Event summary by Alison Cottrell, CEO

Our first breakfast event of 2016 got the year off to a flying start, with Sir Martin Narey joining members to give a very personal perspective on leadership. Martin drew on his experience in the prison service, and as CEO of Barnardo’s; two very different worlds – and each different in many ways from banking and financial services. The common challenges in terms of leadership, management and communication really resonated with all participants.

Martin spoke about and took questions on what he had learned along the way, not only about organisations and people, but also about himself; and he noted the extent to which his own experience has left him sceptical of much of what is said or written about ‘leadership’. Contrary to much that is written about leadership, Martin said that doubt, in particular, is good!

Questions and issues covered in the discussion ranged from the role of the HR function; the challenge of managing upwards and outwards; personal resilience; the power of personality versus process to influence culture; and the importance of saying thank you. Which, after such an absorbing and insightful session, the audience at this breakfast event very definitely did!

Sir Martin Narey

Martin is the former CEO of the National Offender Management Service, Director-General of the Prison Service and Chief Executive of children’s charity Barnado’s. Martin also carried out an authoritative review on behalf of the government on the effectiveness of UK Adoption Services.