Leading in Uncertainty

About our peer support sessions

We want to offer useful, relevant support to the amazing charities who inspire us every day. To that end, we provide regular, facilitated spaces for leaders to share what is front of mind, and to receive support from peers in the current context of sustained uncertainty.

During these online sessions, we are listening – so we can learn about the live challenges leaders are facing and help funders to understand how they can best respond.

Register to hear about our drop-in peer support sessions, which run three times each year.

Find out more

The basics

We run 90 minute peer support sessions for up to 12 charity leaders at a time, via Zoom.

Attendees experience a safe space to share challenges – like increasing or changing demand, taking care of your team (and yourself!), blending online and face-to-face, and managing multiple balancing acts. In some instances, we may work with partners to support their networks.

There are also pathways to influence the practice of over 100 funders who have signed up to our community of open and trusting grant-making.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this for?

Leaders of charities, community organisations and social enterprises, based in the UK.

This Leading in Uncertainty initiative builds on the emergency support sessions which we have been providing since April 2020. Over 500 people have taken part so far; their organisations are active in 17 fields including the arts, criminal justice, education, equality, infrastructure and migration. For a feel of what the sessions are like, read this short blog from Patricia Kieran, Director of the Irish Institute for Catholic Studies or explore our ‘How is this useful’ section of this webpage.

What kind of space is it?

The precise focus of conversations is generated by the participants or partner organisations we work with – you shape what this needs to be, to ensure that the sessions are useful for you.

It was really powerful to be part of one of these sessions … incredible to hear about the wide range of experiences and challenges faced by colleagues and to identify together commonality within that diversity

The sessions are co-facilitated by IVAR staff and associates, all of whom have been supporting charity leaders across the UK since April 2020.

When are the sessions?

We run three rounds of drop-in sessions each year. Please register for updates if you would like to hear when new dates are announced.

Please note

The online support sessions are facilitated peer support spaces; they are not information or advice surgeries.

Through these sessions, we’re building our understanding of the live situation in the sector – and calling for funders to respond. So, as well as a safe space to share what’s on your mind, this is also an opportunity to influence funder practice. You can see examples of this in our briefing series and our call for open and trusting grant-making, which has been shaped by what we’ve heard from charity leaders.

Rest assured that we won’t share anything without your consent.

We do periodically produce anonymised briefings to:

Share advice for other voluntary sector leaders
Inform UK-wide funders decisions about the kinds of support needed by the sector

How is this useful?

The benefit of the IVAR sessions has been listening to how others have coped during this time, and I hope that leaders will give themselves the opportunity to reflect on what they have learned and what works for them.

It’s good for mental wellbeing and to have the opportunity to talk and share with others in similar situations.

Meeting others from different areas provides the opportunity to be frank about challenges faced and therefore allows for open discussion, which can identify strong solutions.

It is important to take time out. To know that people around the country are dealing with the same things and feel that we have each other’s back. I am glad I didn’t make an excuse.

I found this space highly valuable to hear and empathise with other charity leaders grappling with similar challenges. I also enjoyed hearing about their unique context and specific challenges; it is great to get out of your head and hear what is important for others. I learnt a lot about how other leaders approach their work and its pressure from these conversations. It prompted me to reflect on my own priorities and approaches.

Three charity leaders share how peer support can help.

Peta Wilkinson, CEO of Willen Hospice

Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Officer of Selby District AVS

Jenny Groves, CEO of Battle Scars

Peta Wilkinson, CEO of Willen Hospice, on how peer support can help

Introduction from IVAR

Leaders of smaller voluntary organisations experienced a prolonged period of uncertainty during 2020/21 in the height of Covid-19. Wanting to support the sector in a useful way, we offered sector leaders online peer support sessions called Emergency response support: ‘a space for solidarity and solace’. From these sessions we built a picture of the challenges they faced and what they needed from funders in response: turning these into regular briefings.

