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.

Step confidently into your first chief executive role

  • 12-month programme providing guidance, support, and peer connection
  • Navigate strategic decisions, organisational expectations, and early leadership challenges

“Helps you feel you’re normal. It’s quite a relief. Others are facing similar challenges.” Participant

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 

Further support:

Plan your next stage with confidence

  • Tailored support for leaders considering retirement
  • Reflection, guidance, and peer connection to navigate transitions

How to access: 

Applications are now closed. For more information please contact services@charityleadership.scot

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

Chairty 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