New Peer-to-Peer Exchange Groups for Charity Leaders
September 30, 2026
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Following two very successful pilot projects earlier this year, we’re delighted to announce that we’ll be running two more Peer-to-Peer Exchange Groups in partnership with Cranfield Trust. The first group will start in November 2026, with a second group launching in January 2027.
Leading a charity can bring unique challenges, and having the opportunity to connect with others who understand your work can make a real difference. Our Peer-to-Peer Exchange Groups offer charity leaders a trusted, confidential space to share experiences, explore challenges and learn from one another.
What is a Peer-to-Peer Exchange Group?
Professionally facilitated by Cranfield Trust, each group meets for six online sessions, held approximately fortnightly. Using a proven Action Learning approach, participants can work through real-time organisational issues while benefiting from the collective insight and experience of their peers.
Peer-to-Peer Exchange Groups can help reduce isolation, strengthen decision-making and build lasting professional networks. They also provide an opportunity to develop the confidence and resilience needed to navigate change, with the benefits and relationships continuing long after the programme has ended.
As one participant from our pilot groups shared:
“This has been an invaluable experience, not only for the learning and insight I gained into my particular situation, but also for the lasting network I’ve developed and will continue to access afterwards.”
How do the groups work?
During each session, participants take turns bringing a live issue or dilemma from their organisation to explore with the group.
With support from the facilitator and fellow participants, they work through the challenge using reflective questioning, gain new perspectives and identify practical actions to try between sessions.
The following session provides an opportunity to reflect on what worked, what participants learned and what they might do differently.
Even when the issue being discussed isn’t directly their own, participants can benefit from the shared learning and experience of others. The process helps build confidence, develop leadership skills and encourage new ways of approaching organisational challenges.
Throughout the programme, all discussions remain strictly confidential, creating a safe space for participants to speak openly and learn together.
Who can take part?
The groups are open to eligible charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) delivering work in the human welfare sector.
Each group has a maximum of eight places, allowing participants to build meaningful connections and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
Participants must commit to attending all six sessions to get the most from the experience and support the learning of the wider group.
You can check the eligibility criteria on the Cranfield Trust website.
Key details: November 2026 group
- Start date: 4 November 2026
- Dates: 4 November, 18 November, 2 December, 16 December, 6 January and 13 January
- Time: 9.30–11am
- Format: Online
- Commitment: Six sessions, held approximately fortnightly. Each session lasts 90 minutes, although participants should allow up to two hours.
- Places: Maximum of eight participants
- Confidentiality: All discussions remain strictly within the group.
A second Peer-to-Peer Exchange Group is planned for January 2027, offering another opportunity for charity leaders to connect, share learning and strengthen their leadership practice.
Find out more
If you’re a charity leader looking for a confidential space to reflect on challenges, learn from others and build a supportive professional network, a Peer-to-Peer Exchange Group could be a valuable opportunity.
To find out whether you’re eligible to take part, visit the Cranfield Trust eligibility and FAQs page.
We look forward to bringing more charity leaders together to share their experiences, learn from one another and build connections that last beyond the programme.
