Empowering Leadership: Insights from the CVSL London Learning Hub Event

In this blog, Aleigha Dunkle, Law Student and Student Intern with The OU's Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), discusses her takeaways from the CVSL’s Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme learning hub session held in London on April 23, 2025.

Picture featuring the Academic Lead of the MEL Programme and some of the MEL Participants 

The CVSL and MEL Programme

The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) is an academic hub within The Open University Business School, dedicated to leadership development in the voluntary sector. It provides free, flexible training, researches leadership challenges, and collaborates with academics, practitioners, and policymakers to support organisations facing austerity and shifting expectations. CVSL ensures that best practices and new insights are effectively shared to strengthen leadership across the sector. 

The Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL)  Programme, run by The Open University's Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), supports minority ethnic professionals in the UK's voluntary sector. It offers a 30-credit leadership course, peer learning hubs across six UK cities, and mentoring. Funded by the Henry Smith Charity, MEL addresses barriers to leadership, aiming to increase representation, strengthen networks, and build leadership capacity in the sector.

The workshop was designed to bring together experienced leaders from the voluntary sector to share their insights, challenges, and successes with the next generation of minority ethnic leaders. hosted by the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), the event bridges aspiring leaders and those already impacting the sector.

Key Themes from the Workshop

• The workshop was more than just a chance to hear from CEOs and charity directors—it fostered meaningful conversations on leadership, diversity, and the evolving challenges within the voluntary sector. Each speaker brought valuable insights into their organisations' operations, the communities they support, and the leadership strategies that drive their missions.
• One particularly inspiring speaker was Mary Stretch, CEO and founder of Calais Light, a charity supporting refugees in the UK and France. She shared the story behind the charity's inception and offered practical advice on succeeding in the voluntary sector. Key takeaways from her talk included the importance of finding dedicated volunteers who share your passion and the power of making a charity fully digital - using social media as a fast, cost-effective way to raise awareness and connect with supporters. 

Figure 1 Calais Light logo, taken from www.calaislight.com.

• David Villa-Clarke, CEO of the Aleto Foundation, delivered an inspiring speech about his journey, highlighting the challenges he faced—including racism—and how he overcame them to reach his current position. The Aleto Foundation provides development opportunities for young people, equipping them to become independent, mature, and world-class professionals. During his talk, David emphasised the importance of having a clear personal plan for one’s future and the power of networking, encouraging attendees to make connections, stating, “Talk to the person next to you.”
• Importantly, the event was attended by students from the Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme, who gained first-hand insights into what it takes to lead in the sector. They could engage with real-world experiences through discussions and networking, strengthening their understanding of strategic leadership and advocacy.
• At its core, the workshop emphasised the need for more diverse leadership within the voluntary sector. It provided attendees practical knowledge, mentorship opportunities, and inspiration to drive positive change in their communities.

Diversity in Leadership: Why Minority Ethnic Representation Matters in the Voluntary Sector

Leadership diversity is essential in the voluntary sector, ensuring that organisations truly reflect the communities they serve. Minority ethnic leaders bring unique perspectives, lived experiences, and cultural insights, strengthening decision-making, enhancing community engagement, and driving more inclusive approaches to social change.

Despite the voluntary sector’s focus on equality and inclusion, minority ethnic professionals often face barriers to leadership roles, including limited access to networks, unconscious bias, and fewer opportunities for advancement. Initiatives like the Minority Ethnic Leadership Programme help to address these challenges, providing mentoring, education, and career support to build a stronger pipeline of diverse leaders.

At the workshop, speakers emphasised the need for authentic representation in leadership, not just to diversify boardrooms but to ensure that charities and voluntary organisations make meaningful decisions that support all communities. Encouraging more minority ethnic leaders in the sector is not just about fairness but about creating more effective, responsive, and impactful organisations that drive real change.

Lessons for MELP Students

The workshop offered invaluable advice to students on building a strong brand and successfully running a charity. A key takeaway was the importance of having a clear plan. Mary Stretch encouraged students to adopt proven models, using their existing skills and knowledge to create a distinct yet compelling brand with a meaningful name - emphasising the power of simplicity in achieving success.

Addressing imposter syndrome, David Villa-Clarke reinforced the importance of self-belief, stating, "If you managed to get into the room, then you deserve to be there." He highlighted that ethnic background or social status should never define a person's worth or leadership potential, urging students to embrace their ambitions confidently.

Personal Reflection & Takeaways

As an intern and law student, I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to listen to inspiring stories from successful leaders who have overcome significant challenges. The conference reinforced that, despite the difficulties I have faced - including a tough upbringing and leaving school without GCSEs due to severe bullying - there are endless possibilities ahead, and my ambitions are still within reach.

It also strengthened my confidence in pursuing a legal career, where I have often struggled with imposter syndrome. Being a female of mixed heritage from South London, as well as part of the LGBT community, I belong to several underrepresented groups within the UK justice system. Hearing from those who have carved their paths in leadership has motivated me to embrace my aspirations and push forward with determination.

The event provided valuable insights into effective leadership in the voluntary sector. Hearing from charity CEOs and directors demonstrated that leadership is more than just managing an organisation - it requires passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

One key lesson I learned is that leadership is built on strong networks and adaptability. Participants shared how they overcame challenges, whether structural barriers or personal setbacks, to achieve their goals. Their journeys reinforced that leadership is about perseverance, strategic thinking, and surrounding yourself with the right people—whether mentors, volunteers, or collaborators.

Additionally, the emphasis on diversity in leadership made me realise how crucial it is to have inclusive representation in decision-making roles. Seeing individuals who faced obstacles due to race, background, or circumstances yet still thrived in leadership roles was inspiring and empowering. It reinforced the idea that success is possible with determination and the right support systems.

The workshop strengthened my understanding of leadership as a dynamic, community-driven practice where innovation, networking, and a powerful sense of purpose are vital for success.

Key Takeaways and Why Events Like These Matter

One of the most impactful messages from the workshop came from Mary Stretch, who reminded attendees, 'Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.' Her advice emphasised that taking action and making progress - even if things are imperfect - matters far more than waiting for the 'perfect' moment or solution. This mindset is especially valuable in leadership and charity work, where adaptability and momentum are key to success.

The MEL Programme workshop provided invaluable insights into leadership in the voluntary sector, emphasising the importance of diversity, resilience, and strategic networking. Speakers shared their journeys, highlighting their challenges and the leadership strategies that helped them succeed. 

Key lessons included: 

• The power of networking - building connections is vital for leadership growth.
• Having a sharp vision - successful leaders shape their organisations with strong values and planning.
• Overcoming obstacles - barriers such as imposter syndrome or lack of opportunities can be tackled by people with confidence and community support.
• The importance of digital presence - leveraging social media can strengthen visibility and engagement in the voluntary sector. 

Events like this bridge the gap between aspiring leaders and experienced professionals, offering mentorship, practical advice, and inspiration. They provide a space to learn, connect, and build confidence, helping minority ethnic leaders break barriers in the sector. 

Engaging with the MEL Programme: Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Engaging with the MEL Programme is an incredible opportunity for students interested in leadership to develop the skills, mindset, and connections necessary to succeed. Whether through peer learning, mentoring, or leadership training, the MEL Programme equips individuals to make an impact in their communities. 

If you are passionate about driving change in the voluntary sector, use the MEL Programme's resources, connect with professionals, and start shaping your leadership journey today - because representation matters and your voice deserves to be heard.