Programme structure
The Making a Difference programme consists of a blend of learning activities and range of experiences: you will learn and work individually, in small teams, and as a whole group. The programme will run twice: once in Michaelmas term and again in Hilary term.
Group sessions
The learning programme will be delivered over three afternoon sessions on a Friday. The second workshop will be followed by a panel session with an opportunity for networking over pizza and drinks. The workshops will be an interactive mix of presentations, guest speakers and group activities covering Leadership Mindset and Skillset; Commercial Skillset and People and Governance. In addition, there will be a presentation skills session and online training in consultancy skills to access at your convenience. In-person sessions (Friday afternoons) will take place at the Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road, on:
WORKSHOP 1: Strategy and structure
Friday 24 October 2025 at the Careers Service
Arrival at 13:45-14:00 Tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to network with fellow participants
From 14:00-16:30 Workshop.
This begins with our reason for being, clarity on how we are part of the solution, and the strategy and structure that underpins everything that we do.
- Understanding needs and opportunity
- Vision, Strategy and planning (Theory of Change, Business planning, etc.)
- Impact measurement and reporting
- Legal structures, regulatory frameworks (Charity Commission, etc.)
WORKSHOP 2: Value creation
Friday 31 October 2025, at the Careers Service
Arrival at 13:45-14:00 Tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to network with fellow participants
From 14:00-16:30 Workshop.
Value creation encompasses an understanding of both the finance fundamentals and unique characteristics of non-profits, and a wider lens on how to build and sustain ‘brand’ value.
- Finance fundamentals
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Income and expenditure (Restricted and unrestricted)
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Budgeting and financial planning
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Fundraising and investment
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- Brand value creation
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How we think about brand and why it matters
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Brand strength - a framework for internal and external value creation
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The workshop is followed by a panel discussion and an opportunity for participants to connect with speakers, professionals, volunteers and careers advisers working in this sector. This will be an informal session with pizza and drinks and will provide opportunities for conversation and connection.
Speaker Panel and Networking Reception, 17:00-19:00
WORKSHOP 3: People and governance
Friday 7 November 2025, at the Careers Service
Arrival at 13:45-14:00 Tea, coffee and biscuits and a chance to network with fellow participants
From 14:00-16:30 Workshop.
Great organisations need good leadership, robust governance and inspiring cultures. The session will cover:
- Characteristics of good governance
- Organisational structure
- Leadership
- The Board and Trustees
- Staff and volunteer roles
- The wider ecosystem of influence and impact
- Stakeholder engagement
- Context, culture and career development
- Context: The five-generation workplace
- The importance of culture, how we motivate talent and think about career opportunity
You are expected to attend all three Friday afternoon workshops and evening events
While we understand there can be last-minute events that take priority, please plan to attend all the sessions.
Team project
The team project is an integral element of the programme. You will work in a team to address a real business problems set by a charity or social enterprise. You will be assigned to a team and client at the start of programme and will be asked to view a consulting skills training video after the first workshop. The client project will start in week 5 and continue through weeks 6, and 7 before a final presentation to your client in week 8.
The project is a voluntary learning and development opportunity and is unpaid. The aim of the project is to allow participants to build experience in this sector and employability skills (such as skills in client relationships, consulting, research, teamwork and presentation).
Graduation event
We culminate and celebrate the programme with an in-person graduation event for the whole group. This will be an opportunity to reflect on and share your experiences and learning, as well networking with others.
The graduation of our inaugural cohort in 2024-2025 enjoyed the support of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, Sir Stephen Bubb, Chair of the Gradel Institute, and Isabel Berwick, who leads the FT’s Working It brand.
