Third Sector Experience

​When I look back on my career, the things I am most proud of are the opportunities I had to help others develop, often beyond what they thought they were capable of. So, the decision to set up as an independent coach and trainer in 2013 after 30 years as a leader in the 3rd sector was an obvious one.

This is perhaps one of the greatest jobs in the world.
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It’s a real privilege for me to spend my time working with individuals committed to growing and developing skills that help both themselves and their organisations.

I have had a stimulating and successful career in the charitable sector.  In my early 20’s I travelled and worked in Africa gaining great insight and respect for other cultures.  I have taught in West Africa and England and now enjoy providing specialist training.  I worked for Oxfam for 14 great years finishing my career there as Head of Retail operations for UK and Ireland where I lead a team of 500 staff and 27,000 volunteers. 

I expanded my fundraising skills at RNIB managing a team to provide events, capital appeals as well as community and telephone fundraising before being headhunted to become CEO of Focus Birmingham a regional charity supporting visually impaired adults and children.  

At the same time I was nominated by my peers to the appointment of Chairperson of Visionary the UK organisation for Societies for the Blind and led the development of their first business plan.  In parallel I worked with the CEO’s of Acorns Childrens’ Charity and St Mary’s Hospice to chair the TLC lottery and drive its expansion programme.

​Following ten years as CEO I moved to Sense, the national charity for deafblind people, and set up a national directorate for community services covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This involved bringing existing staff out of old regional teams to create a new national team and introduce a more entrepreneurial culture to the new division.

Independent charity consultant & coach

​In 2013 I set up a consultancy practice to provide coaching and training on leadership issues for 3rd sector organisations.  I use my experiences in leadership, fundraising, strategic planning and restructuring to provide advice, support and training at pivotal moments in 3rd sector organisation and their leaders lives.

Coaching is at the heart of what makes me tick.  I love helping people have those “light bulb” moments that helps them perform at a higher level. A perceptive question or awkward silence can make all the difference for the brilliant people I work with. 

My clients range from senior managers and trustees to front line managers usually at times of organisational transformation and challenge.
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My training courses include Introduction to Coaching as a line manager, Personal Productivity, Performance Management as well as bespoke commissioned courses. These courses give excellent testimonials, referrals and - most heartening of all - clients returning for additional training or coaching.