Clients
Why Choose Us?
We love the work we do, and we’re proud to have helped a number of companies and charities take the next step of their journey towards development and growth.
RAYSTEDE CENTRE
FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
(Strategy)
Raystede was holding a Strategy Day for its Trustees, CEO, and SMT in order to enable the team to get clarity about its current plans and to discuss key issues.
“Before working with Ruth, we were concerned about handling our strategy day, but we managed to achieve everything we hoped for. Ruth’s support and advice in the run-up were critical to our success; her guidance made all the difference, and the day was facilitated very well.
Stephanie Smith, Chief Executive
TANDEM
(Strategy & Governance)
Tandem wanted to strengthen its strategic aims and develop its governance further, ensuring the organisation’s values underpinned everything.
Ruth worked with Tandem to develop: a governance plan based on identified strengths and weaknesses, and a 5-year strategic plan, including a theory of change, that truly reflected why and how they provide support and the difference it makes to those they work with.
“It was a pleasure working with Ruth. She was encouraging, and very quickly understood us as an organisation – in terms of how we work and the support we provide, and also what we were looking to develop and put in place.
We’ve gained a huge amount as an organisation and I’ve gained really useful insights into strategic development. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Ruth to colleagues in the sector.”
Sarah Bentley, CEO
CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL CHARITABLE TRUST
(Governance)
The City of London School Charitable Trust raises funds to provide bursaries for students. It has recently been increasing its fundraising activity and is seeking to develop and endowment fund, so the team wanted to ensure that its governance was fit for purpose and enabling the charity to run effectively. We carried out a governance review including a survey, interviews and report with recommendations, which was presented with opportunity for discussion at a board meeting.
“ Working with Ruth and Angela was really easy and positive – their support was sensible, timely, and clear. Before the project, we were a little uncertain about what we needed to do but now, after their guidance, we have a clear direction and greater confidence in our governance. The team demonstrated strong expertise, delivered on time, and provided excellent value for money. We highly recommend them.”
Kathrin Ostermann, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement
OASIS PROJECT
(Strategy)
The Oasis Project is a Brighton-based charity that supports women and children affected by drug and alcohol use. We supported the charity to get clarity on who they are there to support and what to prioritise to have the biggest impact – in an environment where there is a lot to do, but limited resources. Through a series of facilitated workshops and a guided process, we helped the team to create a strategic plan that they can use to make decisions as needs change and the funding landscape evolves.
“Ruth and Jean were supportive, creative, and flexible. Before engaging with them, we were so focused on the day-to-day work that it was difficult to dedicate time to strategic planning. They facilitated valuable discussions with our Senior Leadership Team and stakeholders, helping us clarify our direction and develop a strategic plan with confidence.”
Catherine Ashton-Saltwell, Interim CEO
SOUTHDOWN
(Strategy)
We supported Southdown to develop an outcomes-based strategy providing clarity and focus on the work they do, and describing the difference they want to make to the lives of their clients and tenants.
We listened to Southdown’s clients and tenants, staff, managers and trustees – and we supported the team to create a refreshed organisational purpose and set of goals and objectives that aim to meet the needs of the people they support, and the sector in which they work.
“Thanks to your help, guidance and challenge we have come through not only with a renewed purpose and strategy but as importantly we have embraced co-production in a way we have never done before. We will continue this journey.
When we started out, I wanted something which would give the C-Suite a mandate to operate and form a bridge for the changeover of Chair next year. I believe we have that and I am very excited for the next stages and the future even though I won’t be part of it.”
Pauline Ford, Chair
NAFAS
(Governance)
Following some financial and membership challenges, Ruth was asked to conduct a thorough governance review for the charity. This involved engaging in discussions with key personnel, administering a governance survey, conducting a skills and diversity audit, and conducting interviews with trustees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Ruth subsequently produced a detailed report containing recommendations, and facilitated a workshop aimed at providing training and fostering discussion on key development topics.
“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
THE DIVERSE CREATIVE
(Earned income feasibility study)
Ruth worked with The Diverse Creative to develop a feasibility study of their proposed new revenue stream, a conference event.
Ruth carried out market research to understand other events offered in the sector, supported Diverse Creative to clarify their value proposition to ensure the conference would be tailored to the needs and wants of the market, and developed a financial model to understand the viability of the offer.
“We approached Ruth with an idea for a project but working with her gave us the insights to strengthen the decisions we want to commit to. Ruth’s warm, open and friendly support served as a great sounding board. Since working with Ruth, we have been able to sharpen our focus moving forward. Ruth’s approach of providing an outside perspective and prompting deeper thinking was invaluable in helping us hone our mission and next steps.”
Remi Ray, Founder
GROW
(Earned income feasibility study)
Ruth worked with the team at GROW to carry out a feasibility study of a service for businesses, including market research, a value proposition workshop and a financial model to create pricing and sales targets.
This resulted in a package for GROW to take to corporates, and a realistic plan to work towards. Within a couple of weeks, GROW secured its first corporate customers.
“Working with Ruth was great – she was so approachable and open and really took time to understand our organisation, its values and where we were heading. With a range of different tools and approaches, she guided us through a process of looking at what we had to offer and how to tell our story to a new audience.”
Jo Wren, Director
CHOICES ISLINGTON
(Earned income feasibility study)
Ruth provided support to Choices Islington in exploring the feasibility of generating earned income through their parenting course. This included conducting market research on similar providers, engaging with potential customers (parents), formulating a compelling value proposition, and developing a business model template.
Ruth also facilitated the examination of various pricing options and sales volume scenarios to identify optimal strategies. Additionally, the project revealed opportunities to expand the customer base, enhancing the organisation’s potential for diversifying its earned income streams.
“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.”
Sophie Guthrie-Kummer, Chief Executive
KEY4LIFE
(Business planning)
Ruth collaborated with Key4Life through the Lloyds Enhance Programme, supporting them with the formulation of an action plan and mentoring, as well as offering targeted practical support and advice aimed at fostering the organisation’s strategic expansion and financial sustainability.
Her involvement encompassed business planning, infrastructural enhancement, and refining the charity’s corporate partnership proposition.
“Ruth has provided invaluable support to Key4Life in so many different ways. Her ability to both identify the problems but importantly come up with solutions has helped us refocus our strategic goals to enhance the performance of Key4Life. We would strongly recommend her services.”
Eva Hamilton MBE Founder & CEO
CORAM FAMILY AND CHILDCARE
(Earned income development)
Ruth led the development of a successful paid membership model for an early years programme at Coram Family and Childcare, formerly funded by the government.
This included the design and implementation of a modern CRM system to support sales growth now and into the future.
“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