new approaches, and think together about the role we can all play in delivering more effectively for citizens - in Scotland. The programme brings together a range of government departments in Scotland - and provides opportunity to discuss what it means to drive forward the Prime Minister's Plan for Change and commitment to reshape the British state to be more tech -driven, agile and mission focused."

Exploring Key Themes in Public Sector Leadership

Held at the University of Glasgow, the programme combines thought-provoking lectures with participatory workshops, practical group work and opportunities to build strong cross-departmental networks. It began with a three-day programme and will continue through the coming months.

Participants will develop skills to adapt to 21st century leadership, navigate effectively the UK system of multi-level governance, understand fiscal frameworks, and place citizen engagement at the heart of policy design. Sessions such as ‘Leadership Skills for the Future Public Servant’, ‘Devolution Unpacked’ and ‘Mission-led Governance’ were led by research leaders from the University of Glasgow. The team will now mentor groups through projects designed to apply their learning to the workplace.

Dr Ian Elliott, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Public Policy, who led in the co-design of the programme with colleagues from the Cabinet Office, highlighted the value of this form of collaboration.

He said, “research has shown how universities and public sector organisations need to work together to develop bespoke education programmes that meet pressing needs. This programme is an example of how academics can help to support the civil service of the future”.

A Strong Foundation for Future Leaders

This partnership highlights the University of Glasgow’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and real-world policy challenges, including in an ambitious programme of executive education designed for partners across government, the third sector and the private sector.

With Government plans to move thousands of Civil Service roles out of London as part of the Places for Growth programme, this partnership supports the development of the local talent pipeline to ensure Scotland based civil servants are equipped to step into these new opportunities.

Reflecting on the programme, Professor Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy, noted:

“The University of Glasgow is committed to being a trusted partner in policymaking – providing research insights, developing skills for the future, and working with our partners to help them innovate and respond to challenges and opportunities.”

For more information about the Centre for Public Policy’s executive education programmes, contact: public-policy@glasgow.ac.uk

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References:

Elliott, I. C., Bottom, K. A., Glennon, R., & O’Connor, K. (2024). Educating a civil service that is fit for purpose: perceptions from UK stakeholders. Public Money & Management, 45(2), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540962.2024.2343798

“Educating a civil service that is fit for purpose – Q&A with public administration researcher Ian C. Elliott”: https://www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/article/study-calls-for-sustained-investment-in-professional-development-of-civil-service-workforce

“Sustained investment needed to build generalist skills in the civil service, study warns”: https://www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/article/study-calls-for-longterm-sustained-investment-in-professional-development-of-civil-service-staff

First published: 4 July 2025