Charity CEO’s - There may be trouble ahead – but, STAND FIRM!



The job of the charity CEO is a particularly challenging one. Not only do they have the responsibility of “steering the ship” - leading and directing those in the organisation while guiding and developing their senior management team - but they are also faced with the additional pressures of keeping trustees informed and remaining in touch with the beneficiaries their organisation supports.

It’s a tough call, particularly when some consider that the Chief Officer role is something to be grateful for! Even to the extent that the incumbent should be content to accept remuneration much less than the norm when compared with their professional counterparts in the business world.

It’s no wonder that, in the face of unrelenting pressure to “bring in the money”, a CEO can be tempted to stray away from their core purpose. When, for example, during their weekly brief with the fundraising team, it is revealed that there is a “pot of money up for grabs – BUT, we’ll need to change what we do … not much – just a little”!

Of course, what this actually leads to is MISSION DRIFT ….

At this point I believe the CEO should consider - is this the right action to take here? Is it right to let the views of those who are offering funds dictate to a charity what it should be doing with the money it so generously gives? Or should a charity stand firm and say no - THIS is why we set the charity up in the first place – THESE are the people and communities who so desperately need our help – WE are the people on the ground, at the front line.

The best people to steer any charity though choppy waters are those who commit their time and emotions to the cause each and every day – those who were there when it started and live and breathe the vision.

So, STAND FIRM, charity CEOs. There may be tough times ahead, but I believe that those who stay true to their mission, will win in the long run.

Happy to support and advise #Charity CEO’s as part time #Marketing Director – Roger

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