From Strategy to Impact: Political Engagement in a Pre-Election Climate

FWB, alongside our long-standing partners Cyrenians and Burness Paull, welcomed leaders from across the social impact sector this week for an open and energising conversation on political engagement ahead of the upcoming election. The room brought together chief executives, policy directors, and senior strategists who shared honest reflections on navigating government, influencing decision-makers and strengthening the sector’s collective voice at a pivotal moment.

Understanding the Ministerial Ecosystem

Leaders spoke candidly about the realities within ministerial environments. Influence rarely moves in a straight line. Ministers operate within a wider ecosystem of advisers, private office teams and civil servants, each with their own pressures, priorities and perspectives.

Building credibility across these layers is essential. As one attendee noted, influencing a minister is only one part of the job; understanding the people and systems around them is just as important.

Reaching Cabinet level adds further complexity, with competing interests and cross-departmental alignment shaping decisions. For organisations seeking meaningful impact, developing a clear, intelligent understanding of this landscape is a strategic advantage.

Delivering on Strategy Without Always Asking for More

A strong theme throughout the session was the need to focus on delivery against existing strategies rather than continually seeking new commitments. This shift demands clarity, a clear expression of need, a clear definition of success, and a clear understanding of who is responsible for progress. This approach reflects a growing appetite for accountability and a desire to see real progress, not just new promises.

Communicating With Purpose and With Authenticity

Communication surfaced as a critical leadership skill. Messages can easily become diluted as they move through government machinery, prompting a recurring question: What did they hear and what do we think they heard?

The group emphasised the importance of clear, memorable messaging, delivered consistently and with conviction. Authenticity also played a central role in the conversation. Leaders reflected on the value of understanding a political figure’s motivations, recognising when engagement is genuine and when it’s performative. Protecting the integrity of the work requires emotional intelligence, honesty and a grounded approach to relationship-building.

The Collective Power of the Sector

There was a strong sense that the sector holds significant untapped influence. While collaboration often happens within familiar networks, participants saw real potential in building alliances across different parts of the sector to strengthen credibility and attract political attention.

A unified, targeted ask was seen as essential. Tailoring messages to specific audiences while maintaining a coherent sector-wide position can significantly enhance visibility and impact. This collaborative mindset reflects the sector at its best – informed, connected, and ready to act.

Positioning Leaders as Recognised Experts

The group reflected on the role of leadership in shaping political conversations. Sector leaders bring deep knowledge, lived experience, and a long-term perspective, yet this is not always recognised in political environments.

Participants agreed that leaders should feel confident stepping into a more visible role. Doing so requires consistency, clarity, and a willingness to speak directly about what is needed, even when the messaging is challenging. This confidence is not about volume; it’s about authority, insight and purpose.

FWB and Cyrenians have worked in partnership for almost a decade. Our third-sector practice is dedicated to supporting organisations that deliver public benefit and operate in an increasingly complex environment. We are driven by a belief in strong leadership, rigorous governance and the power of collaboration. By convening conversations like this, we aim to support leaders, strengthen capability and help the sector navigate the opportunities and pressures of a changing political landscape.