When leaders and chief executives are sent to the Castle

摘要

"You're going to do what? Put Council Leaders and Chief Executives together in a training... I'm sorry, developmental, event? Are you quite sure about this?" Nobody actually spoke these words when the idea of the Leeds Castle Programme was first mooted. But it was a novel thing to do nevertheless; and this coming together of local government political and managerial leaders has been a distinctive dynamic of the Programme. Leaders and Chief Executives alike have found it liberating and rewarding to exchange war stories in a privileged and secure environment. The levels of disclosure and of mutual trust have been exemplary and rewarding for all involved. But what does the Programme entail, and what have we learned?