Key Challenges for Interim Charity Leaders with In-Flight Programmes
Suddenly a much-loved charity providing vital services is left without a figurehead to lead its hard-working team through turbulent change. There is a high stakes digital transformation programme in flight which needs to be a success. Knowing this will be an enormous undertaking, but keen to keep the organisation on track you agree to take the reins for the short term and become an interim charity leader with in-flight programmes.
This scenario is happening more and more regularly in the sector. Stepping in as an interim CEO at a charity presents unique opportunities and challenges. Success in this role requires balancing the need to maintain momentum with the importance of building trust, aligning strategy, and fostering a culture of innovation. The following advice synthesises best practices from sector experts and recent case studies.
9 Tips for Success
| Build relationships | Engage staff, trustees, and stakeholders early and often |
| Align strategy | Ensure digital goals support the charity’s mission and adapt as needed |
| Set clear priorities | Define achievable goals for your tenure and communicate boundaries |
| Assess the health of transformation programmes | Determine how changes in governance have impacted your programme and create a remedial plan |
| Champion digital culture | Foster openness, experimentation, and data-driven decisions |
| Invest in skills and tech | Upskill teams, empower digital experts, and upgrade infrastructure as needed |
| Maintain momentum | Use project management to keep transformation on track and plan for long-term sustainability |
| Engage the board | Advocate for resources, manage risks, and secure trustee buy-in |
| Foster collaboration | Break down silos internally and seek external partnerships |
1. Build relationships and trust quickly
Establish credibility with staff, trustees, and stakeholders by being visible, approachable, and transparent. Building trust early is crucial for maintaining morale and ensuring buy-in for the transformation agenda.
Listen actively to understand the organisation’s culture, pain points, and aspirations. This will help you identify informal influencers and potential blockers.
2. Assess and align the digital programme with organisational strategy
Ensure the digital transformation programme is tightly aligned with the charity’s overall mission and strategic objectives. Revisit the programme’s goals to confirm they support the charity’s long-term vision.
If necessary, adjust the digital roadmap to reflect evolving needs, resource constraints, or new opportunities, while keeping stakeholders informed.
3. Assess the health of the digital transformation programme
Leadership change can be bumpy and if the programme has not suffered as a result, then you are one of the lucky few! Changes in governance can have an adverse effect on progress and costly timing delays need to be exposed and addressed. Nine Feet Tall have developed a rapid programme health review to understand areas where your programme could be at risk, and the likely implications.
4. Set clear priorities and boundaries
As an interim charity leader, be clear about what you can realistically achieve within your tenure. Set a focused work plan with well-defined goals and timelines and communicate these boundaries to the senior leadership team (SLT) and board.
Prioritise initiatives that will have the greatest long-term impact, rather than getting bogged down in operational detail.
5. Champion a digital-first and agile mindset
Advocate for a digital-first culture, encouraging openness to change, experimentation, and learning from failure. Lead by example in embracing digital tools and data-driven decision making.
Foster a test-and-learn environment by allocating resources for innovation and giving teams permission to experiment.
6. Invest in People and Infrastructure
Ensure the charity has the right digital skills and infrastructure to deliver on its ambitions. This may involve upskilling staff, hiring specialists, or working with external partners.
Recognise the expertise of your digital team or consultants, empowering them to drive technical aspects while you focus on strategic alignment and resource mobilisation.
7. Maintain momentum while planning for sustainability
As an interim charity leader you want to keep the transformation moving forward without destabilising the organisation. Use strong project management practices to track progress and hold yourself accountable to milestones.
Always consider the charity’s future beyond your tenure. Make decisions that leave a positive legacy and set up your successor for continued success.
8. Engage the board and secure resources
Work closely with trustees to ensure they understand the value and risks of digital transformation. Advocate for appropriate budget allocations and appetite for innovation.
Collaborate with the CFO to balance financial risks and identify cost-saving or revenue-generating opportunities through digital initiatives.
9. Foster collaboration and partnerships
Encourage collaboration across teams and seek external partnerships where beneficial. Sharing knowledge and resources with other charities or tech providers can amplify impact.
By focusing on these areas, you can thrive as an interim leader, providing stability, driving meaningful digital change, and ensure the charity is well-positioned for future success. What a legacy! Be sure to talk to us about the programme health review which can give you immediate insight into costly risks. Contact us today.
