One of the distinguishing features of the voluntary sector is that many charities, particularly smaller ones, rely upon the talents and energies of a single person. Sometimes, this is the charity's founder. On other occasions it may be someone who has been brought in from outside, but who has the drive and ambition to take the organisation forward.

As long as that individual is in charge, the charity flourishes. But what happens if he or she retires, or leaves to take up another position? Very soon, a vacuum can appear, and an organisation can lose its sense of direction with alarming speed.

Of course, it is not just charities that find themselves in this situation. Succession planning, or rather the lack of it, can be a serious problem for companies, particularly family owned businesses. Studies repeatedly show that when the founder of a business retires, the venture often loses the focus and sense of purpose that led to its initial success.

Recently, however, there have been signs that the voluntary sector is recognising the potential difficulty, and is taking steps to remedy it. One of the most interesting developments is the establishment of a third sector 9eadership hub', a joint venture between ACEVO and the NCVO.

The new organisation will have a number of important roles, but one of the most significant concerns the development of leadership skills. It will provide support and guidance for 'current and future' leaders.

'People understand the need for better leadership and management, but don't prioritise it,' ACEVO said in a press release. 'The hub will have to promote the case for leadership development proactively.'

The creation of the hub follows an ACEVO survey showing that rhe overwhelming majority of its members believe there is a need for more leadership development. The hub also hopes to help voluntary organisations keep and retain staff, in the belief that individuals are more likely to remain with a charity if they can see a dear opportunity for career development.

The focus on leadership is just is one more indication of the way that the voluntary sector has changed beyond recognition over recent years, with a far greater emphasis on structured management and forward planning.

Certainly, we find that our own charity clients frequently wish to discuss these fundamental management issues with us, as well as the more specific matters relating to the audit, tax, VAT or information technology.

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