iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 17h

This week's #FeelGoodFriday feedback comes from the Director of Ebony Ambassadors, who was supported by one of our skilled #Volunteers with a business planning project ❤️ We provide a wide range of free support to small charities👇 ow.ly/x1nG50ZVk4n

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23h

That's why we're also making it easier to find and navigate the support available through Cranfield Trust, with clearer pathways into our services and a broader range of expertise, advice and development opportunities 😃 Find out more about our new strategy 👉 ow.ly/j2Vf50ZUVwI 5/5

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Introducing our new strategy, Right support, right time 2026-2030

Our new strategy aims to help small charities meet growing pressures, strengthen their leaders and build resilience

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23h

We know finding the right help, delivered in the way you need it, can be difficult when you're already busy leading a charity. 4/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23h

And, we're thinking about leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether you're an experienced CEO, a senior leader stepping into new responsibilities, or an emerging leader preparing for the future, we'll be increasing the ways you can access support 😃 3/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23h

As part of our new strategy, 'Right support, right time', we're expanding opportunities for charity leaders to access mentoring, peer support, workshops and learning opportunities that build confidence, strengthen skills and support wellbeing 💪 2/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23h

Strong organisations need strong leadership and that's why leadership development is becoming an even greater focus of our work 🔎 1/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

In our latest article, Cranfield Trust CEO Daniel Francis explores why funding infrastructure is only part of the answer, why infrastructure belongs to all of us, and the role this thinking played in the development of our new strategy 'Right support, right time' 👇 ow.ly/OGwf50ZVYq4 5/5

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Funding infrastructure is only part of the answer

Dan Francis CEO outlines why supporting infrastructure is a shared opportunity across funders, infrastructure organisations and charities themselves

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

It also needs all of us to recognise the value of the infrastructure that helps charities become stronger 💪 4/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Helping leaders make better decisions and organisations achieve more for the people and communities they serve 🫶 But no one organisation can provide everything. A healthy charity sector needs different providers, different specialisms and better pathways between them. 3/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

And, what role do charities themselves have in building and using the support the sector needs? 🧐 We believe practical expertise, trusted relationships and human judgement can make a real difference to the strength and resilience of small charities. 2/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

There has been a lot of important discussion recently about the future of charity infrastructure, and rightly so 💁‍♂️ What is infrastructure for? How do we demonstrate its impact? How can different organisations work together rather than compete? 1/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

📅 13 & 29 October ⏰ 09:00 | 10:30 | 12:30 | 14:00 The sessions are FREE and confidential and will help you identify some practical next steps 👣 To book, contact Nicola via: 👩🏻‍💻 ow.ly/zEcb50ZQtSL 📧 nicola.russell-brooks@cranfieldtrust.org 📞 07539 170002 4/4

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FREE skilled support sessions in Wales | Cranfield Trust

Sesiynau cymorth arbenigol AM DDIM yng Nghymru

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Your session will be led by Nicola Russell Brooks, Cranfield Trust Wales Manager, who brings 37 years’ experience of leading and developing in the third sector. Together, you can explore what only you need to do, what could be delegated, what your board should own and what could be stopped 💪 3/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Our next FREE skilled support sessions are focused on capacity and will give you some space to step back and think about how you’re spending your time and where you could create more capacity 💆‍♂️ 2/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

When everything comes through you, it can be difficult to focus on what really matters. There’s always another decision to make, another problem to solve and another thing that needs your attention 😕 1/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This will include expanding opportunities for leadership development, making support easier to access, and creating more opportunities for leaders to learn and connect with peers and skilled #volunteers 🤝 Visit our website for more detail 👇 www.cranfieldtrust.o... 4/4

cranfieldtrust.org

Right support, right time | Cranfield Trust

Our strategy 2026-2030 sets out how we plan to help more small charities access expert support, strengthen leadership and build resilience.

