Inspirational insights from Sir Ciarán Devane

Sir Ciarán Devane took up the role of Chief Executive (CEO) of the British Council in January 2015. Ciarán has focused on ensuring that all stakeholders understand and value the contribution that soft power, cultural relations and the British Council makes to security, prosperity and influence.

Prior to this, Devane was Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support from 2007 to 2014. He transformed the scale and impact of the charity, both on a standalone basis and in collaboration with other organisations. He also raised its profile as an authoritative voice on cancer and on health matters, leading to Macmillan being the UK’s ‘Brand of the Year’ in 2014.

Sir Ciarán Devane, who received an honorary doctorate from University College, Dublin (UCD) during his trip to Ireland, spoke to us about his perspective on successful programme delivery in the not-for-profit sector.

Some insights particularly resonated and echoed at the session included:

• Clarity

Clarity of strategy is key and growth tends to naturally follow.

• Talking about what you do

As well as doing brilliant work, it is very important to talk about it as this will maximise impact.

• Collaboration

The key tenet to Macmillan’s success is collaboration. Their best allies are other health charities. Leveraging partnerships can make a significant difference.

• Authenticity

Stay consistent to your values; Behaviour is crucial to everything, all else will follow.

• Ambition

Institutions of all types should be stronger and aspire to be better.

• Empowerment

As a leader, it is imperative to empower your team to work with you and match skills accordingly.

In summary, collaborate to make the greatest impact, have clarity of strategy and act as you say while remaining ambitious.

Pictured recently in Dublin is Sir Ciarán with Donnchadh Ó Mórdha, Associate Director, Davy Institutional Consulting

​