News

Embracing change through volunteering

Sarah Cooper | 29 September 2023

Little did I know that a seemingly simple email was about to change my perspective in a big way. It was from Pilotlight. Thanking their ‘Pilotlighters’, both past and present, for their contribution to the skills-based volunteering programmes they run in partnership with Barclays. And whilst reading it, the thought struck me that I actually had a lot to thank Pilotlight for.

Using L&D to accelerate opportunities for diverse staff

Reena Pastakia | 27 June 2023

Diversity and inclusion are key components of any successful business. Not only does a diverse workforce foster a culture of innovation and creativity, but it also allows a company to tap into a wider pool of talent and perspectives.

Running a marathon or skilled volunteering? Why not both

Grace Ellis | 15 June 2023

For those looking to give more to charity, running a marathon is a popular choice.  Having experienced it I now understand why: it’s not only fundraising for a cause that’s important to you but also incredible personal development.

Driving business success through investing in your people

Tom Leavesley-Matthews | 31 May 2023

Learning and Talent teams are more focused than ever on employee engagement and retention. So how can business better engage its people and provide compelling learning opportunities that address shifting strategic priorities?

22 years of challenges and growth…

Deborah Xavier | 3 April 2023

Pilotlight’s PMs are skilled facilitators, cultural translators and experts in charity governance and strategic planning. They create the space in which trust relationships can grow and set the tone for open, honest and respectful communication.

Learning to swim: lessons in leadership

Sam Matthews | 24 January 2023

My first leadership experience was when I was quite young. Soon after leaving university, I found myself leading a small grassroots project in South Africa providing training to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. I knew very little about running a project, and equally little about leadership. I had the job title of a leader and people to be led but really, I didn’t know what to do.

Growing support for carers both locally and nationally

Kathy Verges | 28 June 2022

When we worked with Kathy Verges in 2010, she was CEO at Crossroads Care Havering, which had a turnover of around £600k. Kathy retired as Chief Officer in January 2022. After a series of mergers Kathy led the charity on to re-brand to create TuVida, which had national reach and a turnover of £14m. She reflects on her work with Pilotlight.

Now is the best time for anyone to learn new skills

Charlie Medcalf | 9 September 2021

There is much to be learnt from the way our children approach the new school year. As Freddie stepped through the classroom door for his taster session, I admired his want to connect with peers, his openness to new experiences and his thirst for learning.

Women in leadership: tips from the top

Simona Bojare | 8 March 2021

To celebrate International Women's Day today I wanted to share some tips I’ve collated from powerful women leaders at Pilotlight. I feel very fortunate to work alongside many amazing women every day: half of our leadership team is made up of incredible women, our Chair is a woman, and we recently welcomed three new women trustees to our Board

How to make 2021 a year of empathy

Ed Mayo | 1 January 2021

After the pain and dislocation of 2020, there is an urgent need for the skills and practice of empathy across society and the economy. The pandemic exposed inequalities, reinforced poverty and tested the solidarity of co-operation within and across nations. These are trends, which left unchecked lead, as night follows day to violence and insecurity.