Reflections of a Charity CEO

"SUCCESS IS SURVIVAL" - Leonard Cohen

2022 turned out to be a great year for Waltham Forest Community Hub despite our anticipations of being severely affected by loss of earned income and an increase in the demand for our services. Fortunately, we had been prepared to focus all our energies towards fundraising to continue existing work as well as expanding those services that were in the greatest demand.

The year started with a candle of hope, following our successful fundraising from Trust for London and newly formed partnership with Hackney Community Law Centre. Our independent Housing Advice Service in Waltham Forest had already weathered the initial six months of implementation and the partnership had grown a strong foundation, enabling us to set up a Housing Advisory Group as a collaborative platform for all professionals working in housing in the borough. By September, which marked a year of the service we had supported 316 local residents with their housing problems.

This year I was also approached by Kate Burley who was keen to shadow me as part of her Masters in Voluntary Sector Leadership Course, which she was undertaking at Bayes Business School. This was a first for me, and I really didn't know what to expect except that I was hopeful for critical feedback as a great learning opportunity for me. It was a tough decision for me as I had to make room in my busy schedule for someone to watch my every move so that they could analyse my behaviour. My role as CEO at the Community Hub is a very busy one, but what tipped the balance was my need to fulfil social responsibility. I saw my decision to allow another woman studying leadership to shadow me as a way of increasing capacity within the voluntary sector. Kate interviewed me Live on LinkedIn. You can listen to the interview here:

You have to be a visible public face to have influence in policy making, which is crucial in leading an organisation even if it feels uncomfortable and hasn't always been the most favourable approach in our overstretched and under resourced sector. Following attendance of several meetings organised by our Local Authority, I found myself contributing towards the borough's Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and participating on the Health Inequalities Advisory Board. These are important forums that usually have very little engagement from the voluntary sector. By engaging with the process I was able to point out the obvious. Voluntary sector leaders like me don't get paid to attend these meetings that are often organised by paid public sector staff. The solution is simple - pay voluntary sector leaders for their time and expertise.

Knowing that Waltham Forest as a borough has the second highest level of fuel poverty out of 32 boroughs in London meant our small charity had to pivot once again to prepare ourselves for the cost of living crisis. In the summer we fortunately came to the attention of the Cadent Gas Network who were keen to collaborate with us. By September we had developed a remarkable partnership with Cadent Gas who agreed to fund our charity to set up an Energy Warmth Centre from October, for the residents of Waltham Forest.

In November I plucked up the courage to go away to Bangladesh for 3 weeks to pursue a long held dream knowing that I would be missing one of my favourite events - the Christmas Lunch for Pensioners. Although my team always give me great reassurance, it was tough for me to detach myself from something that is very close to my heart. The first time the Christmas Lunch took place I was able to add my little twist of making it a 'Halal Christmas', which was an attempt to be inclusive enough for the Muslim population of the borough. Residents living in sheltered housing who felt isolated was the initial motivation behind setting up such an event. Upon my return from holiday, it was a great joy to receive all the wonderful feedback from attendees and sponsors.

The staff team reflected great teamwork and leadership. They had to work really hard this year due to staffing shortage, enabling particular staff members to step up and rise to the occasion. I am incredibly proud of their passion and commitment in making it so special for our elderly service users and the young people who supported the event as volunteers.

People say great leaders make their Team feel safe knowing that their leader has their back, but on this occasion my Team have taught me that it is a TEAM that provides the safety for a?Chief Executive Officer?or?Director?to shoulder responsibility, especially when the going gets tough!

If you want your small charity to achieve excellence:

1. provide your Team with the right tools & resources,

2. give them the reassurance they need to take considered risks,

3. make time to listen to them and figure out solutions,

4. actively encourage & advocate shared ownership and shared responsibility.

5. have faith - trust your Team to have your back.

As our East London based organisation continues to grow, we are now looking for an experienced individual to join our team as 'Head of Service Delivery'. Deadline for applications is 2nd Jan 2023. See www.wfchub.org for details.

#leadership #smallcharities #reflection #review