Who we support
We work with social profit organisations that take governance seriously — or want to. They tend to fall into three groups:
- Societal challenge solvers — organisations addressing specific social issues, from inclusive sports to refugee integration to mental health to education access.
- Innovators — teams using new tools, new service models, or new partnerships to solve problems that the traditional non-profit model has not cracked.
- Mission-driven enterprises — social businesses that balance purpose with a sustainable commercial model and need governance that understands both sides.
If your organisation is serious about its mission and clear about what it needs from a board, you probably fit.
What our Companions bring
Every Companion is different, but the expertise you can tap into across our pool is consistent.
| Area | What this looks like on your board |
|---|---|
| Governance | Healthier board dynamics, clear roles, real oversight, succession planning |
| Strategy | Long-term thinking, prioritisation, business model evolution |
| Finance | Sustainable funding structures, controls, financial reporting that stands up to scrutiny |
| People and organisation | Leadership development, structure, succession for your executive team |
| Digital and technology | Pragmatic judgement on what to invest in and what to skip |
| Sustainability and impact | Frameworks for measuring what you actually change, not just what you do |
| Networks | Introductions you would struggle to make on your own |
Most Companions cover a cluster of these, not all of them. The point of the matching process is to find the mix that fits your specific organisation.
Why professional governance matters
Professional governance is becoming a prerequisite for serious SPOs, not a nice-to-have.
- Funders expect it. Foundations, grant-makers, and lottery funds increasingly fund only organisations with credible board oversight. A demonstrably professional board is often the difference between shortlist and rejection.
- Scale requires it. As an organisation grows past its founder phase, the board has to do more than rubber-stamp decisions — it has to own strategy, finance, and risk alongside the executive team.
- Trust depends on it. Donors, partners, and the public trust organisations that look governed.
How matching works
Every placement follows the same structured process:
- Intake — the organisation fills out a profile; the companion submits an application.
- Assessment — the country team interviews both sides.
- Briefing — qualified companions receive organisation briefings.
- Introduction — via matching events or direct matching.
- Trial period — both sides confirm the fit.
- Ongoing support — the country team stays involved.
This is a summary. For the full walkthrough, see How it works.