Charity Leadership Scotland Leadership Exchange Programme Opens for Spring 2026 Applications

The Charity Leadership Scotland Leadership Exchange Programme is an established cross or same sector exchange, pairing leaders at middle, senior and executive levels. The programme is open to leaders from any sector - voluntary, public & private.

Previous participants have benefitted from gaining insight into a different sector, a fresh perspective, the chance to share challenges, best practice, and open up new networks. To date over 900 leaders have taken part, among them representatives from: Scottish Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Emergency Services, Universities, Financial Services and various types of voluntary sector organisations including; Health, Community Support, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Culture, and Environment, to name just a few.

The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable to suit individual needs and requirements. It provides a platform for cross or same sector knowledge sharing where leaders can gain an insight into the different cultures, constraints and opportunities their counterparts work with.

Previous exchange activities have included: on-the-job shadowing, meeting your exchange partner’s colleagues or front-line staff, attending work meetings, paired conversations, attending events/conferences together.

Apply to join the next Leadership Exchange cohort by 20 March 2026.

Is it relevant to me?

If you are a middle, senior or executive level leader then you can apply. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a leader in either the same or a different sector to you. Taking part in an exchange can create stronger links and a greater understanding between organisations, highlighting areas of synergy and opportunity for mutual benefit.

How can I find out more?

• Visit the Charity Leadership Scotland website for more information on the Leadership Exchange Programme.

• Read about the experiences of a previous participant and their insight into the Leadership Exchange programme,

• Check out the Leadership Exchange Programme FAQs