The Forecast - November 2024
Welcome to The Forecast - our monthly newsletter spotlighting exciting skilled volunteer opportunities and small charity insights.
Three keys to success in a non-exec charity role
At The Fore, we specialise in matching professionals with leadership roles in small, innovative charities. We have done just that for former Private Equity exec Graham Heddle, the now Chair of Trustees at Goods for Good.
If you’re considering skilled volunteering, a non-executive role, or even stepping into a Chair position like Graham, here are three key qualities that helped him succeed – and can help you too:
1. Taking Time To Understand the Cause: “I’ve got involved with all aspects of the charity, and it’s been a hugely rewarding and valuable learning experience” - Graham Heddle
2. Bringing a Strategic, Future-Focused Mindset: “Graham has given us direction, guiding us on fundraising, systems challenges, and AI insights, helping us integrate these into our everyday work” - Rosalind Bluestone, Founder and CEO of Goods for Good
3. Having a Broad Perspective to Notice Areas for Improvement: "He brought a wealth of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to our organisation, making him an exceptional addition to our leadership team” - Rosalind Bluestone, Founder and CEO of Goods for Good Read to take the leap?
Sign up to join our Pro Bono Network to find a charity that matches your skills and preferred cause.
2024 skilled volunteer matchmaking milestone!
This year so far alone, we've made 100 pro bono connections, placing professionals with the UK's most exciting small charities for board roles, mentoring, strategic advisory and speicalised projects.
Our unique position, strengthened by strong corporate partnerships and a pre-vetted network of expert volunteers, allows us to create impactful matches that drive social change. Why Our Approach Works
1. Start with a Conversation. Identifying how you can make a difference as a volunteer isn't always obvious. An exploratory chat helps uncover a charity's challenges and opportunities, revealing how your skills can fill crucial gaps.
2. Chemistry Matters. As with any great relationships, that spark is essential. Seek genuine connection and inspiration before committing to giving your time for free. That is said for both sides.
3. Stay Open-Minded. Passion for a cause is important, but keep an open mind. Our charities tackle a vast range of complex issues with innovative solutions - many of which may be new to you!
If your organisation seeks a tailored approach to support staff find skilled volunteer roles, contact us at partnerships@thefore.org
Meet the inspiring local community leader using lessons of basketball to change lives
Join us on online on Friday 15 November at 1pm to meet Tony Lazare, the founder & CEO of London Basketball Association.
LBA support 4000 young people aged 11-24 each year across five London boroughs. They use the lessons of basketball to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills. LBA are creating social savings of around £18million whilst operating on a annual budget of £265k – a whopping £68 return for every £1 spent.
Join us to hear Tony speak about the issues he is tackling and how LBA is transforming lives.
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Skilled volunteer roles with small charities backed by The Fore
To access our full range of pre-vetted skilled volunteering roles,please apply to join our Pro Bono Network of experienced professionals who are looking to share their skills.
Scaling charity teaching young people about healthy relationships recruiting next Chair
Let Me Know (LMK) stops relationship abuse before it starts. They work with 10-24 year olds and provide non-judgemental relationship education using their '10-Signs' framework. Now in their 5th year, LMK have worked with over 15,000 participants and demand is ever increasing. They are looking for a dynamic Chair to lead its board.
Email probono@thefore.org to learn more!
London arts charity training and employing migrant women seeking business advisory
Stiches in Time provides community, English classes, and sewing training to get migrant women into living wage employment through their sustainable manufacturing enterprise, Fabric Works. Already working with the likes of Toast and Monsoon, they are seeking some advice on securing additional partnerships.
Email probono@thefore.org to learn more!
Teachers' charity promoting holistic education seeking finance trustee
Schools of Tomorrow is established by and for school leaders committed to the idea that the most effective schools are those that combine academic attainment and a broader shared vision of quality and purpose. As they embark on a period of growth and expansion, they are looking for a finance director to join their board.
Email probono@thefore.org to learn more!
What we are reading, watching, and listening to this month...
If you're under 30 and seeking a board role, drop into one of these events!
The foundation's October 2024 report on positive outcomes and main challenges their small charities are facing
A Practical Guide to recruiting Black and Asian charity trustees to help charities take positive and sustainable steps to increase the racial diversity of their Boards
Does your company want to engage and develop staff?
Let’s explore partnering to facilitate bespoke matchmaking for skilled volunteering opportunities via partnerships@thefore.org
Founder & CEO - Humanitarian Aid Charity - GOODS FOR GOOD (GLOBAL)
1moIt seems very apt to thank The Fore during #trusteesweek for matching Goods For Good with Graham Heddle, when we were looking for a new Chair of our Trustee board. The incredible support we have received, as a small charity, from The Fore has been inspirational. Thank you Mary Rose Gunn and your team for all you do for us, and other charities.