ACE and Nous Launch a Masterclass Series for Established CEOs Ready to Amplify Their Impact

The Association of Chief Executives (ACE) and Nous Group are delighted to announce a new CEO masterclass series for experienced public sector Chief Executives ready to amplify their impact. The programme will take place across two full-day sessions, held in person at Institute for Government (London) on 02 and 03 June 2026.

CEOs face mounting challenges in a complex public sector environment, and navigating the shifting ALB landscape demands adaptive leadership. After three successful years delivering our masterclass series for new and aspiring CEOs, we’re taking leadership development to the next level. Building on extensive engagement with experienced CEOs, ACE and Nous Group are proud to launch a new, 2-day tailored masterclass designed for seasoned CEOs to shift their leadership up a gear:

 

Rethinking leadership for the future of innovation and impact

This is a bespoke programme for current or former CEOs of UK public and arm’s-length bodies who have at least three years’ experience and are ready to stretch their leadership even further to lead through complexity. A masterclass for CEOs shaping the future of the UK’s public institutions. The masterclasses will be available to 15-20 participants to support development of meaningful peer relationships and enable full participation.

Each masterclass will comprise a balance of:

• Leading-edge practice and leadership theory: Grounded in real-world challenges of public body CEOs, from governance to organisational culture, focusing on how to lead rather than just what to do.
• Active, experiential learning: Interactive discussions, live problem solving and peer feedback to test ideas, uncover blind spots and build confidence.
• Space for deep reflection: Guided time to step back, assess leadership strengths and plan the next phase with clarity and intent.
• Peer exchange: a rare opportunity for senior leaders to share experiences and learn from others facing similar complexity and scrutiny.

Expert facilitation with a deep understanding of UK ALBs

This programme is built on proven leadership development and facilitation expertise. It draws on joint research and insights from the 2020 report The CEO in Government – Leading ALBs well, which introduced a competency framework for ALB leadership. Crucially, design of the Masterclass series for experienced CEOs is shaped by extensive engagement with experienced CEOs to ensure it addresses the realities of leading in today’s complex environment. ACE and Nous bring unparalleled experience delivering world-class leadership programmes across the UK, Australia and Canada, combining deep networks, evidence-based frameworks and peer-driven insights to help senior leaders elevate their impact.

We are pleased to continue our partnership with Nous Group for 2026 to offer this unique masterclass series focused on public body leadership for established Chief Executives. This is an exclusive development opportunity for those ready to elevate to the next level in the role of an ALB Chief Executive.

Across two full-day, in-person masterclasses, the topics covered are:

1. Adapting leadership in a shifting landscape
2. Advancing leadership capabilities for impact
3. Effective AI leadership to unlock public value
4. Navigate leadership through times of crisis

 

 

Ahead of the programme, participants are supported by self-assessment and review with facilitators to identify areas of individual leadership development focus.

Download the briefing pack here.

 

Why sign up for the this established CEO Masterclass?

Our masterclass is a unique opportunity for public sector leaders to rise to the next level and to cultivate a supportive and engaged peer network.

The masterclass cohort alumni is a robust network of past participants and speakers. To aid maintaining relationships and mentoring, ACE and Nous host cohort dinners across the year for participants to come together and continue the conversation.

Each session will feature expert facilitators and a roster of guest speakers from across the public sector landscape. Speakers for 2026 will be announced in the coming months.

The feedback from the new and aspirant masterclass participants continues to be extremely positive: 100 per cent of participants said they would recommend the masterclass series to their peers; 92 per cent said the series had helped them to understand more of what it takes to be effective in a public body leadership role; and 86 per cent said the series had improved their confidence in their leadership skills and approach.

Here is a sample of what the 2025 cohort had to say:

“Excellent networking, great peer group and insightful and experienced speakers.”

“Great course – a really fantastic range of CEO speakers sharing their insights, advice, experiences and wisdom.”

“Thank you for a terrific course and opportunity for stimulating discussion with remarkable people.”

Secure your place today

The inaugural established masterclass series will be delivered on the following dates:

• Tuesday 02 June 2026
• Wednesday 03 June 2026

Cost: There is a programme fee of £2,500 per participant (non-vatable) for ACE/PCF members. The programme fee for non-members is £3000 (non-vatable)

Registration: Click here to confirm your place in next year’s masterclass series. Registration closes on 31 March 2026. 

Questions? Download the 2026 briefing pack here or direct any questions to the ACE Secretariat here: secretariat@associationofchiefexecutives.org.uk

 

REGISTER TODAY