LTAbout us

The Leadership Trust was founded in 1975 by David Gilbert-Smith as an independent charitable trust. After serving with the Special Forces he  knew that the leadership principles he  practiced in the Special Air Service were just as relevant in the commercial world.

David worked closely with behavioural psychologist Janet Richardson. Together they developed powerful development courses which were more ‘inward bound’ than ‘outward bound’ by nature.

They incorporated those principles which were grounded in peer based communications, individual resilience, courage, a desire to succeed and an emphasis and recognition of personal capabilities. They are best understood through self-discovery when experiential learning combines with intellectual understanding and emotional intelligence.

In creating The Leadership Trust, David made it his mission to bring these qualities and insights to a wider community of leaders. Our mission hasn’t changed and those principles of using personal power to lead rather than authority power, and learning to know and control oneself first before enabling others, are as relevant as ever.

And we’re still true to our founder’s altruism. Every year Leadership Trust bursaries give other not-for-profit organisations access to our world-class leadership training and support. Our vision is that The Leadership Trust dynamically fulfills its charitable objectives of enhancing and influencing leadership, and developing leaders in all aspects of society in order to achieve maximum public benefit.

Leadership is our passion.

Enabling  better leadership is our life’s work.

Leadership for everyone, everywhere is our belief.