Helping charities achieve their mission, on their terms

I work with charities to create the conditions for their purpose, beliefs, knowledge, and unique position to drive better decisions.

I focus my work in two ways — one close in, one further out. Both are shaped by the same big question.

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.

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?

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. The future of the sector depends 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 bring this together with my big question.

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 with partners, funders, and 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 champion change

Highlighting the real challenges we experience internally and externally. Amplifying the voices of the charities and communities I work with.

I’m still exploring what this looks like — but I’m continually inspired by the hope that the charities I work with embody, for a better future for all.

Head, heart and hands

I'm 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 — so finding partners and consultants who align to these really matters. As well as my areas of experience (my head), here's my heart, and my hands too.

My experience

Head

  • Charity leadership
  • Business development
  • Fundraising
  • Strategy
  • Charity trustee
  • Training
  • Impact and evaluation
What I believe

Heart

  • Charities create real social change
  • The work of charities isn't simple
  • Many established practices are harmful
  • We need to flip accountability in charities
My skills

Hands

  • Systems practice
  • Sense-making
  • Facilitation
  • Coaching
  • Storytelling
What guides me

Compass

  • Social justice
  • Intersectional feminism

What it's like to work with 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 and 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

Four ways we could work together

Defining your Impact Model

Grounding your organisation in its purpose, defining your Impact Model is like creating a cypher for your whole organisation.

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Learning and Evaluation

Through learning we can continually strengthen what we do, and empower everyone in their roles.

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Strategic Planning

In a rapidly changing environment, shared understanding of your direction is essential.

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Facilitation

Better decisions start with the right conversations. And skilled facilitation can surface the conversations that are really needed.

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If this feels like a good fit for your charity, I'd love to have a chat.

Get in touch