Charity leaders are being offered a valuable leadership and coaching opportunity for free, thanks to 15 bursaries to celebrate 15 years of the Pilotlight 360.
The Pilotlight 360 matches teams of four business professionals (Pilotlighters) to act as coaches and mentors to a charity. Over 10 months, they advise the charity on everything from finance to governance helping it to increase its impact.
Typically, Pilotlighters, or their firms, pay to take part in this unique leadership opportunity that tests their skills on real time strategic issues, as well as allowing them to take back what they learn to their own organisations. These new bursaries will give 15 charity leaders the chance to become Pilotlighters at no cost, other than a time commitment of three hours a month.
Since 2003, Pilotlight has worked with over 700 charities and social enterprises and more than 1,500 business leaders. 2018 marks 15 years of the Pilotlight 360. To celebrate, its Chairman Graham Clempson is generously funding the 15 bursaries for charity leaders. He says:
“I have seen first-hand the benefits of the Pilotlight 360 to both the charities involved and the Pilotlighters. I believe in the power of great leadership and am proud to support the charity sector through this Bursary Initiative.”
Gillian Murray, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, says:
“We know the charity sector is a pool of top talent – dedicated people who are used to delivering big impact often with limited resources. We are inviting 15 charities leaders to test and refine their leadership skills on strategic issues by becoming Pilotlighters in 2018. The opportunity is perfect for charity CEOs or leaders of major divisions within larger charities wanting to extend and develop their skills beyond their usual environment.”
The programme has attracted leaders from across the commercial world, including from Virgin Media, Barclays and Thomson Reuters. These bursaries will give the same opportunity to charity leaders.
Stuart McMaster, Pilotlighter and former Director of Investment Management at Alliance Trust:
"At the end of the process I’d achieved something real with a group of people, which will go on to have a positive impact on people’s lives. This is what makes Pilotlight stand out from the leadership programmes I have been involved in. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone looking to develop their leadership skills."
Why become a Pilotlighter?
Two years on from becoming Pilotlighters, 95% of leaders report an increase in coaching skills and the same number say they have increased their awareness of different leadership skills. These new skills will help you on your journey as an effective leader within your own organisation.
Having the chance to give something back to the sector you work in beyond your own organisation, is also a powerful reason to get involved. After two years of membership, 100% of Pilotlighters report their well-being and happiness have increased and 79% saw an improvement in their job satisfaction.
How do I get involved?
The first intake of applications closes on Tuesday 3rd April 2018.