Becoming a chief executive is both exciting and demanding, especially in the current ever-changing environment. For many leaders in the charity sector, the transition into a CEO role comes with increased responsibility, complex decision-making, and the challenge of leading organisations through uncertainty.

The Centre for Charity Effectiveness (CCE) at Bayes Business School New Chief Executives (NCE) programme supports newly appointed nonprofit CEOs as they navigate the realities of senior leadership. Combining practical leadership development, peer learning, and space for reflection, the programme helps participants strengthen their confidence, broaden their leadership capabilities, and build lasting professional networks.

What is the New Chief Executives Programme?

This programme is designed specifically for nonprofit chief executives with up to two years’ experience in post. It recognises that leadership in the sector demands resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead organisations through complexity and change.
Delivered through a blend of in-person workshops and online action learning sessions, the programme offers an interactive and highly participative learning experience. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their leadership style, examine real-world organisational challenges, and explore how they can lead with greater clarity, agility, and purpose.

Throughout the programme, participants explore themes including grounded and resilient leadership, governance and working with boards, relational leadership, responsive financial leadership, collaboration, and leading through transition.

During the programme, you build a supportive network of peers who understand the realities of this role and can share and discuss current challenges. The emphasis on peer learning helps participants not only strengthen their own leadership but also contribute to a wider culture of collaboration and shared learning across the sector.

"I've learnt so much about strategy, authentic leadership, coaching skills, resilience and how to get the best out of individuals and a team. However, I think most valuably I've gained confidence - confidence that I can do this job and do it well, and that there is no 'right' way, and to do the best I can on any given day with the information and tools I have in that moment.

(…) My confidence has grown, and this is making me a better leader overall. I feel I can be more assertive without being aggressive or acting in a way I wouldn't want, but that I am able to make decisions with clarity and confidence to move the organisation forwards. I made some great connections with the other CEOs on the course, and I really felt that I came away enthused about the job now but also future roles I may have. I'm no longer quite so overwhelmed!" – Anabell Mac Gregor, NCE, 2024.

Navigating polarisation in an age of extremes

One of the emerging challenges for today’s nonprofit leaders is navigating increasing social and organisational polarisation. Chief executives are often leading organisations through complex challenges around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) whilst balancing organisational values, and stakeholder expectations.

This programme creates space for participants to explore these tensions thoughtfully and constructively. Through case studies, facilitated discussion and peer reflection, students examine how leaders can respond to competing perspectives while remaining grounded in their organisation’s mission and values. By engaging with real-world scenarios, students gain practical insight into how nonprofit leaders can navigate sensitive issues with empathy, clarity and confidence.
Rather than presenting leadership as a series of fixed answers, the programme encourages participants to develop the confidence and judgement needed to lead through complexity.

Meet the programme leaders

The programme is co-facilitated by leadership development specialists Tammy Tawadros and Christine Fogg, alongside contributions from sector experts and experienced nonprofit chief executives.

Tammy Tawadros is an executive coach, organisational consultant and work psychologist with extensive experience in leadership development, organisational culture and coaching. Her work focuses on helping leaders navigate uncertainty, complexity and change with confidence and adaptability.

Christine Fogg brings decades of senior leadership experience within the nonprofit sector, including former chief executive roles in major charities. Her expertise in coaching, mentoring and organisational development helps participants reflect deeply on their leadership practice and the realities of leading mission-driven organisations.

Supporting the future of nonprofit leadership

The New Chief Executives Programme reflects CCE’s commitment to developing confident, reflective and collaborative leaders who can shape resilient organisations and drive meaningful impact across the sector.

For leaders stepping into one of the most rewarding and demanding roles in the sector, the opportunity to learn with others, challenge assumptions and strengthen leadership practice can be transformative.

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Find out more.