Reflections Forward: Perspectives on leadership in a changing context

The UK non-profit sector has seen major changes the past few years, from a global pandemic and cost of living crisis to changing government leaders and a failing environment due to climate change.

With these issues at the forefront, what does this mean for leadership in the non-profit sector today?

Hosted by the Centre for Charity Effectiveness (CCE), guests were treated to a conversation between Paul Streets OBE, outgoing CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and Bayes Honorary Visiting Professor, and Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO, to address the state of leadership today in the non-profit sector, and what this means for the future.

The event began with a welcome from Alex Skailes, Director, Centre for Charity Effectiveness and Chair, Global Women’s Leadership Programme at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass). This was followed by a presentation from Paul, who spoke of his work in and with the voluntary sector, and proposed a different approach towards leadership if it is to maximise its impact and influence in the coming decades. He said:

"Charities are founded on radicalism, activism, dogged determination, and a commitment to innovation. As we seek to change the dynamic between the state and public sector, to advocate for people and influence change, rather than 'be the service,' our collective leadership must frame the debate, not just around the needs of our own organisations, but around the needs of a diverse but unequal Britain, faced with global challenges. This change will not happen in isolation, collaboration is the key."

He was questioned by Sarah on the issue of identity in the post-COVID era, and whether the charity sector has reached a point where they face a loss of identity as a sector. She also brought forward the issue of ‘campaigning kindly’ and how to address anti-woke conversations as leaders. This led to a thoughtful discussion on the role of future leaders in the sector.

Alex commented:

“In a year when CCE celebrates two decades of developing leaders it is also a time when we are looking forward – to focus on what will be important for future sector leadership. The Perspectives on Leadership series is in line with this 20-year forward theme and I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome such very experienced leaders, Paul and Sarah, to lead on our first event.

“From Paul, an inspiring call to action “Be Proud, Be woke”, with some big asks. A full auditorium was testament to the level of interest and Paul’s speech challenged current leadership models and notions of what constitutes success.

"Most importantly the event provoked thinking on how leaders can make the greatest difference for the people that they’re there for and ultimately what does the leadership model look like for the next generation of social leaders? Watch this space as I know the leaders of tomorrow from across the sector will rise to the challenge.”

Write-ups of this event have also been published by the Civil Society and Third Sector.