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Our ambition is simple: to help more small charities and leaders find the support they need, when they need it, helping them build stronger organisations and increase their impact 💪 3/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We've seen first-hand the difference the right support can make and that's why, over the next four years, we're expanding the ways charity leaders and organisations can access trusted and practical expertise, leadership development and tailored support 🙌 2/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We're happy to share our new #strategy for the next four years: 'Right support, right time' 🫶 We know #charityleaders are responding to growing demand, financial pressures & an increasingly complex operating environment, all whilst continuing to deliver vital services in their communities 💁‍♀️ 1/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Sometimes, having the right expertise and a fresh perspective can make all the difference ❤️ Our skilled volunteers work alongside small charities to support and help them move forward 👉 ow.ly/PQvb50ZNRJo #FeelGoodFriday

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

This is just one example of the practical and skilled support we offer small charities across Yorkshire and the Humber. Read the full case study to find out more 👉 ow.ly/NCQb50ZQV2E 5/5

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Merger Implementation Support

Community Furniture Stores

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The merger was completed in March 2026, and the new structure has given the organisation greater clarity between its trading activities and charitable work, more time to focus on tackling furniture and digital poverty and, perhaps most importantly, a stronger platform for future growth 🌱 4/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

What started as support with scoping and planning the merger developed into an ongoing coaching and mentoring relationship, giving the CEO and the board the space to work through key decisions, challenge their thinking and plan carefully for implementation 📝 3/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The charity approached us for support in managing the merger of its three York, Selby and Scarborough charities into one organisation with a trading subsidiary 👍🏻 It was a significant piece of organisational change and one that the senior team and board hadn’t tackled before. 2/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Community Furniture Store collects pre-loved furniture, IT equipment and more from communities across York, Selby and Scarborough before giving it a new home with families who need it most 🪑🛋️🛏️ 💻 1/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Over the coming months, we're developing our leadership offer for small charity leaders, building on the support we already provide through our skilled #Volunteer network. Read the full article to discover more 👉 www.cranfieldtrust.o... 4/4

cranfieldtrust.org

Building leadership support that works for small charities

Cranfield Trust CEO, Dan Francis, explains why small charity and community leaders need development designed around their real lives and work.

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Our new article explores why we need to think differently about leadership development for small charities, and why it can't simply mean sending busy charity leaders on another formal programme 🤔 3/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

CEOs who also run finance and oversee services; service managers who hold an organisation together; founders who coordinate activity in their spare time; and trustees who step forward because somebody needed to 💁‍♀️ They are all leaders, just perhaps not always by job title. 2/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Across #SmallCharities and community organisations, we see people leading every day. However, this is often without the title, time, resources or support that we traditionally associate with leadership 🤷‍♀️ 1/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

If you’re a small charity in the region and would like to find out more about our free support, and about Chris as regional manager for your area, get in touch 👇 ow.ly/766l50ZQU2n 5/5

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Meet the team

Chris Gatman, our Peer to Peer Manager and Regional Manager, Yorkshire and the Humber

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

From there, she stays involved throughout the project, helping to keep things on track and making sure everyone has the support they need🤝 This week we’ll be sharing more about the charities, volunteers and support that make up the Cranfield Trust community across Yorkshire and the Humber ❤️ 4/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Chris returned in 2023 as our Peer to Peer Manager. And ,since August 2025, she has also been back in her original regional role 💁‍♀️ A big part of Chris’s role is about making the right connections, working with charities to understand what support they need. 3/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Chris has been part of the Cranfield Trust story in Yorkshire and the Humber from the very start, having first joined us in 2015 to establish our presence in the region, recruiting our first group of volunteers and helping to get around 30 consultancy projects underway in her first year 🙌 2/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

As we continue our 'meet the team' series, we'd like to introduce Chris Gatman, our Regional Manager for Yorkshire and the Humber 👋 1/5

