Why Every Charity Leader Needs This Kind of Coaching in 2025

The charity sector is at a critical inflection point. According to The Road Ahead 2025 report just published by NCVO, leaders are facing a “big squeeze”—a tightening of funding, rising demand, shifting politics, changing workplace norms, and growing pressure to evolve.

And yet, in the middle of all this, there’s also potential. Space for reinvention, realignment, and renewed impact.

That’s exactly where I come in.

At a time when uncertainty is the norm, my coaching provides the clarity, confidence, and strategic headspace charity leaders urgently need. This isn’t generic executive coaching—it’s support grounded in years of lived experience in and alongside purpose-driven organisations. It's built around what really matters to leaders like you right now.

Here’s how my coaching meets each of the sector’s biggest challenges head-on:

1. Economic Pressures & Funding Challenges

You're making impossible choices—between services, staff, and sustainability. My coaching helps you zoom out, see the bigger picture, and lead with clarity even when resources are tight.

2. Shifting Political Landscape

Policy shifts, new procurement models, and devolved funding require strategic agility. I’ll work with you to sharpen your strategic thinking, respond with confidence, and stay mission-aligned amid change.

3. Workplace Dynamics

Hybrid work. Skills gaps. AI. My coaching supports you to manage change compassionately while keeping your people motivated, productive, and future-ready.

4. Volunteering & Trustee Recruitment Crisis

You’re not alone in struggling to build strong, committed teams. We’ll explore ways to lead with purpose, build a culture that attracts values-aligned people, and refresh your approach to governance.

5. Digital Transformation

You don’t need to be a tech wizard, but you do need to lead a digital strategy with confidence. My coaching creates space to explore what transformation looks like for your mission—and how to bring others with you.

6. Sustainability & Climate Action

Embedding sustainability into operations can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll break it down into practical, purpose-aligned steps that strengthen your impact.

7. Collaboration & Resilience

You don’t have to do it all alone. Coaching helps you identify the partnerships, networks, and collaborations that will carry your organisation further—and keep you supported, too.

8. Governance & Strategy

Good governance starts with clear thinking. I help leaders strengthen their board relationships, avoid mission creep, and stay rooted in what really matters.

9. Leadership Evolution

You’re not just running an organisation—you’re holding a space for others to thrive. I support you to lead authentically, prioritise your mental wellbeing, and evolve with the demands of modern leadership.

10. Opportunities Amid Challenges

This is more than survival—it's a chance to reimagine. My coaching helps you spot opportunities, lead with creativity, and chart a bold course for the future.

The Bottom Line?

You need time to think.You need space to reflect.You need support that understands your context.You need coaching that’s tailored to leaders in the charity world.

This is that coaching.

This is what one Non Profit CEO said recently after coaching:

"In my role as a CEO in the not for profit/charity sector, I have found Iain to be extremely familiar and empathetic to the context of my role. Iain has an exceptional ability to create an environment of trust, safety and confidentiality. Iain listens extremely well, asks helpful probing questions that have supported me in identifying clarity and solutions. The coaching is so beneficial I’m arranging a further set of coaching sessions with Iain. They are in my view essential to my effectiveness as a leader and professional.”

 Sharan Kelly, CEO , IASIO, Ireland

Let’s Talk You’re holding a lot—but you don’t have to hold it alone. Let’s have a conversation about how coaching could support you, your leadership, and the future you’re building.

👉 Get in touch at www.iainpatton.org