Full press statement
The Jane Slowey memorial membership programme will offer free expert support, guidance, advice and mentoring for women who are aspiring CEOs, or are in their first two years as a CEO for a charity or social enterprise. In keeping with the passions and priorities Jane held throughout her working life, the programme will prioritise applications from women under 45, from a BAME background and/or who have a disability.
The programme will be delivered by ACEVO and has been developed in partnership with those who knew Jane, and who benefited from her generous leadership and friendship.
The programme will run for four years with two cohorts assisting a total of 16 aspiring or new CEOs. The first cohort of eight leaders will run between January 2019 and December 2020. The first group will then mentor the second cohort which will launch in 2021.
Participants of the programme will receive:
- Full ACEVO membership.
- A mentor – eight charity CEOs will mentor the first cohorts throughout the two year programme.
- Four learning/networking/training days.
- Two annual dinners with fellow cohorts, hosted by Prospectus.
Jane Slowey was the former chief executive of the Foyer Federation, but died from cancer shortly after retiring in 2017. She had led the Federation for 13 years, prior to which she spent six years as chief executive of Birmingham Voluntary Services Council and had served as vice chair of NCVO. She was awarded a CBE in 2009 for services to disadvantaged young people.
Rosie Ferguson, CEO of Gingerbread, was both a friend of Jane’s and benefited from her tireless support. Rosie is one of the group behind the programme and says: “We believe this is a fitting tribute to a truly inspirational woman who was a mentor and role model to so many of us. She was fiercely passionate about equality and encouraging new generations of sector leaders to dream big for social change.”
David Gold, CEO of Prospectus, is also on the steering committee and is leading the programme fundraising. He says: “Jane’s passion about a better world and her realistic belief in what could be done created so many great outcomes for others.”
Vicky Browning, CEO of ACEVO, says “It is a privilege to be delivering this programme in memory of Jane Slowey who was an inspiring woman who made a huge impact on everyone she worked with. Jane believed in building a strong pipeline of women in leadership and I am proud of ACEVO’s role in continuing Jane’s work in her memory.
“In order for civil society to grow, strengthen and thrive, its leadership needs to become more representative. This programme is an opportunity to support the talent of people with a diversity of lived experiences and we look forward to receiving applicants from a broad group of people with different experiences and expertise.”
Find out more about how to apply.
