ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations. Our vision is for civil society leaders to make the biggest possible difference. Together with our network, we inspire and support civil society leaders through connection, skills and influence.
For over 30 years, we have provided support, development and an inspiring, collective voice for our members across the UK. ACEVO’s network of nearly 1,700 individuals includes the leaders of small, community-based groups, ambitious medium-sized organisations, and well-known, well-loved national and international not-for-profits.
Our mission is delivered through the contribution ACEVO makes to civil society and beyond: our “ripple effect”. Our members imagine a better world. By supporting CEOs and strengthening leadership within the sector, ACEVO inspires its members to have a greater impact on their organisations and – through them – their beneficiaries and causes, to improve lives. We believe that investing in our sector’s leaders strengthens the impact they have.
We are member-driven, connected, inclusive, ambitious and honest. Our members drive positive change in their organisations and in their communities, and our peer-to-peer network supports and encourages them at every step of their career.
We have a turnover of over £1m and 16 staff (14 FTE).
What our members say
“ACEVO membership is like being part of a family. Somewhere where you belong, with a group of people who understand your reality, where you get to hang out and share ideas and struggles with your own kind. This means that joining ACEVO events, taking part or just showing up, is an act of self-care, which is powerful. On top of this, just like a good family home, you head back out of the door rejuvenated and resourced, with just the ideas, inspiration and resources that you need to go out there and do some more.”
“ACEVO is a distinctive voice for leaders in the third sector. It’s important to me that there is a voice for sector leaders which is separate and distinct from the sector organisations. We have different things to say and we need to be able to say them, ACEVO is very effective at putting that voice across to whoever needs to hear it, whether that’s to government, the media or to other sector bodies.”
“I’ve gained so much from my ACEVO membership this year, & so much delivered digitally has kept me fed and watered (without me even realising it) through a tough working year.”
“Loved getting my ACEVO enews today. It was the reading material equivalent if going to work on an egg or having my Weetabix! I was well set up for what came at me! Thanks for always being there for us.”