Leaders from across the North East have come together to begin the Common Purpose North East Multi-Sector Leadership Programme, designed to develop collaborative leadership and strengthen partnerships across the region.
The programme brings together professionals from a wide range of sectors, creating opportunities to learn from one another, build lasting networks and explore the challenges and opportunities facing communities across the North East.
Supported by a network of public, private and charitable sector organisations from across the North East, including Gentoo, Newcastle Building Society, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria Education Partnership North East, the programme is designed to help participants re-energise their leadership, collaborate across boundaries, influence beyond their authority and drive meaningful change within their organisations and communities.
Throughout the programme, delegates will work together to examine real issues affecting the region while developing practical leadership skills that can be applied in their day-to-day roles.
Susan Fulton, Executive Director of Customer, People and Engagement at Gentoo, said:
"Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we know lasting change happens when organisations work together. The Common Purpose Leadership Programme brings leaders from different sectors together to learn, collaborate and develop innovative solutions to shared challenges.
“We are proud to support a programme that invests in future leaders while strengthening the partnerships that make a positive difference across the North East."
Marie Mohan, Social Value Managing Director at Common Purpose, said:
“Common Purpose’s very first leadership programme took place in Newcastle over 30 years ago, and we are delighted that our alumni were the catalyst for making our new regional programme happen.
“It was encouraging to meet such a committed and inspiring cross-sector group of 51 local leaders on day one; and I look forward to them making a significant impact on the North East ahead.”
Ruth Lynch, Strategic Talent Development Partner, Newcastle Building Society, said:
“Our purpose is ‘connecting our communities with a better financial future’. We believe that creating stronger communities depends on place focused leaders who can work together across organisational and sector boundaries to tackle shared regional challenges.
"The Common Purpose North East Multi-Sector Leadership Programme provides a unique environment for leaders to broaden their perspectives, build valuable relationships and develop the collaborative leadership skills needed to make a meaningful difference to the North East. We are extremely proud to be supporting the programme.”
The programme will conclude in March 2027, with participants bringing together their learning and reflecting on how they can create lasting impact within their organisations and communities.
