Keri is Principal Consultant for the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, leading on business development for ACEVO Solutions and consultancy for a range of organisations and partnerships. She loves taking her children to explore the outdoors and encouraging an appreciation of nonsense poetry.
ACEVO provides support, leadership development, bespoke consultancy and an inspiring, collective campaigning voice for members across the UK.
“The boundaries between sectors is increasingly blurred so don’t be scared to apply learning from private or public sector organisations to the world of non-profits, and vice versa” – Keri Landau
How did you get into the charity sector?
“My first opportunity came about after returning from maternity leave from my first child, when I applied for a two-day per week role with a Community Voluntary Services organisation in Westminster. This involved supporting voluntary sector representatives to engage with local authority partnership boards. This was a good fit as it allowed me to apply my knowledge of the public sector but from the other side of the fence.”
What made you stay and progress within the sector?
“After a taste of working for an independent organisation, I recognised the changing political and funding environment and wanted to be in a position to offer advice and support to social enterprises and charities from across the sector. I decided to do a Masters in Social Policy and Planning to give me some thinking space and totally focus on redirecting my career in this direction. The opportunity arose to work at ACEVO, which fitted my desire to work with a wide range of organisations. My progress has always been driven by a passion and interest in non-profit organisations, but has been significantly aided by a good understanding of public sector commissioning and the underlying political drivers.”
What’s the one thing that the charity sector provides that you can’t get anywhere else?
“The wider networks between organisations mean that there is a variety of approaches and opinions which keeps it interesting. Also, the constant tension between delivering services, surviving in a challenging climate, and campaigning on issues that matter mean strategy is never purely commercially focused. It is this balance between the need for effective and brave governance and dynamic management, plus a constant revisiting of mission, that is both exhausting and exciting for charities. This keeps everyone on their toes, and means no two days are ever the same.”