Some thoughts on stepping down as Chair of Consultants for Good

Many years ago, I was surprised to be informed that, having apparently ticked ‘maybe’ to some forgotten MDN* member survey, I was being appointed as one of the new convenors,  the small group responsible for managing and running the network.  My early roles eventually led me to become lead convenor for the now-named Consultants for Good, and then to Chair the new CIC.

There have been so many developments and events over those years, supported by loads of members, and our of course our brilliant administrators, Gail then Alison.

But now, as of end of April,  I am stepping down,  and it feels great!

This is partly because it’s not always easy for any of us doing this stuff to keep shoehorning it in around the day job (and life generally).  But mainly because I know that systems are in place to keep running our important network, lightly, and usefully and still by members, for members.  And because of the terrific people on the CforG Board and Events Group.

There have probably been three key reasons for me being so involved with MDN/CforG over the years.

1. Since becoming a voluntary sector consultant (20+ years ago) I have been irritated that charity people couldn’t seem to distinguish between specialists like me and other CforG members, and the sort of consultants often stereotyped as young men in suits, just out of business school, charging a fortune to tell people what they already know. This may now be less true, but there is still plenty of room for increasing understanding of the kind of work we do, the experience we bring, and the massively helpful difference we make to so many organisations, staff and boards.
2. I really believe in the CforG network, collectively, as a significant force for good. Because we know stuff. We have a unique perspective on what’s going on in the charity/social business/voluntary/third sector. We can benchmark across the UK and different types of organisation. We listen and listen. We evaluate, advise, write insightful reports, help generate millions, design systems, articulate, and offer resilient support through difficult times.
3. Amazing people are willing to come and talk at our events, because we are interesting! When organising workshops, networking and conferences we have tried to create a balance between ‘tools of the trade’ and tackling the bigger picture. With the world changing so fast, I think we need a constant challenge to know we are not perpetuating orthodoxies that may be unhelpful.

I am (a bit) envious of whoever steps into my shoes, because CforG is really getting to some fun stuff now.  There’s so much potential for the network to be recognised as a source of unique collective expertise, to get more involved in national debates, and to shape how we connect with each other within CforG.

And if that’s you – it’s not too late to put yourself forward!

*Management Development Network – the old name for Consultants for Good.