About Us

Our strength lies in the diversity and depth of our leadership experience, united by a shared commitment to people-first, values-led practice.

Our team brings together a former Prison Governor with decades of experience leading in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, also a gifted educator known for creative, human-centred approaches to personal and professional growth, and a leadership expert with a proven track record of driving excellence across teams and systems.

From prisons and criminal justice to global projects, public services, and corporate teams, we’ve consistently championed compassionate leadership, not as a concept, but as a practice. Together, we help organisations build cultures rooted in trust, courage and humanity.

This is why.......

We don’t teach leadership from a textbook, we teach it from lived experience. At EmpathyWorks, we’ve led in some of the most complex, high-pressure environments there are, from frontline operations to national systems, from prisons to boardrooms, and from leading teams nationally during the Covid-19 pandemic. We know what it’s like to carry the weight of responsibility, to make difficult decisions, and to lead through uncertainty. And we know how to teach others to do the same.

Our team brings together deep, hands-on leadership experience across sectors, combined with the ability to coach, teach, and support people at every stage of their leadership journey. We’ve led large teams, shaped culture, and delivered results in environments where trust, clarity, and compassion weren’t optional, they were essential.

We’re not interested in buzzwords. We’re here to help real leaders lead real people, with skill, confidence, and heart.

At EmpathyWorks, we believe leadership should be rooted in values, not just strategy. We lead and teach from the belief that compassion, integrity, and courage aren’t soft skills; they’re essential ones. Our team has spoken at conferences, schools, and national events, sharing insights on leadership across sectors, from justice and education to business and public service. We’ve led conversations about what it means to lead with purpose, and how to create cultures where people genuinely thrive.

Steve, our founder, is a Cambridge scholar who has written extensively on compassionate and humanitarian leadership. His academic work is grounded in his real-world experience as a former Prison Governor, experience that earned him the Lord Woolf Award (Butler Trust) (2002) for outstanding leadership and support of others in custody, and the High Sheriff of London Award for his transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to rehabilitation.

These aren’t just accolades, they reflect the impact of a leadership philosophy that puts people first, even in the toughest environments. As a team, we continue to challenge ourselves to grow, building resilience, emotional depth, and self-awareness, so we can model the kind of leadership we ask of others. Within our own organisation and in every partnership we build, we proudly champion a values-driven approach to leadership that is bold, benevolent, and deeply human.

"Tons of successful inspirational leadership experience, helping some of the UK's toughest organisations to become something great, EmpathyWorks encourages, excites, and inspires you to change, to aim higher, and achieve more. For you, your staff, and your stakeholders, with humility, self deprecation, and a sense of humour, Empathy Works will inspire you to create a lasting legacy...Highly recommended!"

"Andy Bowley

"Steve is the heartbeat of EmpathyWorks. His leadership skills as a senior leader has enabled me to feel more confident in my own journey for promotion and success. In a busy society we often lose sight of what is important, EmpathyWorks has challenged me to self-reflect for my personal growth and business needs. Steve has been key to this has helped me work towards achieving my goals. I highly recommend Steve, his compassionate style is infectious."

"Adeline Court"

"Steve Robertson has a passion for learning, for helping people to be the best they can be. His
experience, in leadership. Sharing his knowledge and skills will really help your business to
develop and be the best team.
I have learned so much from Steve and taken this learning into my organisation and have a
strong, happy, dedicated team who have increased our income threefold."

"Marie Waterman"

"Steve and I worked together whilst he was a leader at HMP Guys Marsh. He showed compassion and humanity in his work and has a deep understanding of humanitarian leadership."

"Sarah Lewis"

"I have been very fortunate to work with Steve and I have had the benefit of being able to experience first hand how using his approach, expertise and experience he has been able to inspire colleagues to become inspirational and compassionate leaders. Steve is able to enhance the technical elements of leadership with a more emotional and psychological approach by using evidence based practises and drawing on real life working experiences. Steve uses his expertise, combined with his genuine passion for fostering compassionate leadership, to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. Where all participants can develop. I highly recommend the services provided by Steve to any person committed to personal growth and making a positive impact in their business or organisation."

"Lynn Calloway"

Steve Robertson - Founder and Principal Consultant

Steve leads EmpathyWorks with a deep commitment to compassionate, integrity-based leadership. With over three decades of experience leading in challenging environments, Steve is the driving force behind the consultancy’s vision, shaping programmes that blend lived experience with research-led practice.

Neil Lavis – Associate Consultant

Neil brings over 30 years of leadership experience across UK and international prison systems. His calm, restorative approach and proven track record in organisational transformation make him a trusted voice in leadership development. At EmpathyWorks, Neil supports programme delivery, strategic culture work, and executive-level leadership facilitation.

Steve Priday – Associate Consultant

With a distinguished background in military policing, community safety, and education, Steve Priday brings unique frontline insight and practical leadership expertise. His work with EmpathyWorks focuses on developing resilient, character-led leaders — particularly in high-pressure environments such as public services and education.

Office & Operational Lead

This position is currently being recruited

Background & Training

Why are we different to others?

Championing values-driven Leadership

Our Testimonials

Our team

Steve Robertson - Founder and Principal Consultant

Neil Lavis – Associate Consultant

Steve Priday – Associate Consultant

Office & Operational Lead