This episode covers the transformative journey of grantmaker, the Smallwood Trust. I speak to Paul Carbury (CEO) and Ambreen Shah (Trustee), as they shed light on the Trust’s metamorphosis over the past six and a half years. Expect insights into the trust’s evolution from implementing governance changes, to experimenting with funding models, to modifying their strategic plan and recruitment processes. Through their journey, they’ve become intentional about identifying and addressing inequalities within their mission—an enlightening transformation for both the trust and the charities they suppo ..read more

Keywords: Charity Leadership, Workforce Development, Great Teams, Emotional Intelligence, Shared Purpose, Trust, Continuous Learning. In this episode, we learn about charity Leadership and workforce development with Rob Laycock, co-founder of Yes We Can Community CIC. Known for his expertise in supporting the voluntary sector in the Northeast, Rob shares valuable insights into harnessing the potential of individuals and creating effective teams. Together with his colleague Stephanie Cole, they've successfully reframed leadership as an action-oriented concept, emphasising the development of lea ..read more

Keywords: Legacy Giving, Fundraising, Donors, Local Charities, Legacy Marketing, Impact Report, Gifts In Wills.   Join us in this fascinating discussion with Richard Radcliffe, a legacy fundraising expert, who shares his wealth of knowledge on legacy giving. We talk about the power of legacies in fundraising and how it is becoming an increasingly significant source of voluntary income, projected to double to about £7 billion by 2045. Richard discusses the evolving landscape of giving, with a shift from the traditional organisations supported to a broader range including local charities an ..read more

Keywords: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Psychological Safety, Code of Respect, Intersectionality. In this podcast episode, I had an insightful discussion with consultant and coach Ngozi Lyn Cole about enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizations. We explored the critical elements that make an organisation more inclusive and diverse, with Ngozi explaining why equity goes beyond treating everyone the same and how it is crucial for an organization to have a diverse representation at every level. We started our conversation by discussing the importance of inclusion and why it's esse ..read more

Episode keywords: Creativity, Innovation, Fundraising, Nonprofit, Charities, Fear, Long-Term Thinking, Acknowledging Failure, Psychological Safety, Nurturing People, Involving Audience, Problem-Solving, Learning from Failure. Episode description: Creativity in problem-solving and innovation in transforming these solutions into tangible results - simple concepts, yet often mistaken as one and the same, and riddled with roadblocks. Today, Lucy Gower, founder of Lucidity, helps to disentangle these concepts, while unearthing the hurdles that can hinder their implementation. From redefining innova ..read more

Episode keywords: Fundraising, Donor Needs, Response Rates, ROI, Digital Fundraising, Personalised Donor Care, Donor Engagement, Effective Strategies, Cultivating Relationships, Small Charities. Episode description: In this episode, we welcome Mark Phillips, founder of Fundraising Agency BlueFrog, who shares his decades of experience working with leading fundraising charities. This conversation is an enlightening exploration of the often-overlooked needs of donors and the significance of establishing meaningful relationships with them.   Mark discusses the four key states of need that inf ..read more

Keywords: Running a Charity, Start-up, Learning from Failure, Mindset Transformation, Money Mindset, Toxic Perfectionism, Succession Planning, Risk-Taking, Creative Potential. Description: Imagine turning personal loss into a legacy of hope, inspiration, and creativity. The incredible journey of Jennie Cashman Wilson, founder and CEO of the Abram Wilson Foundation, tugs at our heartstrings, as we explore love, loss, and the transformational power of music. Tune into this episode to discover how Jennie turned personal tragedy into an inspiring legacy. Navigating the stormy waters of founding a ..read more

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Purposely Podcast: Established in 1988, DSC has been a trusted resource in the non-profit sector, providing vital research, high-quality training, and ongoing support to charity leaders and volunteers. In addition, DSC advocates on behalf of organisations facing tough challenges, from economic crises to the recent global pandemic. With over two decades of leadership experience at DSC, Debra has played a crucial role in empowering charities to fulfil their missions despite limited resources and frequent obstacles. She proudly emphasises DSC's pos ..read more

Keywords: Charities, social enterprises, cross-sector partnerships, serial co-founder, networking, relationships. Description: Ever dreamt of striking an audacious partnership, but held back because you thought it was too bold? In this episode, we welcome Oli Barrett, a serial co-founder whose remarkable journey has seen him setting up impactful social purpose initiatives, from startups to collaborations with renowned global brands and governments. Oli’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and innovative partnerships. This episode is packed with practical advice and str ..read more

Keywords: Innovation, Programme Lifecycle, Impact Evaluation, Partnerships, Social Enterprise, Winning Scotland, Charity, Social Change, Board Champions. Description: Can you imagine crafting a future where children are not just surviving their circumstances but thriving in them? That's precisely what Zahra Hedges, the dynamic CEO of Winning Scotland, is striving to achieve. In our engrossing chat, Zahra opens up about the charity’s ambitious mission to revolutionize Scotland’s social fabric, focusing on empowering children and young people to develop resilience and confidence. We dissect thei ..read more