Posted on: 15/05/2025

Thought Leadership

The Tri-sector Challenge is a unique leadership simulation that pushes public sector professionals to collaborate under real-world pressures. Participants gain critical skills like rapid decision-making, political acuity, and resilience, working alongside leaders from local government, the NHS, and emergency services. With roles for both participants and volunteers, it’s an opportunity to develop systems thinking, build cross-sector relationships, and drive meaningful change. Join the challenge this September at Molineux Stadium.

By Matthew Hotten, Senior Consultant at West Midland Employers

The days of single-organisation leadership development are behind us. Today’s public leaders must operate across blurred boundaries, manage conflicting priorities, and collaborate in environments filled with uncertainty.

It’s not enough to be an expert in your service area—you have to understand and influence the wider system. The Tri-sector Challenge reflects that reality. Participants don’t just role-play leadership—they live the complexity of decision-making under pressure. Tight deadlines. Conflicting stakeholders. Limited resources. It’s a compressed experience of real public leadership, one that pushes people to think fast, listen deeply, and adapt on the move.

Collaboration is a skill, not a slogan

Cross-sector collaboration is often spoken about as an aspiration. But the Challenge makes it tangible. Over one day, mixed teams from different parts of the public sector must quickly align around a common goal. There’s no time for silos or turf wars—success depends on shared understanding, rapid trust-building, and collective action.

This is one of the most valuable takeaways. Participants often tell us they leave with a new appreciation for the pressures other services face, and a renewed commitment to working better together in the real world.

The power of simulation in leadership development

Traditional leadership programmes can be abstract. Workshops, theories, and case studies all have their place—but they rarely evoke the messy, dynamic realities of leadership in action. Simulations like the Tri-sector Challenge do.

They test emotional intelligence, political acuity, and resilience in a safe, supported environment. And they give participants a rare chance to learn through doing—something our sector needs more of.

Growing leaders, creating legacy

The Challenge is also powered by an incredible community of volunteers—experienced professionals who take on the roles of Principals and Enablers. They bring the experience to life, yes—but they also pass on wisdom, stretch participants' thinking, and model the kind of supportive challenge that defines great leadership.

If you're thinking about volunteering this year, know that it’s not just about giving back. It’s a chance to develop your own coaching, facilitation, and systems-thinking skills—while shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Looking ahead

As we face an ever more complex public service landscape—cost-of-living pressures, demographic change, digital transformation—the need for connected, courageous, and collaborative leaders has never been greater. The Tri-sector Challenge is one answer to that need. Not a silver bullet, but a vital spark in a wider system of leadership learning.

A way to prepare people not just to manage services—but to lead change. So whether you're stepping into the arena for the first time, or supporting others on their journey, I hope you’ll see the Challenge for what it truly is: a catalyst for the kind of leadership our communities deserve.

Event Details

Are you ready to accelerate your leadership potential or contribute to developing the next generation of public sector leaders?

The West Midlands Employers Tri-sector Challenge returns this September—bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.

Taking place on Thursday 18th September at the iconic Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the 2025 Challenge will convene ambitious professionals from local government, the NHS, and emergency services for a dynamic, high-pressure day of systems leadership in action.

Volunteer Roles

The enduring success of the Challenge is underpinned by a committed community of volunteers. This year, we’re inviting experienced and enthusiastic individuals to step into two pivotal roles:

Principals

In this senior-facing role, you'll act as a key decision-maker—engaging directly with teams to offer guidance, shape priorities, and provide strategic challenge. You’ll draw on your experience to simulate the complexity of public service leadership, occasionally introducing new dynamics to keep teams thinking critically.

Enablers

For those who thrive on pace and variety,Enablers play an agile role—interacting with teams throughout the day in a series of rapid, scenario-based engagements. Each encounter is unique, requiring confidence, adaptability, and the ability to think on your feet.

Why Volunteer? Volunteering at the Tri-sector Challenge is more than a contribution—it’s a development opportunity in its own right. You’ll refine your coaching, facilitation, and systems-thinking skills, while supporting participants as they stretch their leadership capabilities in real time.

You’ll receive a full briefing in advance and be fully supported on the day. It’s also an ideal way to experience the Challenge from the inside—particularly if you’re considering entering a team in 2026.

We ask that volunteers be available from 8:30am to 5:00pm. A fully catered day—including lunch, refreshments, and hot drinks—is provided. At the close of the event, all volunteers are warmly invited to a celebratory reception where we recognise the day’s achievements and reflect on the shared learning.

Join Us

Whether you're stepping forward as a team member or as a behind-the-scenes enabler of success, your involvement makes a real difference. To express your interest or learn more, contact Matthew Hotten at m.hotten@wmemployers.org.uk

Take a look at last years events and hear from participants and volunteers about the day.