Testimonials
Choices Islington supports women and their partners through unplanned pregnancy, with concerns following abortion, and gives practical and emotional help with parenting. They also provide counselling for women in prison, and offer relationships courses.
Ruth supported Choices to consider the feasibility of developing earned income through their parenting course. This involved market research of other providers, with potential customers (parents), development of a value proposition, and a business modelling template and worked scenarios to identify options for pricing and volume of sales. Through the project, we also identified additional customer groups to further diversify earned income potential.
“We really didn’t know where to start. Ruth understood how we work and what we needed in order to deliver greater impact. She consistently delivered high-quality, strategic work. Now, we have a clear map for where to go next, and a base of research on which to build our next steps."
"We thank her for her insights and professionalism as well as being friendly, warm and lovely to work with! We are certainly in a much stronger position than we were before and really benefited from her experience as well as her thoughtful approach. I hugely valued all the extra support given as well – sharing both resources and experience.”
Sophie Guthrie-Kummer, Chief Executive
NAFAS, the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, is a large national membership organisation that formed in 1959, with a prestigious London headquarters. However, the charity had suffered a loss from an anniversary event, which reflected waning enthusiasm among members and highlighted the need for remedial action in some key areas.
I carried out a governance review, which included discussions with key personnel, Digi-Board governance surveys, a skills and diversity audit and interviews with trustees to get a full understanding of the situation. I produced a report with recommendations and facilitated a workshop to offer some training and encourage discussion around key topics for development.
“Ruth is an absolute professional, so clear, helpful and methodical. People opened up and were honest with her, which is so important when putting a review like this together. She took the time that was needed and was always available.”
Steven Lane, CEO, NAFAS
Coram Family and Childcare works to make the UK a better place for families through parent-led programmes that support families to access services that meet their needs, research in to the issues faced by families, and campaigns for solutions needed by families.
I led the development of a successful paid-for membership model for a previously government-funded early years programme, including design and implementation of new CRM system to support the sales pipeline.
"Ruth is a great strategic thinker. She transformed our programmes, increasing their impact and reach - while also moving them onto a sustainable footing by diversifying income streams away from grant dependency. Her thoughtful approach means she takes people with her even as she challenges."
Ellen Broomé, former Chief Executive
Young Citizens is an education charity working in primary and secondary schools to help educate, inspire and motivate the active citizens of tomorrow. Since 1989 they have helped young people understand society’s democratic structures, and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. And they help young people engage in debates and decision-making processes that affect their futures – from the ramifications of Brexit and global economics, to our electoral systems and beyond.
I supported Young Citizens make a significant shift from government-funding-dependent charity to income-generating social enterprise. By adapting and evolving its well-established programmes, I helped Young Citizens to reach more young people - particularly those from more disadvantaged backgrounds - with a more sustainable business model.
"Ruth played a vital role at Young Citizens (formerly the Citizenship Foundation) as we transitioned from a traditional grant-based charity to a social enterprise model. Her experience and training helped focus the team on making key decisions about which programmes to focus on – and it has stood the test of time.
“She was also part of the team which developed our long-term strategic plan, helping to shape our Theory of Change which has been used as the guide for the monitoring and evaluation of our range of programmes. I have no hesitation in endorsing Ruth; her commitment to the voluntary sector shines through.”
Tom Franklin, Chief Executive
The Spikey Project was inspired by a passion for great food combined with the experience of working with young people with autism. It is a pop-up restaurant where the food is made and served to guests with the contribution of paid, skilled autistic young people.
Only 16% of autistic adults are in paid full-time employment. The Spikey Project's mission is to raise awareness, and show how it can help its autistic chefs and waiters to build confidence, gain skills for full-time paid employed and live independently in the future.
I have been supporting the Spikey Project to choose an appropriate governance structure and develop a strategic and sustainable business plan.
"Ruth helped me to fully form the mission and took me through the process to become a CIC. Her mentorship style is positive and motivating. In her hands, everything seems possible."
Rossana Caglia, Founder
