In March 2026, One in Four joined seven other charities to celebrate the successful completion of the BIG Alliance CoRe 2025 programme. A six-month collaborative initiative delivered in partnership with volunteers from Slaughter and May, Expedia Group, and Macquarie Group.
The programme brought together charities and corporate volunteers to share expertise, strengthen organisations, and create long-term impact across the voluntary sector.
What is the BIG Alliance CoRe Programme?
The CoRe programme, delivered by BIG Alliance and supported by corporate partners, connects professional volunteers with local charities to provide strategic and operational support that is often out of reach for smaller organisations.
Forida Rahman, Project Manager at BIG Alliance, explains:
“The programme, which bridges the gap between corporate expertise and local need, showcased the profound difference that skilled volunteering can make across Islington’s voluntary sector.
Delivered by the BIG Alliance and supported by the Macquarie Group, Slaughter and May, and Expedia Group, CoRe embeds professional skills directly into the heart of community organisations by providing community partners with intensive, high-level strategic support. BIG matches dedicated corporate teams with local partners to meet specific organisational aims and needs over a six-month period.”
For charities like One in Four, the programme provided valuable time, expertise, and external perspectives that helped us reflect on our work and plan for the future.
What We Worked On
Throughout the programme, we collaborated on several projects designed to strengthen our services, operations, and future growth.
Improving Client Experience and Service Delivery
One key area of focus was reviewing our client service and relationship management processes. Together, we mapped the client journey, identified opportunities to streamline processes, and explored ways to further enhance the experience of clients accessing support from One in Four.
Developing Counsellor Training
We also reviewed the training and development opportunities available to our counsellors. As a result of this work, we have developed a new annual training plan, which will begin rolling out in Autumn 2026.
Strengthening Corporate Fundraising
From a fundraising perspective, we developed a new suite of corporate partnership materials, including tiered packages of support. These resources will help us build stronger relationships with corporate partners and grow this important area of fundraising more effectively.
Strategic Planning for the Future
A major highlight of the programme was a full-day strategy session hosted by Macquarie. This was the first time our leadership team, fundraising team, trustees, and experienced supervisors came together to discuss the future direction of One in Four.
The session created valuable space for reflection, collaboration, and strategic thinking as we plan the next phase of the organisation’s development.
Key Learnings from the Programme
The CoRe programme gave us practical support, but it also offered important lessons and reassurance during a challenging time for the charity sector.
We Are Not Alone
One of the biggest takeaways was recognising that many of the challenges we face are shared by organisations across all sectors including large corporations. Speaking with volunteers who had experienced similar operational and strategic challenges helped us feel supported and understood.
The Value of Critical Friends
Having dedicated volunteers to challenge our thinking, ask thoughtful questions, and offer fresh perspectives helped us approach problems differently. Their support enabled us to develop innovative and realistic solutions that work for One in Four.
Slowing Down Helps Us Move Faster
The programme also reminded us of the importance of creating time to step back, analyse situations properly, and explore options thoroughly. Investing time in strategic thinking now will help us move more effectively and confidently in the future.
Celebrating the CoRe 2025 Cohort
The final celebration event was an opportunity to reflect on everything achieved during the programme and to thank the volunteers, partners, and supporters who made it possible.
At a time when many charities are facing increasing financial and operational pressures, access to professional expertise and skilled volunteering is invaluable. Programmes like CoRe help charities become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to support the communities they serve.
The final celebration event was an opportunity to reflect on everything achieved during the programme and to thank the volunteers, partners, and supporters who made it possible.
Get Involved
If you would like to volunteer your time or share your professional expertise with One in Four, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us
