Skip to content

Developing a strategic plan for Peeps

How Pilotlight 360 supported strategic development and income diversification.

About the project

Peeps is a UK-based charity supporting the parents, families & friends of those who have experienced an Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (H.I.E) event. H.I.E occurs when there is a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain, which can result in injury.

Founded in 2018, more than 650 families across the UK are currently accessing support and resources through Peeps. 

Peeps Team Pic

What is it like to participate?

Sarah Land, CEO and Co-Founder at Peeps, reflects on participating in the Pilotlight 360 programme and winning a Weston Charity Award.

 

What is Pilotlight 360?

Explore the programme

Pilotlight 360 is an intensive 8 month programme bringing together charity leaders and expert business partners.

Through focused exploration and expert coaching, the business experts share their skills to help charities address pressing challenges and strengthen their strategy and governance. In tandem, the business experts develop their professional skills while creating a positive, direct impact.

  • Charities who participate in our Pilotlight 360 programme increase their income by an average of 48% (two years after working with us).

  • Nine out of 10 charity leaders say the Pilotlight 360 programme has a major positive impact on strategic vision.

<p>Contact us to find out more</p>

 

Sarah Land - CEO - Peeps

Q: What motivated you to apply for the Weston Charity Awards?

A: I had seen information online and read about other charities who had taken part in the programme - they all praised it and I wanted to know more! At the time, I felt like I needed support with the charity, but wasn’t really sure what, or where to go, so this felt like a bit of a sign. 

Q: What was the main challenge you wanted to address through the programme?

A: Our main challenge was about how to grow the charity; keeping the personal feel we have always had (the beauty of being tiny), while creating a longer-term plan that meant Peeps would continue without me in it. I didn’t, and still don’t, have plans to go anywhere, but knew there was a risk in terms of sustainability if everything was in my head or on my laptop.

Q: What have been the outcomes of the programme for Peeps?

A:  We developed a Strategic Plan, something we hadn’t had before, and is still in use today. This is used at annual team away days, and guides us in all big decisions, to help ensure we remain focused.

The programme also helped us look at income streams, and as a result of diversifying our income, we have been able to recruit two additional positions…one of which is a Charity Manager, a year ahead of our plan. 

A group of parents and children pose for the camera

Q: How did the programme make an impact on you as an individual?

A: It helped build my confidence.  I often felt like everyone else knew what they were doing, while I was trying to figure out how to set up and run a charity. The business experts offered so much support and guidance that I ended the programme feeling proud of all that had been achieved. We also had fun, which meant a lot to me - especially at the times when the workload felt heavy, or progress slow, allowing space to be challenged as well as to laugh was so important. 

Sarah's advice to other charity leaders considering taking part in Pilotlight 360

Without a doubt, do it!

Yes there is a big commitment in terms of time, but the outcomes far outweigh that.

I couldn’t imagine being able to work with such a great group of supporters, from different walks of life, in any other setting.

“The Pilotlight Programme really made, and continues to make, such a difference to Peeps and myself - thank you!”

Discover how your organisation can unlock impact through Pilotlight partnerships

Explore business partnerships How we support charities