Two cohorts of global public leaders were welcomed to the Blavatnik School last week for an immersive, three-day learning experience. The programmes – Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships and Public Corruption Turnarounds – brought together 52 public service professionals from around the world for an intensive dive into some of today’s most pressing governance challenges.
Building better partnerships for social impact
The Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships programme welcomed 26 participants from countries such as the UK, Japan, Gambia, Singapore, and Palestine. With roles ranging from Senior Civil Servant to Head of Rehabilitation System Reform, the cohort was united by a shared ambition: to create more impactful partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Participants explored how to move beyond transactional approaches in cross-sector collaborations. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and practical frameworks – including template contractual clauses – the programme highlighted strategies to embed impact measurement, strengthen relational models of governance, and navigate barriers such as procurement constraints and risk aversion. The course also focused on fostering systems-level thinking and long-term learning cultures within public partnerships.
Turning the tide on corruption
Simultaneously, the Public Corruption Turnarounds programme brought together another 26 participants from countries such as Zambia, Uganda, and the UK. This cohort included high-ranking officials with roles ranging from Director of Public Prosecutions to Deputy Director.
Through global case studies and evidence-based tools, the programme empowered participants to define, measure, and dismantle corruption while cultivating cultures of integrity within their institutions. With input from Oxford experts, the group examined corruption in varied contexts – from tax agencies to law enforcement – and learned strategies to tackle embedded challenges through institutional reform and ethical leadership.
A shared experience in Oxford
While the programmes addressed distinct challenges, the participants shared a rich collective experience in Oxford. Formal dinners and networking opportunities allowed for meaningful peer learning and reflection. Whether discussing procurement challenges or the ethics of leadership, participants discovered common ground in their pursuit of public good.
Both programmes exemplify the School’s commitment to supporting public leaders as they navigate complexity, build trust, and deliver lasting impact in their countries and communities.
To find out more information about each programme or to register your interest, visit the Public Corruption Turnarounds page or the Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships page, or contact the Executive Education team at executive.admissions@bsg.ox.ac.uk.
