How leaders create movement when the problem—and the solution—keep evolving.

The pace of progress is accelerating, requiring organisations to become more agile, adaptable, and forward-thinking. From shifting markets and digital disruption to regulatory change and evolving customer needs, complexity is now the norm. In these conditions, continuous renewal is not optional鈥攊t鈥檚 essential.鈥�

Many organisations recognise the need for transformation but struggle to diagnose root causes, align action, and sustain momentum. Change efforts are often reactive, fragmented, or short-lived鈥攍acking ownership, alignment, or internal capability. Leaders find themselves firefighting, while cultural and behavioural shifts lag behind structural reforms.鈥�

The PACE虏 Framework, developed by Professor David Denyer and grounded in two decades of research and practice, provides a structured, evidence-based methodology for leading purposeful change in complex environments. It helps organisations move beyond quick fixes to embed transformation that is strategic, adaptive, and sustainable.鈥�

This is more than a model鈥攊t鈥檚 a mindset shift. PACE虏 supports organisations to think differently, act collectively, and build the capacity for continuous improvement and lasting impact.鈥�

Who is it for

This programme is designed for organisations or business units that:鈥�

  • Are leading transformation or large-scale change initiatives鈥�
  • Need to embed structured, repeatable approaches to complex change鈥�
  • Want to develop internal capability to lead and sustain transformation鈥�
  • Have experienced fragmented or failed change efforts and need a reset鈥�
  • Are seeking to align cultural, behavioural, and strategic priorities.

What you will learn

PACEi – Purpose, Awareness, Coordination, Engagement鈥�

This part of the framework establishes why change is needed and what it aims to achieve. Each outcome is supported by four capabilities critical to successful transformation:鈥�

Purpose – Establishes a clear, shared rationale for change and connects it to strategic value. Capabilities include clarifying purpose, setting direction, aligning with strategic goals, and defining value creation.鈥�

Awareness – Builds understanding of internal dynamics and external drivers. Capabilities include stakeholder analysis, risk awareness, communication flow, and environmental scanning.鈥�

Coordination – Aligns teams, systems, and processes to deliver the change. Capabilities include role clarity, collaborative decision-making, workflow alignment, and structured problem-solving.鈥�

Engagement – Fosters ownership, trust, and motivation across the organisation. Capabilities include team development, inclusive leadership, growth opportunities, and recognition.鈥�

PACEii – Problem, Agenda, Change, Evaluation鈥�

This is the how of change—providing a structured delivery model that ensures progress is strategic, adaptive, and sustainable.鈥�

Problem – Identify the real challenges, not just surface symptoms.鈥�

Agenda – Develop a prioritised roadmap for change.鈥�

Change – Deliver targeted interventions aligned with goals and capabilities.鈥�

Evaluation – Measure progress, gather feedback, and adapt to sustain transformation.鈥��

Together, PACEi and PACEii shift your organisation from reactive change management to proactive, capability-led transformation.鈥�

Skills you will develop鈥�

  • Diagnosing root causes of organisational challenges鈥�
  • Facilitating strategic alignment across teams and functions鈥� 鈥�
  • Designing and sequencing effective change interventions鈥� 鈥�
  • Leading through uncertainty, ambiguity, and resistance鈥� 鈥�
  • Embedding adaptive, feedback-driven approaches to change.

Programme impact

For you:

  • Gain a structured approach to leading change in complex environments
  • Strengthen your ability to diagnose issues before moving to action
  • Build confidence in facilitating alignment and engagement across teams
  • Develop practical tools to lead adaptive, sustainable transformation
  • Shift from reactive problem-solving to strategic, system-level thinking.

For your organisation:

  • Build a shared understanding of change purpose, priorities, and outcomes
  • Strengthen cross-functional alignment and execution capability Establish a strategic, adaptive, and measurable approach to change
  • Shift from dependency on external expertise to internal ownership
  • Develop leaders who can guide transformation across levels and functions
  • Embed a culture of collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement.
 

How to apply

Next steps

Our premium executive development programmes are a strategic investment, with competitive pricing thoughtfully determined by the programme's scope and design to meet your organisation's needs.

Our team of resilience experts will be happy to talk to you about your organisation's development needs. Leave your details below and we'll get back to you.

You can also email ORaCL@cranfield.ac.uk directly with any queries.