GSK and The King’s Fund Impact Awards: Part 2, Learning, Friendship, Role Play and a very un-informal diner…

By Claire Fisher, Chief Officer

The next stage of our GSK and King’s Fund Impact Award journey took us to London for three days to attend the IMPACT Awards Development Programme, a programme that has welcomed winners for the past 29 years.

Arriving at The King’s Fund offices on Monday morning alongside nine other inspiring charity leaders, I felt a mixture of trepidation and optimism. I suspect many of us shared the same thought in the back of our minds: could we be the overall winner, announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday evening?

However, within just a few hours, it would be fair to say that most of us had forgotten about the competition altogether. Instead, we became immersed in hearing each other’s stories, learning about the journeys that had brought us here, and celebrating the achievements that had led to us being recognised as winners.

One of the standout moments for me was hearing other leaders speak openly about the vulnerability and isolation that can sometimes accompany leadership. I had often wondered whether I was the only one who felt this way, but listening to others share similar experiences gave me a genuine sense of connection and reassurance.

By lunchtime on the first day, it felt as though we had known each other for years. I’ve reflected on why that happened so quickly, and I think it came down to authenticity. Everyone showed up as themselves. There was a refreshing honesty in the room, and egos were firmly left at the door. Although, let’s be honest, to reach the position of CEO, most of us probably need at least a small amount of ego somewhere along the way!

Day one also introduced us to the concept of polarities, something I had not encountered before. Guided brilliantly by Sarah Garrett, she opened the session with a quote that immediately resonated with me:

“The nature of paradox, turning things on their head, flipping ideas upside-down – and knowing how to reconcile and ride the tension of opposites – is at the heart of leadership and indeed life.”

Sir Paul Callaghan, Physicist

As the session unfolded, I found myself thinking about how this approach could be introduced into our own team. Homelessness is a complex and often “wicked” problem; rarely does it have a simple solution. Instead, it requires us to hold competing truths, balance tensions, and navigate paradoxes rather than searching for straightforward answers. The concept of polarities felt particularly relevant to the work we do every day.

Day one ended with a night of Italian food, wine, connection and lots of laughs before heading back to the hotel for day 2.

Day 2 – Learning, Reflection and an “Informal” Dinner

Day two was another full and enriching day. We heard from King’s Fund researchers, had access to specialist support covering impact measurement, HR and finance, and were given valuable space for reflection. Those reflective moments proved incredibly important throughout the programme, as there was so much information, insight and experience to absorb.

By 5.30pm, we were ready to head downstairs for what had been described as an informal dinner hosted by The King’s Fund. As we entered the dining room, we were greeted with a glass of prosecco and the familiar buzz of light conversation. It felt relaxed and welcoming, but nothing could have prepared us for what came next.

As we took our seats, it quickly became apparent that “informal” was perhaps not the word most of us would have chosen. The beautifully dressed tables, attentive waiting staff and exceptional food made us feel incredibly valued. The service would not have looked out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the quality of the food certainly matched the occasion.

By the end of the evening, we were all left wondering the same thing: if this was an informal dinner, what on earth does a formal one look like? Perhaps that’s something I’ll discover on my next visit.

Day 3 – Confidence, Communication and Controlled Anxiety

Day three was perhaps the most enjoyable—and the most anxiety-inducing—day of the programme.

We were introduced to the talented Rebecca and Claire, who had the unenviable task of preparing us to receive our awards at the ceremony later that evening. Their challenge was to help a room full of charity leaders develop the confidence and skills needed to step onto a stage, accept recognition for our organisations, and somehow look comfortable while doing it.

One fact from the session has stayed with me: only 7% of communication comes from the actual words we use. The rest is conveyed through our tone, body language and presence.

So, forget the old advice about imagining your audience naked. Instead, focus on your tone, embrace the power of pauses, make meaningful eye contact, and don’t be afraid to take up your space. Stand confidently, make yourself front and centre, and let your passion speak as loudly as your words.

As someone who is far more comfortable talking about the work of Encompass Southwest than talking about myself, these sessions pushed me well outside my comfort zone. Yet they were a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room—it’s about believing that your story, and the stories of the people you serve, deserve to be heard.