‘The single most important critical success factor I have encountered across policing and public sector service is leadership. This is borne out by the organisations that excel and those which fail. However we lead in a rapidly changing world where public services face multiple and overlapping crises, and leadership must evolve to adapt to this C21st context. The research book, edited by Stephen Brookes, is contemporary in its context and looks forward to what will succeed in the future as well as reflecting upon the lessons of the past. It will energise and provoke the thoughts of the most experienced leader as well as providing a deep well of knowledge for the newest leaders ambitious to do their best to make a positive difference to our society.’