The Public Sector Challenge has quickly established itself as a standout moment in the calendar: a visible, energetic expression of shared purpose, resilience and public value. What began as a charity walk has grown into a leadership movement that bridges organisational, geographical and professional divides.
As we look ahead to the next Challenge, GatenbySanderson is proud to continue our partnership, reinforcing our long standing commitment to strengthening leadership across local government and across the wider public and not for profit sectors.
This year's London Bridges Walk once again brought together hundreds of dedicated public servants. Participants completed either a 25km route from Hammersmith or a 15km route from Battersea Park, raising funds for national and local charities including Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. Last year, nearly 800 walkers raised more than £30,000, a testament to the collective energy that continues to define our public services, even in the most challenging times.
But the true significance of the Public Sector Challenge extends beyond fundraising. For senior leaders, and recruiting them, it offers a powerful lens through which to view the type of leadership the sector increasingly needs.
Leadership visibility in a time of complexity
It is no secret that local authorities are facing unprecedented pressure. Financial uncertainty, rising demand, workforce challenges and an increasingly complex operating environment are redefining what it means to lead a public service organisation. In this context, visibility is not a luxury; it is a leadership requirement.
The Challenge provides exactly that: an opportunity for chief executives, directors and senior leaders to walk shoulder to shoulder with their teams, partners and communities. It is a form of leadership that is highly symbolic, present, humble, human. One that resonates powerfully in a sector where trust and authenticity matter more than ever.
For those of us supporting councils to recruit and develop their executive teams, events like this offer a valuable reminder: technical excellence may get someone through the door, but it is relational leadership that carries organisations forward.
Wellbeing, resilience and the leadership agenda
A defining theme in conversations with chief executives and elected members is the struggle to maintain morale and resilience in stretched, tired systems. Leaders tell us the wellbeing challenge is as cultural as it is operational.
The Public Sector Challenge exemplifies the culture local authorities are striving to build; one that encourages connection, promotes physical and mental wellbeing, and creates space for people to feel part of something bigger.
When leaders participate in or champion this type of initiative, they model behaviours that underpin high performing, sustainable organisations. And when recruiting future leaders, councils increasingly look for those who can embed these values authentically, not performatively.
Cross sector collaboration: A critical success factor in leadership recruitment
The event's cross public-sector nature reflects a reality we see every day in executive search: the problems facing local government rarely sit neatly within one organisational boundary. Whether the issue is adult social care reform, housing supply, community safety or economic growth, the most successful leaders are those who forge strong relationships across health, police, education, business and the voluntary sector.
The Challenge brings these networks to life, not in meeting rooms, but through shared experiences that build trust and mutual understanding. For councils appointing executive directors or interim leaders, this collaborative mindset is now one of the most sought after attributes.
Increasingly, we see local authorities looking beyond traditional sector lines for talent capable of bringing system level thinking, innovation and partnership driven delivery. The Challenge reinforces the value of this outward facing leadership approach.
Championing purpose-driven and inclusive leadership
One of the most compelling aspects of the Public Sector Challenge is its deliberate accessibility. It is designed for everyone, regardless of grade, background or fitness level. Leaders who participate demonstrate an approach that is inclusive, values driven and grounded in the lived experience of their workforce.
This is more than symbolic. It speaks directly to the leadership qualities councils increasingly prioritise in senior appointments: empathy, humility, authenticity and emotional intelligence. These attributes are often what distinguish outstanding leaders from competent ones, and they are critical in roles that demand connection with staff, residents and political leadership alike.
Our role
GatenbySanderson's partnership role is both strategic and hands on. Alongside championing the Challenge, we support the annual volunteer programme, from start line to finish-line. I'm continually in awe of our amazing volunteers; public servants and partners giving up their time to ensure the Challenges run successfully.
This partnership aligns directly with our mission: to find and develop leaders that shape a better and more inclusive society. We do this not only through executive search and interim leadership appointments, but also through leadership development, assessment, succession planning and culture building initiatives.
Where next?
The next Public Sector Challenge is the largest and most ambitious yet – Earth, Mynd & Shire, taking place in Shropshire. It arrives at a pivotal time for local government. As councils consider the future shape of their leadership teams, events like remind us of the qualities the sector values most: collaboration, purpose, resilience and visible leadership.
For us, the Challenge reflects the leadership attributes we seek in candidates we recruit, the ones we develop through assessment and coaching, and the leaders we work with every day.
We look forward to continuing this partnership, and to walking alongside the sector as it navigates the next chapter of public service leadership.
Frazer Thouard is head of GatenbySanderson's local government practice
