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 Impact Leaders' Circles 

Confidential Peer Groups for Charity & Third Sector Chief Executives

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Overview
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Connection and support for the demands of your leadership

Leading in the social sector demands both clarity of purpose and the resilience to navigate complexity. As a Chief Executive, you are tasked with delivering meaningful impact, while managing limited resources, complex stakeholder relationships, and the personal weight of responsibility.

Impact Leaders' Circles offer a rare opportunity to step out of the day-to-day and into a confidential, peer-led space. These small regional groups bring together charity and third sector CEOs to reflect on the realities of leadership, exchange perspective, and strengthen the clarity, connection, and capacity needed to lead well, both for the mission, and for yourself.

 

Impact Leaders Circles for Charity CEOs

Inspired by

20+ years of experience

This initiative is shaped by over two decades of experience supporting and participating in peer learning for leaders and organisations.

In partnership with

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The OCT part funds the cost of your first year in an Impact Leaders' Circle.

Your Circle. Shaped by you, supported by us

Impact Circles are member-led by design, fostering relevance, trust, and shared ownership. While each Circle is shaped by its members, we provide expert facilitation in the first year and ongoing support to ensure depth, consistency, and quality throughout.

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Confidentiality
Members commit to the highest level of confidentiality, ensuring a safe space for quality discussions.
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Peer Learning

Members share their day-to-day experiences to support mutual learning and growth.

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Regular Meetings

Circles meet regularly, (often monthly) enabling deep relationships and ongoing support.

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Supportive Network

Members connect deeply within their Circle as well as other Circles in the community.

More questions? Try our FAQs

What You’ll Gain

Valuable support for you, your leadership and your organisation

Deeper Self Awareness

Understand the patterns that shape your leadership, your strengths, values, and areas for growth.

Trusted Peer Support

Build deep, confidential relationships with others who understand your world.

Improved Decision-Making

Gain perspective and clarity on complex personal and professional decisions.

Personal and Professional Growth

Grow as a leader and as a person through consistent reflection and challenge.

Join Circle members from 

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A committed and 
confidential peer group experience

We carefully curate each Circle to ensure the right mix of people, perspectives, and context. With over a decade of experience designing and sustaining these processes, we know that the integrity of the group is what shapes the quality of the experience.

Circles are formed regionally or remotely, depending on the needs and preferences of prospective members. We take time to understand each participant’s context, leadership challenges, and what they’re seeking, so that the group can meaningfully support, stretch, and grow together.

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Reflective Question

Who supports you while you’re supporting everyone else?


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You’re not meant to carry it all alone.

 

Leadership happens in relationship, with others, and with the messy, changing realities you’re part of. The Circle gives you space to think out loud, be supported, and stay steady in the face of everything you’re holding. It’s not about fixing, it’s about being alongside others who get it, and making sense of things together.

What's it like, in their words...

During the past 12 months I have tackled some significant issues head on following the chance to consider my options with a group of trusted peers. I really cannot recommend the circle more highly both for your own personal and professional development, but, also for the development of your organisation.

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Dave McNicholl,
CEO, Warrington Youth Zone

An incredible source of knowledge, experience, support and friendship. Halo circle members have supported my professional growth through a period of intense challenge and uncertainty. Knowing a group of incredible people have your back makes the everyday pressures of leading a charity manageable. 

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Sarah Sturmey,
CEO, Pure Insight

It's been a hugely impactful experience. One in which I've learned a lot about myself and where I've developed very strong, trusting relationships and friendships with my circle that have enriched me both personally and professionally.

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John Heritage,
CEO, David Lewis

 Fees and Upcoming Dates 

Find out when new Circles begin and what your first year includes.

Annual fee

£600

The OCT contributes an additional £900 per member toward first-year set-up.

Fees go towards discounted RISE facilitation training, coordination, and support of the peer groups, as well as an annual community event.

Exclusive of VAT if applicable.

Upcoming Circles


📍North West, UK
New Circle Launch September 2025

This initiative is currently based in the North West, with plans to expand to additional regions in 2026.

Register your interest

If you’re interested in joining a future Circle or want to hear about groups forming in your area, register your interest below, and we’ll be in touch for an introductory call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Impact Leaders' Circles for?

These Circles are designed for Chief Executives of UK-based social sector organisations, including charities, CICs, and social enterprises, particularly those leading in complex, high-stakes environments and looking for meaningful peer connection and support.

What happens in a typical session?

Each session lasts three hours and provides a confidential, structured space for honest reflection, shared learning, and peer support.

  • We understand your time is valuable & extremely limited, however, we find Circle participation helps participants gain perspective and maintain their priorities, focus, and balance throughout the rest of the month. It may feel counterintuitive, but often when we are extremely busy that is exactly when it is most important to take the time to pause and reflect.

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How are the Circles structured?

Circles meet monthly in person, in a regional location. Each group has around 6-8 members and is peer-led, with RISE providing facilitation in year 1 and training and guidance to maintain quality and consistency across the initiative.

What kind of commitment is expected?

We ask members to commit to the full year and prioritise attendance. The value of the Circle builds over time, through trust, consistency, and shared experience.

What support does RISE provide?

RISE offers onboarding, facilitation of some of year 1's sessions, facilitation training, and light-touch guidance to ensure a high-quality experience, while keeping the space peer-led and member-driven.

What’s the cost to join?

Thanks to funding from the OCT, each member receives £900 toward their first-year costs. The annual fee for members is £600 plus VAT.

How are groups formed?

Circles are curated based on shared context, role, or leadership focus, ensuring the space is relevant and relationally strong from the start.

Can I talk to someone before committing?

Yes. We offer informal conversations to explore whether this is the right fit for you, and to answer any questions before you decide.