In Episode 57, Debra and Peter tackle a big and often uncomfortable question in the charity sector: how long is too long?Prompted by a recent post from Steve Allman, the conversation explores CEO tenure, career versus cause-led leadership, and why there is no such thing as a perfect length of service. Debra reflects on her 25 years at DSC and shares the signals she looks for when thinking about whether it is time to move on. Peter adds his own experience of leadership transitions and why choosing when to leave is often a luxury most chief executives do not get.The discussion then widens to trustees and governance. With the updated Charity Governance Code introducing clearer expectations on trustee term limits, Debra and Peter debate whether rigid rules really work, particularly for small and local charities. They look at board diversity, over representation, founder syndrome, and how boards can manage renewal without losing vital skills, commitment, or goodwill.Along the way, the episode takes a lighter turn with stories about celebrities in the charity world, including Peter’s unforgettable meeting with Dolly Parton and what it taught him about public policy, influence, and preparation. They also reflect on the risks and rewards of working with well known figures and why charisma does not always mean impact.Thoughtful, candid, and full of real sector insight, this episode is a must listen for trustees, chief executives, and anyone interested in charity leadership and governance.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 56 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast dives into some of the most pressing and personal topics yet.They begin with an ode to the great outdoors, tree surgery, and mental health. From Perennial: the charity supporting horticultural workers, to Debra's confession about disliking winter walks, they explore how nature and mental wellbeing intersect, both personally and professionally.Then, the conversation takes a serious turn toward the ethics of AI-generated images. What happens when powerful tools are used to sexualise images of women and children without consent? Peter and Debra react to recent controversies surrounding X/Twitter, Elon Musk, and image manipulation tech. They discuss the legal gaps, the Online Safety Act, and whether platforms can or should be banned outright.There’s even time for some segue magic. Peter sets the bar high with a smooth transition from manipulated pet photos to manipulated AI images. Debra’s attempt to link the word “emerging” to the topic of mergers... let’s just say, not quite as graceful. But it gets the job done.Finally, prompted by Kate Lee’s comments, the episode tackles charity mergers. Debra shares candid reflections from her own experience with merging organisations, the emotional stakes involved, and why collaboration might be better than consolidation. Peter adds thoughts on strategic alliances, small charity resilience, and the unspoken truth about failed mergers.It’s a thoughtful, fiery, and occasionally funny episode that covers everything from manipulated dog photos to modern-day stocks.Comment below or email us to share your views!YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnline More Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 55 kicks off the new year, and Debra and Peter are back after a Christmas break, reflecting on what it means to return to work with energy, realism and hope.

They start by talking about leadership at the start of the year, acknowledging just how tough the past twelve months have been for many charities. Survival, Debra argues, is not a failure but a success, and hope only really matters when it is matched with action.

The conversation then turns to charity governance, prompted by the very public breakdown of the relationship between the board and chief executive at Oxfam. Debra and Peter unpack what happens when chairs and CEOs clash, why governance failures often sit behind these situations, and how things can escalate when roles, loyalties and responsibilities become confused.

Drawing on years of experience, Debra shares practical advice for boards and chief executives, from one to one conversations with trustees to appraising chairs properly, avoiding over concentration of power and creating a culture where disagreement is handled well.

They also explore how organisations can rethink their structures, moving away from rigid hierarchies towards partnership models that value trustees, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries equally.

Finally, Peter brings in a live governance question from the world of county cricket, sparking a discussion about independence, lived experience and how boards can balance fresh thinking with deep contextual knowledge.

As ever, there is honesty, challenge, and a shared belief that good governance really matters, especially at the start of a new year.

If there are issues you would like Debra and Peter to explore in future episodes, do get in touch.

YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnline

More Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/

More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/

Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk

Podcast Producer: José Blazquez