Following a positive reaction to the series of peer support sessions, our learning, and a clear need for continued support, we have re-launched peer support sessions with a focus on Leading in uncertainty. We asked emergency response session attendees to share their experiences of leading during the uncertainty of 2020 and how peer support sessions helped. Here, Peta Wilkinson of Willen Hospice shares:

1. What was leadership like during COVID-19 (2020)?

Characterised by ambiguity, uncertainty, fear and uncertainty, it required great resilience, self-awareness and compassion. I think this has amplified the challenges associated with collaboration, decision making and prioritisation. Emotion has been a key feature of people’s response. People have felt vulnerable, which has impacted upon trust – the cornerstone of effective management and leadership.

Interestingly, as we emerged from lockdown and people saw light at the end of the tunnel, people’s exhaustion and introspection became more acute and it felt more difficult to focus on the broader organisational issues. This manifested itself in people feeling a lesser degree of trust, and to a certain extent, a level of paranoia.

I felt that my role in these difficult situations was to be adaptive and to remain connected to people. I felt that I took responsibility and was transparent but there was still a sense of a lack of clarity about decision making. I think the clinicians have felt that they dealt with the brunt of the situation and that people do not understand.

Constancy and resilience are a key feature of my response and a desire to protect people’s wellbeing and emotional stability. This has not always been easy as introspection needed to be managed so as not to cause a fracture between the clinical service provision and income generation elements of the charity.

Maintaining a focus on moving forward and being adaptive has had to be tempered with an attention to restoration and recovery which remains a challenge.

2. Why is connecting with peers important for leaders?

It is important to connect with peers to be able to share experiences, reflect on how one might respond and also realise the personal impact it has on you as a person. I have found my connections both insightful and generative, and have valued opinions and support that have helped me to act more positively.

3. How did peer support session/s make you feel after talking on leadership and organisational challenges?

Better and more positive, even if it was sharing some of the grimness! I often felt somewhat de-humanised as the person responsible for everything. I felt more confident in engaging and making decisions, and in maintaining my presence, resilience and capability to act.

We are running 90 minute drop-in peer support sessions for up to 10 charity leaders at a time, every week, from June 2021 – via Zoom. Join us for some time to pause and reflect, and to hear other leaders’ experiences of adapting to and coping with leading in prolonged uncertainty. Find out more and book your slot at this page: http://www.ivar.org.uk/leading-in-uncertainty/

About Willen Hospice:

Willen is an adult Hospice providing specialist End of Life and Palliative care to people with a life limiting condition. We have an in-patient unit providing Holistic care focused on pain and symptom management and support in every area of a person’s life. We have a specialist Willen at Home team providing similar services in people’s own homes in the community. We have a specialist social work team providing support to adults and children, a pre and post bereavement service for adults and children, a specialist lymphedema service, psychological services, specialist therapy and complementary therapies. We also provide a Cancer Care in the Community Service for people on a palliative or curative pathway. All these services and support work in an integrated way to provide bespoke services to each patient and their family and loved ones.

Find out more about Willen Hospice at: https://www.willen-hospice.org.uk/
Follow them on social media: https://twitter.com/willenhospice

Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Officer of Selby District AVS, on how peer support can help

Introduction from IVAR

Leaders of smaller voluntary organisations experienced a prolonged period of uncertainty during 2020/21 in the height of Covid-19. Wanting to support the sector in a useful way, we offered sector leaders online peer support sessions called Emergency response support: ‘a space for solidarity and solace’. From these sessions we built a picture of the challenges they faced and what they needed from funders in response: turning these into regular briefings.

Following a positive reaction to the series of peer support sessions, our learning, and a clear need for continued support, we have re-launched peer support sessions with a focus on Leading in uncertainty. We asked emergency response session attendees to share their experiences of leading during the uncertainty of 2020 and how peer support sessions helped. Here, Chris Hailey-Norris of Selby District AVS shares:

1. What was leadership like during COVID-19 (2020)?

Leadership was a mix of emotions — and a roller coaster of decision-making, risk-taking and strategic redevelopment. In order to survive, we had to swiftly adapt and respond to the needs of the community and the organisations we support.

We had to rapidly adjust as traditional sources of income ceased and new opportunities emerged. We embraced new ways of communicating, increased flexibility in service delivery, and continuing to be a solutions-based service. This massive change meant that staff, volunteers and trustees needed increased communication, reassurance and emotional support from the senior leadership team on a professional and personal level.

On a personal level, at times, it could be isolating, frustrating, exhausting but also incredibly, humbling, emotional, and always worthwhile.

