01/09/09
By Andrew Holt
Keith Hickey, chief Executive of the Charity Finance Directors' Group (CFDG) is leaving to become the resources group director at the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).
Hickey, who took over the CFDG role in 2006, has raised the profile of the organisation to ensure that it now influences finance policy at the highest levels.
In particular, Hickey has been a respected voice during the current recession.
Over the last 12 months CFDG has published timely research on the impacts of the recession, spoken out on charity finance issues and provided services to support charity finance professionals.
Hickey's focus on the needs of members has seen the organisation increase its membership by 35%, improve its interaction with members, widen its range of membership services and increase its presence outside of London.
Members have increased their attendance at CFDG events and participated in policy consultations in greater numbers under his tenure.
His ambitious approach has led to the organisation to develop a focused strategy and implement a business plan which has resulted in a healthy financial situation despite the recession.
Melvin Coleman, CFDG deputy chair, said: "We are sorry to lose Keith: under his leadership CFDG has been steered into its current strong position where it is ready to take on the challenges of the future."
Other stories you may find of interest:
RNIB appoints new group director of fundraising
Wanda Hamilton will join the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) as its new group director of fundraising in June. Hamilton previously worked as chief executive of AMD Alliance International, based in Canada, promoting awareness, treatment and research into macular degeneration. Hamilton said: "RNIB is one of the UK's most admired charities, and a best- practices leader globally. I am tremendously honoured to take up the challenge of sustaining the excellent achievements of the past, while building new opportunities for partnership and support of the essential work the charity does on behalf of blind and partially sighted people."
The European Union is one of the largest donors to civil society in the world, but also accused of not truly engaging with sector organisations. Peter Davy investigates the EU/sector relationship
Current struggles over the Eurozone debt crisis have done little to endear the EU to British voters, it seems. Two polls in July had half the population saying they would vote to leave were a referendum held. In the survey by pollsters AngusReid, only a third thought EU membership had been positive for the country...
With morale in the sector at its lowest ebb, Duncan Jefferies asks what makes an effective leader and how charities can attract and develop the best management talent in the current environment
