Leadership development can feel like a luxury in the charity sector when times are tight. At Impetus, we know that strong leadership helps charities build healthier organisations and achieve better outcomes for young people.
That's why pro bono mentoring and coaching matter.
When experienced business leaders offer their time pro bono, it creates a powerful dynamic. It gives charity leaders the time to think, to test ideas, build confidence, and turn pressure into practical action - while giving pro bono volunteers a meaningful way to apply their skills where they are needed most.
So, how does pro bono coaching or mentoring actually drive impact on the ground? It starts with bringing the right perspective into the conversation.
1. Mentoring bring experience into the room
A good mentor listens carefully, asks direct questions and draws on their own experience when it helps. Pro bono mentors bring skills in areas such as strategy, finance, people, governance, communications and business development. The value is in helping leaders see their challenges from another angle and act with greater confidence.
“Mentoring has had an impact on my organisation by building my confidence in decision making, which directly contributes to the organisation’s success.”
Hareg Tamiru, Head of People and HR, Business Launchpad
At Impetus, we know that mentoring works. Portfolio partners MCR Pathways and Sister System have mentoring at the heart of their interventions supporting young people to engage in education and employment. Football Beyond Borders (FBB) are leading a campaign to ask the government to co-fund training for 10,000 professionals in education and sport to act as mentors.
Research by FBB and Pro Bono Economics highlights that long-term trusted adult relationships dramatically improve the mental wellbeing and academic retention of children at risk of exclusion or low wellbeing. Mentoring has benefits at every stage of our development.
2. Coaching creates space to think
Pro bono coaching gives leaders a confidential space to slow down, reflect and make better decisions. Research by Dr Andy Bird found that coaching and mentoring can help charity CEOs address personal, relational and strategic challenges by stretching thinking and supporting change.
Laura Carey, Head of Impact and Engagement at Jon Egging Trust (JET), took part in coaching with long-term supporter Sherwood PSF Consulting.
“The coaching sessions I received were significantly more impactful than anything I had experienced before. It allowed me to reflect on my leadership journey and direction, which in turn gave me confidence in adapting to change.”
Laura Carey, Head of Impact and Engagement, JET
3. What makes it work?
The strongest pro bono relationships are designed with care. Charity leaders need support that respects their expertise and context. Coaches and mentors need a clear brief, realistic expectations and understanding of the charity’s mission.
“It has boosted my confidence so much. It has been great to learn from such experience and challenge [...] I attended a trustees meeting; I would not have had the confidence if it wasn’t for my mentor.”
Francesca Keynton, Corporate Partnerships Manager, School of Hard Knocks
There is an organisational case for this too. Research by Pro Bono Economics for Clore Social Leadership found a link between leadership and management training and stronger charity performance, including increased financial turnover and new processes and services.
4. A partnership that benefits everyone
Pro bono leadership development works best when it is treated as a partnership rather than a favour. Charity leaders bring judgement and deep knowledge of young people and communities. Coaches and mentors bring time, skills and perspective. Both sides learn.
For donors and corporate partners, pro bono opportunities offers a practical way for employees to use their professional skills while developing their own judgement and understanding.
For charity leaders, it’s a reminder that investing in themselves is part of sustaining the mission.
“I really appreciated the time and expertise of my coach. It was fantastic to have time from someone with expertise, plus someone very committed and supportive of NGO leaders.”
Michael Houlihan, CEO, Generation UK
If you are a charity leader, identify the support you need to lead with greater clarity over the next six months, then don’t be afraid to ask for it.
If you are a qualified executive coach or an experienced mentor, join Impetus’ pro bono network and use your skills to support high-performing, high-impact non-profit organisations.
