Securing a place on our Leadership Mentoring Programme proved a huge success for The Living Rooms – a vital community hub in Northallerton dedicated to enhancing social and wellbeing support for local residents. Operational improvements and strengthened decision making has allowed the charity to expand its reach and enhance its services for those in need.

What was the challenge?

A new team member, taking on a senior role after a career break, was in need of dedicated mentoring to quickly get to grips with the demands of their new role. Challenges included navigating their new responsibilities, and building a strong and productive relationship with the charity’s board of trustees.

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

As part of the six-month Leadership Mentoring Programme, the mentor delivered tailored guidance focused on achieving clear leadership and effective trustee engagement. This included separating strategy from planning and offering practical tips on influencing the board through clear, concise briefing materials.

What does the future look like?

Thanks to the mentoring received, the charity can boast a leader who is able to channel their enthusiasm into productive, analytical approaches, make better decisions, and manage risk more effectively while improving organisational efficiency. As a result, the charity benefits from improved leadership skills, better communication, a more strategic approach, greater stakeholder engagement and a more effective board. In short, the mentoring process has helped a charity leader become more confident and strategic in driving the organisation forward with clarity and purpose to enhance its impact in the community.

How can we help you?

Our support for voluntary, charity and social enterprise leaders – whether experienced, new, or aspiring – is well established. The Leadership Mentoring Programme is currently recruiting for Cohort 7, and will run from June to December 2025. Don’t miss your opportunity to apply!

Other support options designed to help you on your leadership journey include:

• Leadership Coaching – for leaders experiencing change or challenges in their organisation
• Leadership development and training for trustees – including induction and refresher training
• Chief Executive Officer Peer Group – this network provides a safe and productive space for CEOs to connect with peers and strengthen their relationships across the sector
• Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Podcast – offering leaders an easily accessible and flexible development opportunity.

To find out more, visit our Leadership Hub, which also links to our library of leadership resources.

For an informal chat about our leadership support or to discuss your options, please email Mike Hickman, our Leadership Development and Training Manager.