On Thursday 25 February, with our partners PEM, we were delighted to hold our first Charity Leaders Group of 2021.

Delivered virtually on Zoom, we welcomed nearly 50 delegates from many charity and not for profit organisations across the region. 

Focusing on leadership and diversity, we were joined by speakers Ros Stephens, Coach, Trainer and HR Consultant and Katie Allen, Consultant and Business and Leadership Coach with Jayne Rowe, PEM Partner and Head of Charities and NFP organisations. They gave us plenty to think about.

David Culley, Director at Pure, opened the session, talking about how much had changed since the group met in February 2020. David said, “the pandemic has significantly changed leadership for many organisations. Diversity and inclusivity will be significantly important in 2021 and beyond.”

Ros Stephens followed with an energetic session, exploring the differences leading through the latest lockdown, compared to the first. Ros explained the neuroscience behind our emotional response and initial shock from last year to now, where more resilience and stamina is required to keep going when many of us are overwhelmed by a never-ending routine. Ros discussed the importance of showing compassion which has been a constant requirement from leaders throughout the pandemic. Ros shared that the emphasis was now evolving to achieve the right balance of empathy, compassion, and leadership. She shared how important it was to set the tone, continue to focus on helping people to feel connected and have a purpose. 

Katie Allen and Jayne Rowe delivered an inspiring session that provided insight and offered practical steps to introduce greater diversity and inclusion into workplaces including how to self-assess, advice on recruitment and how to create inclusive environments.

In the discussions, David encouraged hiring managers to raise conscious awareness of the importance of diversity when recruiting and to ask for diversity on shortlists. Delivered in the right way, it can be very powerful.

Lynn Walters, Executive Director at Pure, described the evolution of Best Employers 2021 and how charity and not for profit organisations would benefit from taking part.  From hearing inspirational speakers to learning how to keep organisational culture fresh through a confidential employee survey, Best Employers would enable organisations to showcase why they are great places to work. 

The event was well-received by delegates and included many opportunities for discussion and virtual networking. To continue the conversation, join our Charity Leaders LinkedIn Group.

To discuss leadership and diversity in your recruitment strategies get in touch with our Pure Executive Recruitment consultants.