Founded in 2015, the Forward Institute exists to build the leaders and organisations the future demands. In an exceptional era, we believe better is possible, but only if leadership is reimagined. We design and deliver breakthrough interventions that move leaders, organisations, and the world forward.
Our work has two main pillars:
1. Forward Programmes - cross-sector leadership development programmes; and
2. Forward Advisory - leadership advisory with ExCos and senior teams across the private, public, and social sectors.
1. Forward Programmes
Fellowship Programme
Forward Fellowship is our flagship 15-month programme designed to bring together exceptional senior leaders from across sectors to challenge assumptions, explore values, and shape leadership for a better world.
In 2024–25, we delivered Cohort 9 (90 Fellows from 31 organisations) and launched Cohort 10 (108 Fellows from 46 organisations). By February 2025, our Fellowship community grew to 817, each continuing their responsible leadership journey as part of a thriving lifelong network.
Exchange Programme
Forward Exchange is a six-month leadership experience that pairs participants with peers from different organisations to explore leadership in practice. Over the year, we ran 2 Cohorts with 111 participants from 43 organisations, continuing to strengthen our cross-sector learning and community.
2. Forward Advisory
Through our Advisory Practice, we work directly with partner organisations to help them embed the principles of responsible leadership and transform their organisations.
In 2024–25, we partnered with 22 organisations on 58 projects, focusing on organisational culture shifts, leadership team development, and purpose-led transformation.