VCS Assembly - Adaptive leadership in uncertain times

Join us on Wednesday 19 November 2025 for our next VCS Assembly, taking place online via Zoom.  The timing for this event has changed to 5pm - 7pm.

Charity boards must rethink how they plan and prepare for the future. What may have once felt more certain now is less predictable.  During the pandemic, the lines between the state and the sector blurred as we worked together to overcome one of the biggest social and medical challenges of our time. But where are we now? Have we retained the learning in a new form, or have we forgotten and retreated into survival mode?  Meeting growing and more complex needs of people within society, the need to run more efficient organisations, and seeking new income sources are becoming more pressurised.  

In today’s complex and uncertain world, adaptive leadership offers a route to success when traditional models fall short. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when organisations had to evolve rapidly to meet new challenges 

The session faciltator will be Penny Wilson, Charity Consultant and former CEO of Getting on Board. 

Session Objectives 

• Reflect on the current challenges facing the charity sector. 
• Explore the concept of adaptive leadership and its relevance to trustees. 
• Encourage strategic thinking about the future of charitable organisations. 
• Encourage discussion around what might be required to stay/become resilient  

Key Discussion Points 

• The mindset of adaptive leadership: flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. 
• Exploring alternative models: mergers, partnerships, and new service delivery approaches. 

Reflection Questions 

• What does adaptive leadership look like in our organisation? 

Expected Outcome 

• Trustees gain a deeper understanding of adaptive leadership. 

This online meeting is aimed at Charitable Trustees of organisations and those responsible for making decisions on the strategic direction of their organisation working within the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Draft Agenda

This meeting is for representatives of local voluntary and community organisations operating in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea. It is not open to members of the public.