Finding Purpose in an Unexpected Place:

Tom Bennett’s Journey at Start360 

When Tom Bennett moved from Manchester to Belfast more than a decade ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. The culture was different, the accent was a challenge, and for the first few weeks, he wondered if he had made the right decision. But everything changed when he joined Start360.

It started as an opportunity to work alongside friends from home, but it quickly became much more. What was once unfamiliar soon became home, and what was once a job became a career. Over 11 years, Tom has worked his way through multiple roles, moving from administration into research and development, corporate services, and eventually, into the Strategic Leadership Team. His journey has been shaped by trust, ambition, and a relentless drive to improve – not just for himself, but for the organisation as a whole.

Stepping Into Leadership and Navigating the Unknown

Becoming part of the Strategic Leadership Team was both an exciting and daunting transition. For the first couple of weeks, he found himself on the outside looking in, uncertain about whether he was ready to take on a leadership position. Even now, he admits that a small amount of imposter syndrome still creeps in from time to time, especially in high level meetings with sector experts.

The key to overcoming it, he says, is a willingness to ask questions, even when they seem obvious. Leadership, for him, is not about always having the right answers, but about ensuring that progress never stalls because of uncertainty.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Experience and Learning

Tom believes that leadership is shaped by those who come before us. The best leaders, in his view, are not just those who inspire but also those who challenge and refine. He has learned as much from poor leadership as he has from great leaders, using every experience – good or bad – to inform his own approach.

His leadership is defined by collaboration, confidence, and openness to being proven wrong. He believes that the best decisions come from an environment where people feel empowered to question, challenge, and contribute. Strong leadership, in his view, is not about control, but about fostering an atmosphere where the best ideas can emerge.

Looking to the Future and Strengthening the Organisation

Tom does not see himself as the sole architect of Start360’s future. He sees it as a collective effort, one where leadership, staff, and service users all play a role in shaping what comes next. His focus is on maintaining high standards, ensuring compliance, and driving improvement across all areas of the organisation.

For Tom, growth is not just about expanding services but about ensuring that every step forward is intentional, evidence-based, and aligned with the organisation’s mission. He is committed to keeping Start360 at the forefront of its sector by setting high expectations and ensuring that innovation and best practice remain at the heart of its work.

Building Teams That Work Together and Succeed Together

A key part of Tom’s leadership style is his belief in the power of a strong team. Whether working within his own corporate services team or across the wider organisation, he values collaboration over hierarchy. His approach is to empower people, providing them with the space and support to thrive.

He credits much of the success of his department to the leadership of his assistant manager, who plays a crucial role in ensuring that corporate services run smoothly. Across Start360, he sees a culture of shared responsibility, where skills are recognised, challenges are embraced, and support is freely given. Collaboration, he says, is not something that needs to be forced at Start360 – it happens naturally because of the relationships that have been built over time.

Making the Right Decisions in a Complex Sector

Decision-making in the charity sector is rarely straightforward. Balancing the needs of service users, staff, funders, and external partners requires careful thought and a clear understanding of the bigger picture.

Tom’s approach is to ensure that every decision is based on solid evidence and thoughtful judgment. Nothing is done in isolation, feedback is constantly fed back into the team, and all voices are considered. He believes that good decision-making is about listening, reflecting, and ensuring that actions are always justified and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

Managing Challenges and Supporting Resilience

Challenges in the charity sector are inevitable, but Tom believes that preparation and strong communication can minimise their impact. He and his team work hard to stay ahead of potential issues, identifying risks early and taking proactive steps to address them.

One of the most important aspects of his leadership is ensuring that staff feel heard and supported. Every six weeks, there are structured check-ins to ensure that concerns are addressed and that staff feel reassured in their roles. For Tom, resilience is not just about reacting to difficulties – it is about creating an environment where people feel secure, valued, and confident in their ability to navigate challenges.

The Motivation Behind the Work

Tom sets high standards for himself and expects the same from those around him. He thrives on detail, understands the risks involved in the work, and holds himself accountable at every level. The motivation to maintain these high standards comes from a deep commitment to the people Start360 supports.

He believes that the most effective leaders are those who are willing to take risks, put in the work, and embrace uncertainty. To him, the ability to navigate the unknown is not a weakness: it is an essential skill.

A Legacy of Progress and Opportunity

For Tom, success is not about personal recognition. It is about ensuring that Start360 remains in a strong position, compliant with regulations, and always improving. He is proud of the times when his team has found solutions to problems that seemed impossible to solve and when they have proved that change can happen, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Looking ahead, he hopes that his legacy will be one of growth and opportunity. He wants to leave Start360 in a better place than he found it and hopes that those who work with him will feel that they have been given the chance to learn, develop, and move forward in their own careers.

Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

For those considering leadership roles in the charity sector, Tom’s advice is simple: you cannot do it all on your own. Delegation is essential, and surrounding yourself with a strong team is just as important as any individual skill.

Strong leadership, in his view, is not about taking on everything yourself, it is about choosing the right people to work alongside you and trusting them to deliver.

A Final Thought for the Start360 Community

Tom’s leadership journey at Start360 has been one of growth, challenge, and continuous learning. Above all, he believes that success in the charity sector comes down to one thing – people. Supporting them, empowering them, and making space for them to succeed is what drives him every day.

“Every decision we make, every policy we write, and every challenge we tackle is about creating something better than what came before. That’s why I do this job, and that’s why I’ll keep doing it.”

Tom Bennett’s leadership at Start360 is a testament to the power of adaptability, trust, and high standards. His journey highlights the importance of strong teams, continuous learning, and a commitment to making a lasting impact.