Tackle a charity’s specific business challenge. Over ten weeks, six Pilotlighters apply their analytical skills and expertise to explore an issue in depth and to recommend solutions.
Expert analysis
We know that when charities come up against challenges, how they consider their responses can be limited by money, human resource and time. Pilotlight Insight gives charities access to expert consultancy on a challenge of critical importance.
Over ten weeks, a team of Pilotlighters delve into a specific challenge of real importance to a charity. They spend time getting to know the organisation, who’s there, what it does, what the challenge is and what the opportunities and limitations around it are. Supported by a Pilotlight Project Manager and a senior mentor from their own business, the Pilotlighters then work to deliver a concrete output to the charity.
For our Partner Business, it is a chance to develop future leaders and see them work cross-functionally on matters of real importance to a charity. It’s challenging and motivating. It’s also a great way to get senior leaders involved, as they mentor the Pilotlighter teams.
An outside perspective
We are not prescriptive on the type of opportunity charities bring to this programme, as long as they are well defined and of strategic importance. Previous briefs have included:
- Creating a plan for volunteer recruitment and retention, and for developing a volunteer database.
- Mapping and predicting growth in the need of a charity’s services, with analysis on how this will impact its strategy.
- Producing detailed recommendations for new and improved digital services, alongside competitor analysis and evaluation of current products.
Our team works with each charity ahead of the start of the programme to hone the question into a clear brief that can be presented to the Pilotlighter team.
In it together
Every group is paired with a dedicated Pilotlight Project Manager. Their job is to organise and facilitate the initial meetings, providing insight into the not-for-profit sector to the Pilotlighters, and supporting the charity throughout.
In addition, everyone involved will take part in a launch event to open the programme and a celebration event at the end. You’ll get to know other people involved in the programme and share what you’ve done and learnt.
This programme is delivered through a mix of in-person and virtual meetings.
We are currently open for applications from charities and social enterprises for this programme. Take a look at the deadlines to apply here.
Case Studies
Renewed support for Croydon Mencap
Croydon Mencap supports parent carers of children and young people with any disability aged 0-25 and adults with a learning disability and their parents, carers and families. Services can range from support with mental health, loneliness, isolation and around the barrier that they face when trying to get into work.
Developing impact measurement for Hands Together Ludlow
Hands Together Ludlow works with partners, stakeholders and volunteers to improve wellbeing and create a more equitable community in and around Ludlow by reducing isolation, poor health and financial hardship.
Helping Protect develop its services
“Our Pilotlighters gave us a number of things to consider across different areas of the project, based on their experience. They helped us think about possible routes to market, and were particularly helpful in ensuring we maximised the commercial potential.”
Supporting DASH to effectively track its service user journey
“Working with the Pilotlighters was a great experience not only for our organisation, but for me personally, as it provided me with the time and opportunity to sit back and look at the issue from a different perspective.”
Accelerating growth for Generation Success
"This has been one of the most life-changing experiences for my organisation and myself. The work conducted has helped us accelerate our growth and better define our objectives."
Aiding KeyRing diversify its income
"We had a fantastic experience. The Pilotlighters were engaged, collaborative, and inspirationally challenging. The outputs were of high quality and of immediate help to us."
Optimising the end user experience for Sutton Mencap
"This has been a great programme and we are delighted to have taken part."