Three takeaways from Connect & Inspire 2026
Last week, we welcomed our 2026 Churchill Fellows to London for Connect & Inspire, their first in-person gathering as a cohort and the starting point for their Fellowship journey.
After welcomes from Chief Executive Julia Weston and Chair Mark Damazer, Fellows heard from previous Fellows, joined programme breakout rooms, and began forming connections across the wider Fellowship community.
Connection is at the heart of the Fellowship
For many Fellows, Connect & Inspire is the first chance to meet others in their cohort and begin forming connections.
It is also an opportunity to experience the wider Fellowship community. Throughout the day, Fellows had conversations with staff, Trustees, Advisory Council members, partners, supporters, and Fellows from previous cohorts – hearing how learning can be shared and the kinds of support and relationships that can grow around their work.
“It was really lovely to meet everyone in person. The current Fellows were so welcoming, and it was encouraging to hear from people who have been through the process and know that it’s achievable – and that support is there.” – Helen Vaterlaws, Churchill Fellow 2026
There is no single Fellowship journey
Hearing from Fellows at different stages of their journeys was a reminder that no two Fellowships follow the same path.
During the main session, Garry Botterill (CF 2015), Sai Pathmanathan (CF 2016), and Sarah Beresford (CF 2012) shared what their Fellowships have meant for their work, their thinking, and the change they have gone on to lead.
Together, these presentations and conversations in programme breakout rooms, highlighted that impact can take many different forms. For some Fellows, it can be seen in new projects, partnerships, or changes to practice. For others, it grows more gradually through confidence, relationships, ideas, and opportunities that open up over time.
“Hearing the other Fellows’ plans was genuinely inspiring; the breadth of what this cohort is exploring, and the collective commitment gives me so much hope.” – Jay Perkins, Churchill Fellow 2026
A Fellowship is for life
Throughout the day, Fellows were reminded that a Fellowship does not end with the initial learning period. The learning, relationships, and confidence it creates can continue to shape a Fellow’s work for years – influencing new projects, strengthening practice, opening doors, and helping ideas develop over time.
With new relationships made and inspiration gathered, Fellows left the day with a stronger sense of what their Fellowships could make possible in the years to come.
“There are very few awards where people are able to see the benefit you bring to society on an ongoing basis. It gives people enthusiasm to look at lifelong learning and lifelong change.” – Andrew Rowland, Advisory Council Member and Churchill Fellow 2014