menu

About Us

Eastside People

Eastside People

Case Studies

Case Studies

What Our Clients Say

What Our Clients Say

Our Partners

Our Partners

Eastside Primetimers Foundation

Eastside Primetimers Foundation

News & Insights

News & Insights

Contact Us

Contact Us

Consultancy

Strategy

Strategy

Charity Governance

Charity Governance

Charity Merger & Partnership Services

Charity Merger & Partnership Services

Charity Income Generation & Fundraising

Charity Income Generation & Fundraising

Social Investment

Social Investment

Charity Impact Measurement & Evaluation Reports

Charity Impact Measurement & Evaluation Reports

Culture & Workforce

Culture & Workforce

Consultancy Services

Consultancy Services

Recruitment

Interim Management

Interim Management

Board Recruitment

Board Recruitment

Executive Search

Executive Search

Vacancies

Vacancies

Our People

Our Culture

Our Culture

Our Central Team

Our Central Team

Our Consultants

Our Consultants

Join Us

Join Us

Knowledge Base

News & Insights

News & Insights

Resources

Resources

Events

Events

What I have learnt during my six months at Eastside People

I started my new role in July 2023 and now we are at the end of the year, I am reflecting on the last 6 months. Cara Evans, Head of Partnerships and Mergers

So, you get to the end of the year, and you may have time to reflect on what has happened. I started at Eastside People at the beginning of July 2023.

I was super giddy to be joining Eastside People and most excited to be starting my new role. Head of Partnership and Mergers. I have learnt a few things over the last few months, about myself and how I like to work but at awful lot about partnership and mergers in the third sector.

I thought it might be helpful to share some of that learning. I have narrowed my thoughts to five key themes.

  1. Firstly, there is a lot of love in the sector and a true willingness to work in partnership. I have met with over 20 charities, senior leaders and CEO and they really care. They are looking at ways to support each other and make a difference. This all may be a given but it’s truly lovely to see and bear witness.
  2. Secondly, CEOs’ have a really difficult job, and they have to make some tricky decisions, but everyone I have met with are working hard to make those decisions with grace, humility and a can-do attitude and I feel lucky that I am able to help.
  3. Thirdly, charities are struggling with the cost-of-living increase, lack of funding and funders not willing to increase contracts year on year, this simply must change.
  4. Fourthly, some charities may be struggling but there are others that are doing well, and they are looking to help charities, know that if you need help, organisations that you may perceive to be competitors could be a lifeline.
  5. Fifthly, Partnership and Mergers may feel scary but there are people out here who can help. Whether it is us or someone who has been through it, people can support you if you are thinking about the options. Our team is extremely knowledgeable and its great working with them.

In summary I say to all charity CEOs’ and senior leaders look after yourself, consider partnerships as a strategic option, and of course we can help.

Oh, and the thing I have learnt about myself is I really like this job!

In summary I say to all charity CEOs’ and senior leaders look after yourself, consider partnerships as a strategic option, and of course we can help.

Cara Evans, Head of Partnerships and Mergers

Speak to our Team

Contact us to find out how our team of charity, social enterprise & not-for-profit consultants and recruiters can help your organisation.

Call, send an email or complete our simple contact form.

Phone: +44 (0) 203 821 6174
Email: [email protected]