The GO Lab’s Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships programme returns in 2027

Today’s complex societal challenges, spanning refugee crises, poor education outcomes, and climate change, cannot be tackled by governments alone. At times of turbulence and uncertainty, how can public officials effectively collaborate with external partner organisations, in both private and not-for-profit sectors, to unlock efficient and successful programmes?

Leading Cross-Sector Partnerships is an interactive, three-day programme designed to enable public leaders to adopt a more strategic approach to contract management and deliver more impactful partnerships. Blending theory with practice, this programme explores the fundamentals of cross-sector partnerships, highlighting innovative case studies that embed impact measurement and relational practice to achieve meaningful social change.

Blending theory with practice, the programme explores the fundamentals of effective cross-sector collaboration through real-world case studies, simulations and peer-to-peer discussion. Participants examine how to balance formal contracts with strong relationships, embed impact measurement, and navigate organisational constraints related to procurement, audit and risk.

Participants will:

• Gain practical strategies for developing more relational partnership models
• Build frameworks and tools, including template clauses, to support successful partnerships
• Learn how to build coalitions for change while overcoming institutional and organisational barriers

The programme is open to mid-to-senior policymakers in strategic partnership roles, those preparing for roles involving public–private partnerships and social contracting, and senior leaders seeking a broader understanding of cross-sector collaboration and market stewardship. It also welcomes participants from philanthropy, the not-for-profit sector and the private sector who work closely with government.

Delivered in Oxford and facilitated by the GO Lab team at the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme offers an immersive learning experience grounded in cutting-edge research, global case experience and the opportunity to learn alongside peers facing similar challenges.