‘Leading in Uncertainty’ is a series of briefings designed to help trusts and foundations better understand the challenges and realities facing charity leaders. Drawing on facilitated conversations between senior leaders of UK charities, these briefings offer direct insights for funders and share perspectives on how they can better support voluntary sector organisations.
This briefing has been written by Keeva Rooney and Ben Cairns, based on work carried out by the IVAR team in conversations with 28 charity leaders across England and Scotland during June 2025. This snapshot of what they told us covers:
- The current reality: what’s hardest for leaders?
- What’s helping: positive practices and mindsets
- What do leaders need? Messages for funders
- Learning on resilience and resourcefulness
