CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector today launched its ‘Magic of Leadership’ Conference and Awards, which will gather over 200 Third Sector CEOs and Senior Executives on 19-20 February 2015 to face the upcoming challenges heads on and crucially, develop radically innovative strategies to ensure their organisations’ survival.
 
It’s lonely at the top when you are a Third Sector CEO, especially as the 2015 forecast of crippling budget cuts predicts catastrophic consequences on the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland.

 CEOs are typically expected to pull a rabbit out of their hats, no questions asked. But without support, there is a real risk that those vital services that are solely provided by community and voluntary organisations might collapse.

Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon, who hosted the launch of the conference today at Belfast City Hall, added: “I am delighted to host the launch of CO3’s 2015 leadership conference.

“This event is a unique opportunity for Third Sector leaders to prepare for the tough times ahead as well as an opportunity for the private sector and politicians to discover the outstanding breadth of talent and creativity Third Sector CEOs bring to their organisations to ultimately change the lives of their service users for the better. 
 “It is crucial to be aware of the challenges ahead of the Third Sector and to create space for discussion, collaboration and partnerships in light of these harsh economic times. It is vital now, more than ever, to keep the lines of communication open and not take the Third Sector for granted.” 

Pictured are (back, from left to right): Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon, Nora Smith, CEO,Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3), John McMullan, Chair, CO3 and CEO of Bryson Charitable Group, and Groomsport-born Kate Fleck, CO3 Board Member and Director, Arthritis Care NI. Front: David Meade, illusionist, academic and business motivational speaker.