A new guide has been launched to help charity CEOs navigate their first 100 days in post.

ACEVO and Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School have launched a newly published version of The Chief Executive’s First 100 Days, offering practical insights and structured support for incoming leaders.

Now in its third edition, the guide helps charity CEOs to navigate a ‘crucial’ period during a time of growing complexity in the sector.

The guide is backed by Rosterfy and aims to respond to the rapidly evolving demands on civil society CEOs, which has been shaped by a decade of economic turbulence, social change, and heightened accountability.

It aims to provide a roadmap for leaders to build trust, understand their organisations, and begin their tenure with clarity, confidence, and care.

“There is nothing quite like the experience of stepping into a new CEO role, whether it is your first appointment at that level or you’ve been around the block a few times before," ACEVO CEO, Jane Ide said.

"This updated and refreshed publication is more than just a description of what to expect. By drawing on the real world, contemporary experience of our sectors’ leaders, it is a guidebook, a route map and a source of great support and reassurance.

"Our intention is to help every CEO taking on a new role to make it the most successful, sustainable, impactful and enjoyable experience it can be – so that they can lead with the greatest possible impact for the people, the cause and the organisation they serve.”

Co-authored by leadership expert Dr Helen Timbrell and organisational development consultant Fiona Ash, the guide builds on earlier editions with new research, interviews, and focus groups involving diverse charity leaders.

It is structured around three phases: the countdown before the CEO starts, the encounter during the first 100 days, and the adjustment period that follows.

Alongside this roadmap is a toolkit for assessing organisational context and a signposting section to further resources.

Centre for Charity Effectiveness director, Alex Skailes, noted the challenges leaders face: “From our work with charity leaders we recognise just how difficult bedding-in periods can be. Even experienced leaders face a steep learning curve in new roles.”

She added: “We are delighted to partner once again with ACEVO to deliver this important toolkit, that will coach CEOs to hit the ground running in an ever-demanding environment.”
A newly appointed CEO, quoted in the guide, reflected on the duality of the role: “As well as the challenges of taking on the chief executive job, I feel immensely lucky and privileged to be in this position and it’s actually a real joy.”

The full guide is available here.

https://www.acevo.org.uk/resources/publications/

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