Leading in Uncertainty

A space for small charity leaders to pause, share, and learn

Since 2020, over 500 leaders have taken part in our Leading in Uncertainty sessions. These sessions combine open peer support with expert-led conversations, tackling the most pressing and recurring charity challenges leaders face.

How it works

Who for: Leaders of small charities, community organisations and social enterprises, based in the UK. We define ‘small’ as those with income of under £500,000 per year.

Format: 90 minutes, online via Zoom, with up to 20 participants.

Two ways to take part

Open conversations
Held once a month, these flexible conversations offer small charity leaders a chance to talk openly about challenges and connect with peers who understand – all guided by IVAR’s expert facilitators.

Focused sessions
Themed, focused discussions co-facilitated by expert partners, built around topics that charity leaders tell us are most pressing and persistent. These sessions provide both a reflexive and practical space for small charity leaders to explore topics such as evaluation and learning, ending well, and the role of AI in their organisations.

Book now

Open conversations:

Wednesday 8th July 2026, 10-11.30
Wednesday 5th Aug 2026, 10-11.30
Thursday 10th Sept 2026, 10-11.30

The role of AI:

Monday 20th July 2026, 10-11.30
Tuesday 20th October 2026, 10-11.30

Why join?

A confidential space to speak openly
Inspiration from all kinds of charities, across the UK
A supportive network of fellow leaders

Could you be a partner facilitator?

Do you have expertise to share with charity leaders? We’re seeking facilitators to co-design and run focussed sessions on key themes. Contact keeva@ivar.org.uk to find out more.

Insights from past sessions

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.

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.