Leaders in Partnership 2019: the partnerships begin!

This month we were delighted to hold the official launch event for the 2019 Leaders in Partnership Annual Programme. Leaders in Partnership aims to strengthen the leadership of community organisations in east London by creating partnerships between community leaders and their peers in the corporate world. Through a coaching-style relationship, volunteers support their partners to tackle professional challenges, identify solutions to problems and embrace opportunities. Hosted by Bupa, the launch event marked the start of this year’s partnerships, with participants connecting for the first time to embark on their 10-month relationships.

To equip volunteers with tools and techniques to use in their partnerships, the event kicked off with a volunteer training session. It was fantastic to see senior employees from across ELBA’s alliance of business and other partners come together, with volunteers from Bupa, Credit Suisse, HSBC, NatWest Markets, RSA, Royal London and Societe Generale all taking part. The programme offers an impactful way for volunteers to share their expertise whilst developing their own coaching and mentoring skills, and the volunteers came with great enthusiasm. During the training, the group learnt and practised different coaching techniques, and explored different tools that aid constructive coaching-style conversations.

Next it was time for the partners to meet! ELBA conducts a careful matching process to determine the partnerships, spending time learning about the motivations, skills and needs of both volunteers and community partners to ensure the best possible match. This year’s community leaders come from a variety of east London organisations, focused on a number of key issues including wellbeing, financial support, employment, mental health, legal support and young people. The group had received profiles of their partners ahead of the event, and there was excitement in the room as the community leaders arrived and partners met for the first time.

As a group, the partners reflected on the goals of the programme and the key elements of a successful partnership, gaining valuable tools and tips. Partners then worked together to discuss the community leader’s goals and agree next steps, including setting up their first official meeting. There was a fantastic atmosphere as partners got to know each other, with great conversations happening. Leaders in Partnership provides a unique opportunity for leaders in both the community and the corporate world to gain insight into a different sector, and it was clear from this initial meeting that the partners had much to share and learn from each other.

Now connected, the partners have 10 meetings to look forward to over the coming year. Volunteers will act as a sounding board and critical friend, offering valuable support to their partners. By providing this space and sharing their expertise and guidance, volunteers can help to empower community leaders, enabling them to achieve their goals and work more effectively in the under-resourced and fast-paced third sector. We are excited to see the partnerships progress, and look forward to bringing the cohort together in five months to reflect on the successes and challenges at the midpoint of the programme.

To find out how you can get involved in Leaders in Partnership, please contact Antonia Williams on antonia.williams@elba-1.org.uk.