Programmes & Services

Supporting leaders through challenge and success.

Our programmes and services are designed to support leaders at every stage of their journey.

From stepping into a new role to mentoring, peer learning, and planning for retirement- our offerings provide connection, guidance, and practical support to help you navigate the challenges of leadership.

Our First Year in Post Programme is a premium, carefully curated package designed exclusively for first time CEOs or CEOs joining a new organisation. It is built to add tangible value where it matters most: clearer priorities, stronger decision making, reduced isolation, and access to trusted expertise at critical moments.

For £350, you receive:

  • A copy of ACEVO’s The Chief Executive’s First 100 Days
  • Four Strategic Partner masterclasses
  • Four virtual peer check ins
  • A dedicated one to one session with the CEO of Charity Leadership Scotland
  • Fifty percent off any two Charity Leadership Scotland events
  • Access to a private First Year in Post LinkedIn group

First Year in Post is an investment in getting your first year right.

For full details of what’s included in the FYIP package, please click here.

How to access:  Contact services@charityleadership.scot

Learn from experienced leaders one-to-one

  • Confidential mentoring tailored to your needs
  • Explore strategy, build confidence, and reflect in a trusted space

“Mentors provide a spectrum of learning — from challenging you as a critical friend to being there to simply listen.” — Participant

How to access:

Mentee Sign up form

Mentor Sign up form

See our current mentor bios here

Step outside your sector and gain new perspectives

  • Twice-yearly matching for fresh insights and leadership learning
  • FREE for members – £80 for non-members

How to access:

Members Application Form

Non-member application form 

The deadline for applications to our 2026 Spring cohort is 20 March 2026. Don’t miss out, apply now!

Further support:

  • Our FREE Leadership Exchange Information Session is taking place online on 24 Feb 2026, 12:30 – 13:30 you can sign up here. 
  • For FAQs, Blogs & Articles, and Learning Events please contact services@charityleadership.scot

Stepping away from a leadership role is a significant moment, both personally and professionally. Our Transition Support Programme supports charity leaders who are considering retirement within the next five years to approach this change with confidence, intention and clarity.

Blending practical planning with expert psychological support and the wisdom of peers, the programme creates space to reflect, prepare and move forward well, not just from a role, but into what comes next.

What’s included (£375 per person):
  • Last 100 Days transition resource
  • Age Scotland Planning for Your Future workshop (28 May, all-day Edinburgh)
  • Psychological Readiness for Retirement  (11 June, 2-hour virtual)
  • One to one session with a coaching psychologist
  • Quarterly peer group check ins

How to access:

Register Here 

This service can be used to bridge a temporary gap in leadership (i.e. maternity leave, or succession recruitment), and/or as a support to senior leaders in times of need or change, which may involve assistance with specific short term projects.

How to access:

Organisation Registration 

First Year in Post Programme

Stepping into a chief executive role for the first time brings both challenge and opportunity. Our First Year in Post programme is designed to help new Chief Officers make the strongest possible start. Over 12 months, you’ll gain access to tailored support, expert guidance, and a network of peers navigating similar experiences. From early strategic decisions to finding your rhythm as a leader, this programme helps you build confidence, clarity, and connection in your first year at the helm.

Mentoring Programme

Our Mentoring Programme connects members with experienced leaders who truly understand the realities of senior leadership. Through a confidential, one-to-one relationship, mentors offer space to share ideas, navigate challenges, and grow personally and professionally.

Flexible and tailored to your needs, this programme offers the chance to build confidence as a voluntary sector leader, explore strategic decisions, and gain fresh perspective — all within a trusted, supportive partnership.

Leadership Exchange Programme

Our Leadership Exchange Programme gives leaders the chance to step beyond their own sector and gain fresh insight from peers across different fields. By connecting with another senior leader, you’ll share experiences, exchange ideas, and see your own challenges through a new lens.

The programme runs twice yearly, with matches made in March and October — and is free for members of Charity Leadership Scotland. It’s a powerful opportunity to grow your perspective, strengthen your leadership, and build meaningful cross-sector connections.

Interim Executive Service

Charity Leadership Scotland’s Interim Executive Service provides voluntary sector organisations, Boards, and outgoing CEO’s completely tailored access to expert, experienced voluntary sector Interim Executives.

In order to access our Interim Executive Service someone from your organisation is required to be a Charity Leadership Scotland member. This could be your Chief Officer, a Senior Manager or your Chair/Vice-Chair.

See What Our Members Are Saying

“Helps you feel you’re normal. It’s quite a relief. It helps me realise the challenges I have are not about me, others are facing similar.”

First Year in Post participant

“Mentors provide a spectrum of learning and supporting behaviours, from challenging and being a critical friend to being a role model, from helping to build networks and develop personal resourcefulness to simply being there to listen, from helping people work out what they want to achieve, and why, to planning how they will bring change about.”

Mentee