Join us on our mission to be the UK's leading centre for cross-sector collaboration
Our Story
WIG is a purpose-driven, not-for-profit membership body that champions collaboration between leaders in business, government, and not-for-profit sectors for the common good. We believe that developing leadership capabilities for cross-sector collaboration is the key to helping build long-term prosperity for everyone in the UK.
With a cross-sector membership base of around 250 organisations – FTSE and professional services companies, central government departments and agencies, local authorities, universities, and significant charities - WIG has been convening members for 40 years through three key sets of collaboration-based activities:
- Events - to explore the latest public policy developments and share best practice;
- Talent exchange - through mentoring, secondments and board appointments; and
- Leadership development – through programmes for leaders at all stages of their careers.
Our purpose is to drive cross-sector collaboration for a more prosperous Britain.
WIG's History
1984
Established by the Cabinet Office in 1984
After a decade of societal and structural change with business and government leaders identifying a growing need to understand each other better, the WIG group was set up in 1984 to meet that need.
The 1980/90's
Secondment scheme
WIG started as a secondment scheme, giving civil servants real insight into business.
The 2010's
Expanding to the NFP sector
WIG has helped to facilitate decades of dialogue, collaboration, and learning between government, business, and not-for-profit sector.
2020'S
Continuing to tackle the UK's biggest challenges
We have brought together decision-makers to discuss the challenges of the day focusing on building a strong economy and a fair society, meeting the opportunities and challenges of the future, and helping the UK to succeed in an uncertain and changing world.
WIG Today
To be the UK’s leading centre for cross-sector collaboration by 2028
WIG brings together 230 organisations from across government, business, and the NFP sector to help collaborate and build the future together.
Our Values
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Open-minded
Open-minded conversations are fundamental to success – We all come from different walks of life with our unique ideas, skill sets and perspectives. Fostering diversity of thought is critical to driving our charitable purpose.
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Trusted
WIG encourages open, honest and collaborative discussions. Empowering our employees and members alike to share their ideas in intentionally cultivated safe spaces to drive cohesion and equity.
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Creative
Initiative thought and solutions are always welcomed at WIG. Led by the motto “no idea, is a bad idea”, we encourage our employees to use their creativity and critical thinking skills.
We continue to grow and diversify our offering!
Employees 🇬🇧🚀
Associate Members 🫱🏻🫲🏾
Events and roundtables per year
Open-enrolment leadership programmes
Mentors on our mentoring platform
YoY average of NED placements with an average 60% Women and 40% EM
Meet the Senior Management Team
Neil Bentley-Gockmann, OBE
Chief Executive Officer
Tom Sapsted
Director of Strategy and Programmes
Cathy Butler
Head of Leadership
Soumaya El-Masri
Head of HR & Operations
Katy Crothall
Head of Talent
Angie Elrick
Head of Membership
Hamza Rehman
Head of Finance
Marcin Stepan
Head of Events and Content
Nothing available that suits you?
We are always on the lookout for skilled people to join our team. Or are you a student looking for an internship? Connect with us and we will let you know as soon as we have something open which you might be interested in.