What is the Sunningdale Institute? The Sunningdale Institute is a virtual academy of leading thinkers on management, organisation and governance.

Who is the Sunningdale Institute?

Managed by the National School with the Cabinet Secretary as its President, the Sunningdale Institute comprises Fellows from the UK, Europe and North America with expertise relevant to public service. It is directed by the National School's Professor Sue Richards and its Chairman is Professor Cary Cooper of University of Lancaster.

What does the Sunningdale Institute do?

The Institute links fresh, high-level thinking with practical advice on the issues and challenges facing a modern public service. It offers knowledge exchange, consultancy, learning and development activities.

Fellows are available to help clients think through problems and issues, to provide input on new ideas and to stimulate reflections. They can operate in the role of 'critical friend', for example, peer reviewing reports or advising on the design of a methodology. They may also be used, for example, to facilitate a Board Meeting, to carry out a senior team workshop on a challenging issue, or as speakers at an event. Fellows can work as individuals or in groups depending on the nature of the brief.

What is the Institute's relationship with the National School of Government?

Launched in June 2005, the National School is government's centre of excellence for learning and development, with the Sunningdale Institute a significant component. The National School strives to ensure the highest professional and academic standards in public service organisational and people development, and draws on the knowledge, experience and skills of Fellows to help it achieve its mission. As well as delivering sessions on a number of National School programmes, Fellows have also been involved in working with the National School faculty on the design and development of new products and services.

How can I contact the Institute?

Anybody interested in the services provided by the Institute should contact the Institute's Manager Nicola Mullan on 01344 634 773 (email: nicola.mullan@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk) to discuss their requirement.

Clients are charged for Fellows' services, but at a special public service rate which reflects the Fellows' commitment to public service. Typically the Institute will recommend a meeting to scope your requirement, and then develop a proposal for further action. Initial discussions will be undertaken free of charge, with subsequent fees dependant on the work undertaken.

Commissioned work will be conducted confidentially, although the Institute will encourage organisations to participate in the development of case studies as appropriate. As well as commissioned work, the Institute is committed to identifying public service organisational and delivery issues through research and events, and making public its findings.