An innovative project is to be launched in Bradford which could see hospital chiefs spending the day working at Bradford Council and head teachers working in banks.

Leadership organisation Common Purpose is launching its Matrix programme, to give the heads of public and private sector bodies the chance to gain a taste of different walks of Bradford life.

The Matrix programme has been designed to help leaders across Bradford adapt to the changing surroundings as the city's economic regeneration gets underway.

Claire Bennett, regional director for Common Purpose, said: "Very often people learn to lead by succeeding within their own bubble. Yet when they find themselves surrounded by a host of new and unfamiliar faces, audiences and challenges, the bubble bursts.

"Bradford is changing and leaders must change with it. As organisations develop increasingly complex internal structures and external relationships - working across cultures, borders and boundaries - the leader's ability to lead both across and outside their organisation becomes ever more important.

"Our aim is to develop Bradford by developing leaders in Bradford."

The search is on for Bradford's leaders to get involved in the project and hopefully boost their own skills and understanding.

Michael McDonnell, assistant director of finance at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is amongst those to have benefited from Common Purpose's work.

"It gives you the opportunity to get out of your sector. It provides you with the opportunity to approach things with fresh ideas. It gives you the contacts and knowledge you might need to solve problems," he said.

Anyone who wishes to get involved should log on to www.commonpurpose.org.uk.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk