Dame Mary Marsh, director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme,blelieves while the challenges in the not for profit and charity sectors are significant, a lack of planned and supported development opportunities will hamper third sector leadership and therefore its capacity to deal with a rapidly changing environment.
She said: "There is a real gap in the need for sustained and holistic development of senior people in the Third Sector and in depth opportunities to acquire new skills.
"Many charities are so focused in delivering benefits to their constituents, they are unable to focus on the needs of their leaders to develop, which has potentially significant consequences for organisations which will be looking at delivering services in the community."
Andrew Mayo, President of the HR Society said: "The Third Sector needs really effective leadership and much of this can be provided by experienced leaders from the private and public sectors. But this has to be in parallel with internal development planning. This Forum is a great opportunity to learn about and debate these challenges."
