Keynote speaker, Ambassador Samantha Power, with US President Barack Obama
The past six months have been some of the most challenging in a generation for organisations, businesses, and people. Covid-19 and its vast economic and societal effects have impacted our world unlike any other previous crisis in living memory.
The charity and voluntary sector has been particularly badly hit. Since March, thousands of charities have been forced to halt or significantly alter the vital services they provide, often to the most vulnerable and needy in society. Revenue streams dried up overnight as fundraising activities of all kinds were seriously curtailed.
As we begin to open up again and society begins to inch towards some semblance of normality – albeit with our professional and personal lives looking totally different than they did in February – it feels like a natural time to reflect on the challenges of 2020, what we’ve learned, and what lessons we can apply in a very changed world.
Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3
It is no exaggeration to say that the leadership demonstrated by third sector leaders has kept our sector afloat this year. Strategic thinking, bold decision-making, and compassionate and effective management have steered our local charities through the first phase of the pandemic and one of the most difficult periods many of them will ever face. In my role as Chief Executive of CO3, I see day in and day out the talent, level-headedness, and overall quality of our charity chiefs, and I applaud everyone in NI’s charities and voluntary groups for their immense efforts over the past six months.
The value of leadership has never been clearer. Effective leaders instil confidence in their colleagues, inspire when situations look bleak, and help tackle challenges which, at first, look seemingly insurmountable. Sector leaders here have fought hard for vital government support, made swift decisions to protect their service users and staff, and pivoted their organisations to safeguard and ensure continuity of frontline services.
Another consequence of the pandemic has been to force our annual Leadership Conference online, like many other events which would usually be held in hotels and conference centres across Northern Ireland. This year’s conference will centre around the theme of “Leading Forward: Can a better society emerge?”. Out of the coronavirus crisis has come an opportunity to transform how we go about our daily lives and to build a better society. Our keynote speakers come from a range of backgrounds including global politics, the charity sector, the arts, and elite sport. However, their individual experiences and skillsets demonstrate effective leadership and overcoming adversities and serious challenges.
We have also quickly found that hosting an online conference brings new benefits as well. Being more flexible and accessible means we can reach new and wider audiences, allows delegates to work around other commitments they may have, and feedback so far indicates it offers a more convenient approach for many people who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Our response to holding this year’s conference is in many ways reflective of the response from business and third sector leaders to the challenges of 2020 – flexible, creative, imaginative, and swift.
Originally appeared in the Irish News, 22 September 2020