2. Why is connecting with peers important for leaders?

It is important to connect with peers, as it is a refreshing opportunity to share thoughts and feelings, explore options, unburden yourself, and to realise you are not the only one tackling multiple issues within a changing landscape.

It provides the safe space to hear other viewpoints, ideas and strategies for tackling similar issues.

3. How did peer support session/s make you feel after talking on leadership and organisational challenges?

Each session was reassuring, informative, good humoured and inspiring. Facilitation ensured that everyone was given a voice, was heard, and that we had the chance to reflect.

It recharged my batteries and enabled me to move forward with increased confidence.

Leading in uncertainty

We are running 90 minute drop-in peer support sessions for up to 10 charity leaders at a time, every week, from June 2021 – via Zoom. Join us for some time to pause and reflect, and to hear other leaders’ experiences of adapting to and coping with leading in prolonged uncertainty. Find out more and book your slot at this page: http://www.ivar.org.uk/leading-in-uncertainty/

About Selby District AVS:

Our aim is simple – to enable the voluntary and community sector to grow and flourish, whilst at the same time supporting an inclusive community for everyone living and working in Selby District.

How do we do this?

Partnerships and Collaborations – hosting and contributing to a range of networks and forums
Support, information, and guidance for any community group / organisation.
Direct service provision – Community Transport Scheme, Social Prescribing Service, Career Development Coaching, Employability training schemes, holistic support for vulnerable people.
Opportunities – to share information, bring people together, address gaps in service provision, trial new initiatives, and research community needs.

Find out more about Selby District AVS at: http://selbydistrictavs.org.uk/

Follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/CommunityHouseSelby/

Jenny Groves, CEO of Battle Scars on how peer support can help

Introduction from IVAR

Leaders of smaller voluntary organisations experienced a prolonged period of uncertainty during 2020/21 in the height of Covid-19. Wanting to support the sector in a useful way, we offered sector leaders online peer support sessions called Emergency response support: ‘a space for solidarity and solace’. From these sessions we built a picture of the challenges they faced and what they needed from funders in response: turning these into regular briefings.

Following a positive reaction to the series of peer support sessions, our learning, and a clear need for continued support, we have re-launched peer support sessions with a focus on Leading in uncertainty. We asked emergency response session attendees to share their experiences of leading during the uncertainty of 2020 and how peer support sessions helped. Here, Jenny Groves of Battle Scars shares:

1. What was leadership like during COVID-19 (2020)?

Leadership felt rather isolating at times and, quite often, very stressful. Too many constant changes, too much uncertainty and too much pressure.

2. Why is connecting with peers important for leaders?

Connecting with peers was vital, to share the difficulties we were experiencing and to find solutions together. It definitely helped to not feel alone.

3. How did peer support session/s make you feel after talking on leadership and organisational challenges?

Peer support helped me feel more understood and supported. No matter how much support I am getting from the trustees, and even the staff and volunteers, none of them can understand what it’s like to be the CEO — to be constantly problem-solving and planning for the next day, month and year, all at once.

It was extremely helpful being with other leaders, seeing how common such issues are and finding solutions together.

Leading in uncertainty

We are running 90 minute drop-in peer support sessions for up to 10 charity leaders at a time, every week, from June 2021 – via Zoom. Join us for some time to pause and reflect, and to hear other leaders’ experiences of adapting to and coping with leading in prolonged uncertainty. Find out more and book your slot at this page: http://www.ivar.org.uk/leading-in-uncertainty/

About Battle Scars:

Battle Scars are a small Leeds-based, 100% survivor-led and run charity providing UK-wide, virtual and Leeds/Wakefield face-to-face services, as well as online resources to anybody affected by self-harm.

Find out more about Battle Scars at: https://www.battle-scars-self-harm.org.uk/
Follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BattleScarsSelfHarm ; https://twitter.com/BattleScars_SH

Meet the facilitators

Meet some of the people who facilitate our peer support sessions.

We are from the kinds of organisations and communities that we seek to serve. Having worked in and around the voluntary sector as volunteers, paid staff, leaders, trustees, teachers and researchers – we understand and care about the distinctiveness and independence of the sector.