Leadership development organisation Common Purpose welcomes new Midlands Advisory Group Chair  

International leadership development organisation, Common Purpose, has welcomed Deirdre LaBassiere, as their new Midlands advisory group chair. 

Deirdre is an entrepreneurial corporate governance specialist, who has, for over 20 years provided to all sectors, ranging from charities and housing associations to private sector organizations, advice and support to drive and embed best in class governance, compliance and risk frameworks and to provide positive assurance to their stakeholders.  She is a much sought-after speaker/facilitator addressing conferences including the Law Society of England & Wales, the National Housing Federation and the Corporate Black Workers Support Network.  Until recently, she was the chair of The Lunar Society, is the current chair of the charity WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society) and is the Co-Chair of the Corporate Group within the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG).  In 2012, Deirdre was distinguished as a Commonwealth Woman as an Agent of Change by the Lord Mayor of Westminster.  Deirdre, who did the Common Purpose senior leaders programme herself in 2019, will be supporting the local Midlands board with a focus on the social purpose that Common Purpose has, to develop diverse leaders in the region who can cross boundaries and make a difference. 

On her appointment to the role, Deirdre said: “In our present world of pandemics, social upheaval and wars, where their impact is felt as much in the boardroom as on the shopfloor, now more than ever leaders need to build hope and trust through sustainable, inclusive and resilient leadership.  Common Purpose is an organisation that develops incredibly gifted, driven, passionate and purposeful leaders on three critical levels: personal, organisational and planetary and I am delighted to be a part of the development of diverse leaders in the West Midlands to enhance and enrich our region, and indeed the world.” 

Louise Teboul, UK Partnerships Director for Common Purpose UK, said: “I’m so pleased to welcome Deirdre as our new Advisory Group chair, having worked with her – as a participant and contributor – on our programmes for the last few years.  Deirdre is full of energy and enthusiasm, for both people and leadership, and she’s also a strategic thinker.  Deirdre’s already proved that she can challenge the status quo, and make a difference and we have a shared passion for social purpose and diversity, so I’m excited to have her supporting our work.” 

Common Purpose works with leaders at different stages of their careers, from young people, thought to emerging and senior leaders.  They also run customised programmes and Bite Sized Leadership events for a range of cross-sector clients.