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📅 29 September & 6 October ⏰ 09:00 | 10:30 | 12:30 | 14:00 The sessions are FREE and confidential and will help you identify some practical next steps 👣 To book, contact Nicola via: 👩🏻‍💻 www.cranfieldtrust.o... 📧 nicola.russell-brooks@cranfieldtrust.org 📞 07539 170002 4/4

cranfieldtrust.org

FREE skilled support sessions in Wales | Cranfield Trust

Sesiynau cymorth arbenigol AM DDIM yng Nghymru

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Your session will be led by Nicola Russell-Brooks, Cranfield Trust Wales Manager, who brings 37 years’ experience of leading and developing in the third sector, alongside extensive mentoring experience. Together, you can explore how you can strengthen your approach to generating funds 💪 3/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

For many small charities, finding new sources of income can feel like another thing to add to an already very long list. Your charity’s income may be under pressure, perhaps you're too reliant on one funder or could there be opportunities you’re overlooking? 🤔 2/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The first of our FREE skilled support sessions for charities in Wales is happening next week! Focused on income generation, the session will give you some space to step back and think about what might be possible 💁‍♀️ 1/4

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Leading a small charity can feel like a constant rollercoaster 🎢 Having someone alongside you can make all the difference 🤲 Cranfield Trust mentoring can support charity leaders through difficult challenges and build confidence 👉 ow.ly/oA4V50ZNQEN #FeelGoodFriday

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

You bring the problem, we’ll help you work through it 🫶 To book, contact Nicola via the details below: 👩🏻‍💻 ow.ly/hnVS50ZQsUS 📧 nicola.russell-brooks@cranfieldtrust.org 📞 07539 170002 9/9

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FREE skilled support sessions in Wales | Cranfield Trust

Sesiynau cymorth arbenigol AM DDIM yng Nghymru

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The sessions are led by Nicola Russell-Brooks, Cranfield Trust Wales Manager, who brings 37 years’ experience of leading and developing in the third sector 🙌 No lengthy application. No big consultancy project. Just focused, practical support to help you work out what to do next 💪 8/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

💸What happens when our funding ends?: 19 & 24 November If a major grant is coming to an end, don’t wait until it runs out to think about what happens next. Explore different funding scenarios, the implications for your services & staff, alternative income & the decisions you need to make now. 7/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

🤷‍♀️ We can’t find or keep the right trustees: 5 & 12 November Is your board working as effectively as it could? Are you missing key skills or struggling to engage/retain trustees? Take a fresh look at your board, identify skills & gaps, and consider what your charity needs from its trustees. 6/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

⌛️ I don’t have time to do everything: 13 & 29 October When everything comes through you, it’s difficult to focus on what really matters. Explore what only you need to do, what could be delegated, what your board should own and what could be stopped. 5/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

💰We need to raise more income: 29 September & 6 October Is your income under pressure? Are you too reliant on one funder? Are there opportunities you're overlooking? Explore realistic ways to diversify your income and strengthen your approach to generating funds. 4/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

These FREE 90 minute skilled support sessions will give you the space to step back, talk through a specific challenge with an experienced charity leader, & identify practical next steps 👣 There will be four times on each date: 09:00, 10:30, 12:30 & 14:00, covering the following subject areas👇 3/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We know running a charity can mean making difficult decisions, managing constant demands and trying to plan for an uncertain future. 2/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

This autumn - starting next week(!) - we are pleased to be offering a series of free, 90 minute skilled support sessions for charities in Wales, focused on some of the challenges charity leaders are facing every day 💁‍♀️ 1/9

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Our FREE charity webinar 'Modernising wills: The shift charities need to plan for' is happening today, 12–1pm 🕐 Join us to discover clear, actionable insight on where legacy fundraising is headed and how your organisation can stay ahead 🙌 There's still time to join us 👉 ow.ly/thnA50ZLc24

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Cranfield Trust @cranfieldtrust.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Sometimes, taking a step back is what a growing charity needs 👣 With support from one of our skilled #Volunteers Pwrpas, a charity supporting men’s mental health, spent six months developing a clearer strategy, mission, values and theory of change 💪 Read the case study 👉 ow.ly/bhCa50ZOBMO

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