Charities warned of ‘losing strength and relevance’ amid rapid social change
Stuart McKay · Posted on: October 9th 2025 · read
Charities risk “losing strength and relevance” if they fail to adapt to a rapidly changing social and technological landscape, according to consultants from the Charity Change Collective.
Speaking at a London event in early October, sector specialists urged charity leaders to embrace flexibility and cultural change, warning that traditional governance and operational models are struggling to keep pace with societal transformation. The event saw the launch of two new toolkits, developed with input from 50 sector leaders, designed to help charities build adaptive leadership cultures and future-proof skillsets.
Adapting mindsets and building resilience
Julie Wilson-Dodd, the Collective’s co-founder, warned against the dangers of “rigid mindsets”, observing that leaders often either double down on known tactics when challenges arise or fail to innovate during stable periods. She argued that sustainable charities are those which continuously learn and experiment, regardless of current performance.
Whether the Charity is doing well or not, leaders should remain open to the prospect of change and adapt to current trends in order to remain competitive.
Culture as the engine of transformation
The first toolkit unveiled focuses on culture and mindset, describing how organisational culture can either stifle or drive transformation. When culture is right, representatives from the Charity Change Collective claim that it can drive transformation of organisations.
The second toolkit addresses skills and capabilities, emphasising the importance of data confidence, AI literacy, human-centred delivery, and coaching-based leadership. Brani Milosevic, another member of the Collective, urged leaders to recognise that it is “impossible for one person to know everything” in a fast-changing environment. Instead, leaders should build diverse teams, mentor senior staff, and experiment with small pilot projects that test new ideas.
Implications for the sector
This call to action reflects a growing concern that some charities risk being left behind as society—and donor expectations—change. Boards should assess whether their culture and leadership are equipped to support innovation, learning, and digital transformation.
Trustees can begin by reviewing leadership development frameworks, assessing skills gaps, and ensuring diversity of thought at board and executive levels.
"Charities that foster open, adaptive, and learning-focused cultures will be best placed to remain relevant, credible, and resilient in the years ahead."
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