Committed to creating a more equitable charity sector
When I became a freelance consultant I had a big question:What is future for the charity sector? And can I be part of it?
I love the charity sector. I’ve been part of it for 21 years. I love the hope, the passion, the care, the community of it. But I also know that there is need for real change in our ways of working.
Externally – the way we are funded, the way we are perceived, and the way we are regulated can make it really tough to do the amazing work we know is needed.
Internally – the ways we work, the ways we are governed, and the ways we make decisions about what we do can actually worsen the inequalities and inequity so many of us exist to address.
It seems we are in a constant state of reacting and responding to the expectations of those outside the sector. Of people and organisations which aren’t the reason we exist. We are focusing on the wrong things.
And the future of the sector is dependent on us being really clear on what we do, what we believe, and why our existence is so important.
After three years as a Consultant, working out how I wanted to make the best use of my skills and experience for the sector I love, I feel really lucky to be able to bring this together with my ‘big question’ and focus my work in two ways:
The micro
Working with individual charities to step into their power. Through understanding how their position, knowledge, understanding and approach create impact, and using this to guide decisions about what the charity does, and how it is funded.
This work enables us to create real clarity, narratives, and data that both work internally, and can be used to communicate this to partners, funders, supporters.
This ownership of purpose, identity and narrative is essential to creating more equitable relationships between charities, their partners and funders.
The macro
Using my independent position to highlight the real challenges we are experiencing internally and externally. To champion change. And to amplify the voices of the charities and communities I work with.
I am still exploring what this looks like. But I am continually inspired by the hope that the charities I work with embody, for a better future for all.
About me
I am currently a business of one, although I love collaborating with others and I’m always excited to work with new people.
I believe that for charities our beliefs and principles are just as important as what we do. And finding partners and consultants who align to these is really important. So as well as highlight my areas of experience (my head), my alternative CV also focuses on my heart (what I believe) and my hands (what I am good at).
If this feels like a good fit for your charity, I’d love to have a chat.
What it’s like to work with me
Here are some lovely things that people I have worked with said about me:
“Ali has an inquisitive, thoughtful style of working where she asks lots of questions and really drills down to the issues. This ensures solutions are fit for purpose and stakeholders feel heard.”
Jo, Head of Business Development, Environmental Charity
“Ali embraces the values or the things that are important to the organisation and embeds them in the work.”
Michelle, Director of Operations, Young Person’s Charity
“Ali has a wealth of knowledge and applies this brilliantly. She is determined to use her skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference with everyone she engages with.”
Stephen, CEO, Young People’s Charity
“Give her the context and she’ll know the questions to ask to help plan the way forward.”
Andy, Director of Income Generation, Disability Charity