BCM scoops two at Northern Ireland’s charity Oscars

Leadership can be challenging at the best of times, yet the recent CO3 (Chief Officers of the 3rd Sector) Awards celebrated and acknowledged the work of individuals, teams and whole organisations that have led by example through some of the most challenging years in their history.

The Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of Belfast Central Mission (BCM) won their categories at the prestigious industry accolades, namely ‘Leading Organisational Change’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ respectively.

After nearly three decades with BCM, Nicky Conway took up the role of CEO in November 2018 and has spearheaded an exciting period of growth and development for the organisation that manages almost 20 projects providing support and social care with more than 200 staff across Northern Ireland.

Nicky has built a new, strategically minded, high-performing leadership team and, in addition to recruiting externally, has mentored members of the existing management team, and provided opportunities for them to step up into new leadership roles. 

Nicky said:

“Given our experience over the last two years, I believe it is more important than ever to develop leadership capacity across our organisation, providing both internal and external training opportunities for staff at all levels.”

Part of this growth included the appointment of Lynne Kavanagh as BCM’s first Director of Care and Quality Governance in July 2020, overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s services throughout Northern Ireland at the height of the pandemic.

Having returned to Northern Ireland to commence her role with BCM after years overseas, Lynne puts the needs of BCM’s service users at the heart of all that she does while developing the project managers and widening both her understanding of the sector locally, and her professional network.

Lynne said:

“I know that learning, at all stages of a career, is vital, whether formal or informal, and I want to include leadership as an ongoing and positive discussion, providing the space and opportunity to reflect on how we lead and how we nurture ourselves to be able to lead. 

“Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and I consider it a privilege to serve in this capacity and seek opportunities to improve and develop across all aspects of the work I am involved with.”

Established in 1985, Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3) is a leading membership-based organisation that focuses on supporting, developing and connecting Third Sector leaders in Northern Ireland.

The growing membership base of almost 700 third sector leaders ranges from leaders of some of the largest charities and social enterprises through to small community and faith-based groups.