Business school student learns about PEF

Alex Skailes, who is about to complete a two year Masters in Voluntary Sector Management at Cass Business School in London, tells us about her week in June shadowing PEF CEO Shaks Ghosh:

“Shadowing Shaks enabled me to see first-hand the skills and experiences that contribute to effective leadership.  I am transferring my private sector financial experience to the voluntary sector and I was particularly interested in PEF’s collaborative business model, combining funding with holistic, pro bono business advice which enables the portfolio charities to maximise their capacity and impact.

"During the week I had the opportunity to meet with a number of PEF’s charities and see the business model in action. From sitting in with Peter Cross and his team from Skill Force to listening to a strategic presentation given by Bain to meeting Debbie Scott, Chief Executive of Tomorrow’s People and visiting one of their Back-to-Work teams in operation - painting a playground in White City, London.  The enthusiasm of the recently launched London City Year team and their founder “corp. members” was infectious and I’ll be watching and following their progress over the forthcoming year - together with remembering the obligatory, onsite, physical training session!

"Overall, the week was an invaluable opportunity for me to experience a different perspective on the role and environment of senior management within a charity and I am immensely grateful to Shaks and her team for being so generous with their time.”