Reflecting on Our Time as Co-Chairs: Looking Back, Looking Forward

As they prepare to step down from the board, co-chairs Jami and Dave reflect on their journey with ChEW and the opportunities that lie ahead. If you would like to help lead ChEW, we are currently recruiting for trustees and a chair / co-chairs. Applications close on Mon 22nd Sep 2025.

When we stepped into the role of co-chairs, we were building on strong foundations. Donna, our founder, and Steven, the charity’s first chair, had transformed a set of informal quarterly gatherings of like-minded professionals into a fully constituted organisation with a Lottery grant and a growing presence in the sector. It was a fantastic springboard—and we were excited (and a bit idealistic) about the possibilities ahead.

One of our first big steps was developing a theory of change with our trustees. It gave us direction and clarity, and a shared ambition to become more outward-facing and strategically focused. But, like many small charities, we quickly realised that long-term sustainability couldn’t rely on project grants and good will alone. To survive and grow, we needed to make sure our processes worked and be clear that we could generate the income needed to keep it all going in a way that aligned with our values and our mission.

That meant that we, alongside our great team of trustees at ChEW, have had to set about maturing as an organisation - setting the next springboard that we can leap forward from. In the last 5 years we have refined our membership processes, streamlined our events, and developed a set of offers that not only deliver good stuff for our members but also bring in enough income to keep us going. Our peer learning programmes—like those for evaluation managers and emerging evaluators—have created lasting networks. Our annual Festival of Impact and Evaluation has grown year on year. Together, they’ve helped us build a more stable financial footing and a stronger community.

There’s so much to celebrate from our time in the role as co-chairs. A standout moment was helping launch the Equitable Evaluation Collective. We’re proud to have supported its early development, and even prouder to see it take the next step as a vibrant community in its own right.

This year’s Festival was another high point—it sold out! The quality of contributions, the buzz in the room, and the sense of shared purpose reminded us why we do this work. It’s a testament to the commitment and energy of our members and volunteers, and we’re so grateful to be part of it.

Behind the scenes, we’ve updated our constitution, strengthened our policies and governance, and made sure we’re on a solid footing for the future. We now have a little team in place working a few days per month each, with a Head of ChEW providing leadership alongside our two all star virtual assistants who keep everything moving. That means the next group of leaders can spend less time on internal process and governance and more time shaping the charity’s future and influencing the sector.

As co-chairs, we’ve both decided it’s time to step back and create space for new leadership. We believe in renewal—it’s healthy, it brings fresh ideas, and it helps the organisation evolve. Some of our longer-serving trustees are also stepping down, including people who have been here since the very beginning. It really is a moment of transition—and an exciting one.

That’s why we’re not just recruiting for a new chair / co-chairs. We’re also looking for new trustees to join the board and be part of shaping what comes next. We are keen to hear from people with a passion for evidence and the central role it can play in the VCSE sector and who can bring their experience and passion to the board. 

It’s been a joy and a privilege to serve as co-chairs of this community. We’ve learned a huge amount and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together—and even more excited about what’s still to come for ChEW.

If you’re thinking about applying to join the board or as either a trustee or as our chair / co-chair, we’d be happy to talk. We’ll be around for a while to support the transition, and we’re looking forward to seeing the next phase unfold.