Leadership Beyond Boundaries: Future-Proofing the Non-Profit and Charity Sector

In the heart of Manchester, charity and non-profit leaders from across the UK came together at KPMG for Leadership Beyond Boundaries, an evening of powerful conversation, connection, and collaboration hosted by Youth Leads UK and Aspen Institute UK.

Bringing together emerging leaders, funders, civic voices, and changemakers from across sectors, the event explored how the next generation of leadership is being shaped and what it will take to future-proof the sector. The evening spotlighted the power of inclusive, values-driven leadership to build stronger, more representative organisations, with a particular focus on the role of young people as active contributors to governance, decision-making, and long-term impact.

Led by Mehran Mokri, former COO of Youth Leads UK and Ambassador for Charities and Social Impact at Aspen UK, the evening centred on a dynamic panel discussion with four expert voices, each bringing lived experience, strategic insight, and a bold vision for the future of leadership:

• Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Founder & CEO of Youth Leads UK and former Social Mobility Commissioner
• Dan Lawes, Co-CEO of My Life My Say
• Jaiden Corfield, Associate Consultant at Big Change and Advisor to the House of Lords
• Alveena Malik, CEO and Co-Founder of One Million Mentors

From navigating traditional structures to amplifying youth voice in governance, the panel tackled tough questions on values-led leadership, equity in funding and decision-making, and the role of intergenerational collaboration in building more inclusive, resilient organisations.

Mehran Mokri, COO, Youth Leads UK & Aspen UK Ambassador, said:

“Hosting this event was a true privilege. In a time where leadership in the sector is being redefined, it felt vital to create a space for honest, cross-generational dialogue. The calibre of thought in the room, from our panellists to every guest who joined, was a powerful reminder that young people aren’t the leaders of tomorrow, they’re leading right now.”

Speakers shared personal leadership journeys and reflected on the importance of values, representation, and lived experience in shaping ethical and effective governance.

Reflecting on the role of funders and boards in supporting emerging leaders and grassroots organisations, Saeed emphasised the need for early trust and investment in young people’s ideas:

“If we’re serious about future-proofing the sector, funders and boards need to move from good intentions to real action. Too often, support only comes once something has already been proven. Sometimes all young leaders need is belief, a small grant, and the space to test their ideas. That early investment can be the difference between potential and lasting impact.”

Discussing the disconnect between political leadership and lived community experience, Jaiden highlighted the power and impact of grassroots and youth-led leadership:

“Political leadership still doesn’t reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, and that’s a real challenge. What inspires me is the leadership I see every day from young people and grassroots charity leaders — their passion, commitment, and willingness to challenge systems to make the world better, often without the recognition they deserve.”

Speaking about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of backing young people who challenge the status quo, Dan reflected on the kind of leadership needed today:

“The leadership we need right now looks like young people who are willing to challenge the status quo and think differently. When young people bring their lived experience into decision-making spaces, it creates more impactful, more relevant change. But we have to do more than invite them in — we need to back them, support them, and champion them when they face resistance.”

Reflecting on values-led leadership in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, Alveena spoke about integrity, authenticity, and creating pathways for others:

“Leadership today is more complex and uncertain than ever, but it always starts with the individual. It’s about values, integrity, and authenticity — meeting young people where they are, being open to challenge, and not pulling the ladder up behind you. If you’re leading from lived experience, you absolutely can make a difference.”

Adding a powerful addition to the evening was a speech from Chelsea Onyemaechi, Youth Advisory Board Member at Youth Leads UK, who shared her leadership journey and the impact of youth development opportunities.

The evening concluded with an audience Q&A and informal networking, sparking new conversations and connections among guests from Manchester, London, Liverpool, Sheffield, Crewe, and beyond.

Youth Leads UK extends its thanks to KPMG Manchester for hosting, and to Aspen Institute UK for their partnership and continued commitment to fostering values-based leadership across the UK. Events like Leadership Beyond Boundaries demonstrate the power of bringing generations together to ensure young people are not just future leaders, but leaders now, shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and values-driven sector.

Photos from the evening can be seen here.