Malcolm Drakes is a Senior Associate Consultant at DWC Consulting. He works at the intersection of governance, culture and leadership, helping public sector bodies, education trusts and corporate clients navigate complex people challenges with confidence.

Malcolm brings a rare blend of strategic oversight and operational depth. He has led high-stakes grievance and governance investigations, advised senior leaders on ACAS-aligned processes, and designed leadership programmes that translate equality and anti-racism commitments into practical, accountable action. His recent work with London councils and Government arms length bodies includes delivering system leadership programmes; the development of structured EEDIB governance frameworks and successfully resolving of complex workplace culture and HR cases

Malcolm's work demonstrates an ability to connect data, culture and leadership behaviours in a coherent improvement strategy. He supports organisations to move beyond statements of intent. Whether analysing workforce race equality data, strengthening board oversight, or coaching senior leaders through politically sensitive change, Malcolm combines forensic analysis with a calm, human approach.

Clients value his ability to ask the difficult questions, surface systemic risks early, and design interventions that are both ethically grounded and commercially realistic.

Alongside his consultancy practice, Malcolm coaches senior leaders and apprentices across national organisations, embedding evidence-informed leadership, AI literacy and strategic thinking into day-to-day practice.

At DWC Consulting, Malcolm’s focus is simple: to help organisations build cultures where governance is robust, leadership is accountable, and every individual has a fair opportunity to thrive.

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