Homeless Link’s Established Leaders leadership development programmes are open for applications, closing on Friday 18 July.
Interested in applying but not sure what to expect? Henry Meacock, CEO of St Petrocs, and Lois Wild, Director of Engagement for St Petrocs, joined Established Leaders cohorts in September 2024. Below they reflect on their experience of taking part.
Both Lois and Henry found that having a network of other leaders who truly understand life in the homelessness sector, including the unique challenges and joys, was a huge positive from the programme. Lois said:
"I have really enjoyed building my network with other leaders in the sector. I found it helped me to build confidence in my role having not been in it for very long at the point of applying."
"Access to current best practice and experience of leaders in this challenging sector has been really interesting – particularly during cross-cohort sessions, being able to meet other CEOs and leaders. I feel it has expanded my network beyond just the cohort."
Henry also felt the benefits of meeting a new network of peers. He met regularly with his peer buddy throughout the duration of the programme, and the two continue to share ideas and advice:
“The programme gave a very valuable opportunity to connect with other Chief Executives in the sector in a reflective and safe environment. Having structured time to speak. with others around the various themes of leadership that the programme covered helped me learn a lot about myself and how I lead our organisation.”
Both Henry and Lois commented that St Petrocs had benefited from their participation in Established Leaders, as well as other colleagues who had previously taken part in Homeless Link’s leadership programmes.
Henry added:
"Our organisation has benefitted from this outward looking approach and I, and others who have been through the programme, have been able to reflect on the way we work as an organisation and how we can continue to improve."
Lois agreed:
"I can see that through St Petrocs’ engagement with the Homeless Link leadership programme we have more confident leaders who have access to expertise and information through the networks they have established across the country. This is something that is now established and will continue to develop."
"The peer group and action learning sets have provided us all separately and individually with a space to reflect and share experiences and learn from the challenges of one another and problem solve together. I feel that this will support us individually in our experience and influence in our organisation."
