C-Level
Moira Washington, chief executive of C-Level outlines how she has been helped by Pilotlight.Why and how did your charity start?
It was started by social workers who realised that there was very little support for addicts infected with Hepatitis-C in the Glasgow area.
Why did your charity approach Pilotlight?
C–Level was a newish, small organisation facing major changes with a big contract to tender for and staff changes to make. We also wanted to think long-term instead of day-to-day.
What did your work with Pilotlight involve?
There were 12 meetings between May 2009 and September 2010. During this time we looked at operational management, board role and activity, staff structure and roles, vision and mission, strategic planning, tendering and measurement.
To begin with I found it hard to let go of my frontline role in the community. The Pilotlighters encouraged me to make a chart of staff and volunteer workloads. I realised that I was working 70-80 hours a week and needed to reorganise my time.
How has the charity benefited from working with Pilotlight?
We now have more time to spend with clients and we are better organised, not always putting out fires. We are able to promote ourselves in areas where clients are likely to be.
One of the Pilotlighters, Alex Borthwick, became chair of the board, which has helped a lot. I now have a more hands-on and supportive board. Another of the Pilotlighters said: “By the penultimate meeting, C–Level was coming up with answers without the Pilotlighters asking questions… We realised the charity probably didn’t need us any more.”
What lessons have you learned from the experience?
It is important to do your homework between each meeting. I have learned to delegate.
What impact has this had on your clients?
We increased the number of people we reach by 52%. One C–Level client said: “C–Level has helped me finally face up to my illness in a very positive way, after years of having no support whatsoever."
What would you say to other charities/social enterprises thinking about working with Pilotlight?
I would definitely recommend it but make sure you have support from your board, it needs to be a shared experience.
