Report warns of leadership crisis across small organisations

A new national study has revealed the severe toll that leadership is taking on small charities and not-for-profit leaders.

The Breaking Point report, published by Fair Collective in partnership with NCVO, surveyed more than 350 leaders of small organisations.

Its findings revealed that 85 per cent of surveyors revealing their role has damaged their mental health, while one in five reported severe consequences, including hospitalisation, suicidal thoughts and burnout.

Over 90 per cent of those who reported mental health struggles said the impact directly affected their ability to perform at work.

The study also revealed that ‘when leaders break down, organisations break down with them.’

Other findings include one leader described being “overwhelmed and depressed by the level of need - even contemplating suicide.”

Another, Emma Cantrell MBE of First Days Children’s Charity, said: “The combined weight of responsibility … has meant that at times I have been pushed to my limits mentally.

“The pressure in my role is still huge and I have to work hard to ensure my mental health is protected.”

The report recommends systemic change in the charity sector, more unrestricted funding, stronger board support, and cultures that put leaders’ wellbeing first.

For companies, the lessons translate into three priorities:

• Invest in leadership health: just as funders must support small charity leaders, businesses must invest in executive wellbeing beyond token perks.
• Strengthen governance and trust: boards and senior teams should create space for honest conversations, reducing the isolation many leaders feel.
• Redefine resilience: success is not about enduring endless stress, but building cultures where leaders and staff can thrive without burning out.

Jules Mitchell, founder of The Mental Wealth Revolution and a Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce member, said: “Leaders, professionals and individuals alike must build cultures where people are not just surviving but thriving.”

Pictured from left to right: Jules and Lee Mitchell