Empowering future ready leaders at the London Borough of Harrow
The London Borough of Harrow partnered with Bayes Business School’s Executive Education team to create the Harnessing Ambition Programme. This is the first partnership of its kind between a UK local authority and a leading international business school. It has been designed to strengthen leadership capability and prepare managers for the challenges of modern public service.
Responding to a changing public sector landscape
The London Borough of Harrow recognised that in a climate of rising demand, financial pressure and increasing complexity, it needed a new generation of confident and capable leaders. The council wanted to equip technically skilled staff with broader strategic capability so they could collaborate across services, make sound decisions and deliver better outcomes for residents.
Alex Dewsnap, Managing Director of the London Borough of Harrow, explains the ambition behind the programme:
“This programme is already creating real cultural change. Staff are gaining the confidence, skills and tools they need to lead with purpose and deliver better outcomes for our residents. At a time when councils everywhere are facing tough decisions, we are focused on building leadership that is connected, collaborative and ready for the challenges ahead.”
Co-creating a tailored programme
The council explored several options and looked for a partner who would understand the distinctive context of local government. Bayes brought a collaborative approach, taking time to meet with leaders and staff across the organisation to build a clear picture of needs, challenges and organisational culture.
This insight shaped the Harnessing Ambition Programme. The bespoke learning journey blends academic expertise with practical application and brings participants together from across the organisation. The programme combines classroom learning, individual reflection and cross‑departmental activities that support collaboration and shared understanding.
Programme focus areas
The curriculum covers a broad range of leadership and management topics that reflect the realities of working in a large and complex public sector organisation.
Leadership and people
- Human-centred leadership
- Strategic decision making for managers
- Breaking silos and strengthening collaboration across the organisation
Commercial and financial capability
- Financial acumen for managers
- Commercial acumen for managers
Policy, systems and context
- Global policies and local politics and how wider forces shape local decision making
Data, digital and AI
- Generating insights from data
- AI for organisational productivity and service improvement
Together, these modules help participants develop strategic thinking, confidence and resilience, as well as the ability to lead effectively in a complex and fast‑changing environment.
Creating cultural change
Since the programme launched in July 2025, it has already delivered significant impact. Sixty one leaders have graduated, and a further sixty are currently taking part. The programme is now a core element of the London Borough of Harrow’s workforce strategy and supports leadership development across services.
Participants frequently describe gaining a valuable opportunity to step back from day‑to‑day pressures. The programme has also helped to build stronger networks across the council, reducing silos and encouraging collaborative working.
A strong and collaborative partnership
Pierre McIlwee, Executive Education Client Director at Bayes, highlights the commitment shown by the council.
“The London Borough of Harrow’s investment in long‑term leadership capability has been exceptional. Through close collaboration, we co-created a programme designed to support their strategic ambitions and strengthen leadership throughout the organisation. The energy and openness from participants have been outstanding.”
Looking ahead
By the end of the full rollout, 250 leaders across the London Borough of Harrow will complete the Harnessing Ambition Programme. This will create a confident and future ready leadership community capable of delivering meaningful and lasting improvements for residents.
The partnership between Bayes and the London Borough of Harrow provides a new model for leadership development within local government. It demonstrates the impact of investing in people with clarity, purpose and ambition.
Contact
To speak with a member of the Executive Education team, please email us or visit our contact page.
