DCS in bi-lateral discussions on roll-out of advanced leadership programme with Oxford University Chancellor

At the invitation of Lord Patten, the DCS delegation met the former UK Cabinet Minister and last Governor of Hong Kong at the House of Lords in London last week.

The meeting was geared towards discussing the growing relationship between the Abu Dhabi Government and the world's most renowned university.

In particular there was agreement between the two parties to build on the existing relationship by rolling-out an advanced leadership programme across the public sector.

The agreement is set to harness world class expertise at Oxford's Said Business School, which has delivered a number of such initiatives for governments and businesses, by running a leadership programme covering assessment, evaluation, training, to repositioning, the most comprehensive of its kind in Abu Dhabi to date.

During the discussions, Lord Patten, indicated his support to build on the partnership with the Government of Abu Dhabi by creating a Middle East academic and research presence for Oxford in the Emirate.

Ali Al Ketbi also extended an invitation to the Chancellor to pay a visit to Abu Dhabi later in the year to see the Oxford/DCS joint programmes in action and to provide advice to the DCS leadership on delivering an efficient and effective public sector.

Lord Patten signalled his intention to accept the invitation and pay a visit in the autumn, explaining that he would like to observe first hand the transformation of not only the public sector but also the nation.

Speaking following his meeting at the House of Lords, Ali Al Ketbi, said:

"I have held very positive discussions with Lord Patten. His immense experience in managing the historic handover of Hong Kong to China, and his deep understanding of leading and managing world class public sectors means he is an outstanding source of knowledge and advice to the Department of Civil Service. I am deeply encouraged by the partnership that we have forged with Oxford University, the progress we have made to date and the potential to deliver further sustained progress with the support of Lord Patten and his team of experts from the Said Business School"

As well as heading government departments in the UK as one of Lady Thatcher's most senior cabinet ministers, Lord Patten oversaw one of the world's most prestigious civil services when he left British domestic politics to serve as the last Governor of Hong Kong (1992-97).

He was well known for his deep admiration of the Hong Kong civil service, describing it as a 'great treasure'.

Subsequently, Lord Patten later became the European Commission's most senior diplomat, serving as European Commissioner for External Relations where he had responsibility for steering EU foreign policy and overseeing its international network of representative offices (1999-2004).