At Cahoot CIC, how we work matters just as much as the outcomes we help organisations achieve. We believe small charities and social enterprises deserve support that feels steady, respectful, collaborative, and genuinely useful. Our approach is shaped by the real experiences of the organisations we work with and the values we hold as a team.
Below is what guides our work every day, and what our partners can expect when they choose to work with us.
External Impact Values
How we work with the organisations we support
Stewardship and Integrity
We act as trusted partners, prioritising long term effectiveness and sustainability over quick wins. We are transparent about what we offer, and we always keep our advice grounded in what is right for your organisation and the communities you serve.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Prioritise long term financial health rather than one off successes
• Be open about our capabilities, fees, and realistic chances of success
• Make sure every piece of advice aligns with your charitable purpose and governing documents
• Put clarity and honesty at the centre of our work together
Thoughtful Impact
We provide consultancy that goes beyond securing funding. We are focused on helping organisations create meaningful, lasting change for the people who rely on them.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Ask constructive questions that help strengthen your evidence of need and outcomes
• Deliver bespoke support, never generic or template based work
• Measure success through the difference created for your service users, not just the size of the grant
• Help build plans that are realistic, grounded, and rooted in real life context
Shared Knowledge
We believe in building long term capacity within organisations. We do not hold on to knowledge or treat information as a commodity. Instead, we share openly so you feel more confident and capable in your work.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Provide training and guidance so your team can internalise fundraising and strategy skills
• Act as mentors and sector educators, sharing insight wherever it can help
• Encourage organisations to feel less reliant on external consultants over time
• Build your confidence so you can continue the work long after our involvement.
Internal Culture Values
How we work together as a team, which in turn shapes how we support you
Flexibility and Autonomy
We believe in healthy, sustainable ways of working. We trust our team to manage their workload and schedule in ways that support both personal wellbeing and professional excellence.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Respect each team member’s preferred working style and commitments
• Focus on delivery and quality of work rather than hours spent
• Make sure our team has the tools and authority to manage their portfolios effectively
• Maintain a calm, balanced working culture that ultimately benefits our clients
Egalitarian Partnership
We work collaboratively and value every voice. We make decisions together, share ideas freely, and build services that reflect the strengths of the whole team.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Maintain a flat structure where ideas are welcomed from everyone
• Share challenges and successes transparently
• Dedicate time for collaborative thinking and service development
• Treat every perspective with respect and equal weight
Passion and Purpose
We believe deeply in the importance of the third sector and are motivated by the impact our clients create. We choose to work with organisations whose values align with our own and deliver work that feels meaningful and purposeful.
In Practice, This Means We Will:
• Work with organisations whose missions we genuinely believe in
• Keep learning from best practice across the sector
• Regularly revisit why Cahoot exists and the difference we want to make
• Bring energy, care, and intention to every partnership
What This Means For You
When you work with Cahoot CIC, you can expect:
• A calm, grounded team who understands real world charity pressures
• Honest conversations and transparent expectations
• Practical solutions that fit your capacity
• Support shaped around your voice and your community
• Collaboration that feels equal and respectful
• Guidance that strengthens your organisation long after the project ends
We work in cahoots with you, side by side, to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Value proposition
Cahoot exists to deliver thoughtful, strategic consultancy and capacity building to small, grassroots charities and social enterprises. We ensure these vital organisations can grow sustainably, achieve their full potential, and profoundly benefit the people they serve.