Confidence, clarity and a leadership toolkit for the future

Mentee Laura Elliott, Head of Supporter Fundraising at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, shares her experience on the mentoring programme to date.

Being a mentee on the programme has already had such an impact on my confidence, skills and mindset as a leader.

Laura Elliott, Mentee at The Elischer Foundation

I’ve had the privilege to learn from some incredible leaders in our sector, to be inspired by my fellow mentees, to build connections with previous alumni and, of course, to benefit from invaluable insight and encouragement from my mentor. Through the away day and coffeehouse sessions, which have provided precious time to grow, I’ve been challenged to think critically and practically about how I can be intentional and authentic in my leadership.

Being a mentee has enriched, inspired, motivated and equipped me on my leadership journey, and I know I’ll be drawing on everything I’ve learnt well into the future.

Our sector is a tough place to be at the moment. The pressure is real, the challenges are complex, and leadership can feel isolating. What has stood out to me so strongly is just how deeply The Elischer Foundation, and everyone involved in it, care about ensuring that we have leaders who can weather any storm — who are equipped to lead in the best possible way throughout and most importantly, put people at the heart of their approach.

I actually find it quite hard to put into words just how excellent the programme is, because it sits somewhere between an increased sense of confidence and motivation, coupled with the most amazing toolbox of practical and inspiring advice from some of the best people in our sector. It’s not just about feeling better as a leader — it’s about being better equipped.

I am a huge advocate of personal development and training, and I actively encourage this within my own team. I also believe strongly in good quality, practical training. Our sector is very lucky to have access to fantastic learning from organisations such as Fundraising Everywhere and Bright Spot. But for leaders, I genuinely believe this is the programme we need.

It’s practical, it’s applicable, and the notes I’ve taken are ones I know I’ll return to, draw from and reflect on long after the programme ends. Leadership development has to be applicational and inspiring in equal measure — that’s where the real value lies — and that’s where this programme truly excels.

I’ll be sad not to be part of it when it’s over.

And perhaps most importantly: we need this work. Sadly, we all know that poor leadership exists in our sector, and it comes at a cost — to teams, to organisations and ultimately to the causes we serve. Programmes like this matter because they help ensure the next generation of leaders are thoughtful, people-centred, values-led, resilient and well equipped.

Applications for our mentoring 2026/27 mentoring programme are open until Monday 19th January 2026 - find out more here.