Insight, advice and support for charity leaders, helping them to navigate the challenges of taking their organisation to the next level.
Is this you? Passionate about righting some wrongs in society, you (or perhaps someone before you) established a charity to do just that. It’s gone pretty well, but now you find yourself increasingly struggling with the growth pains that always follow those early successes. They might be problems of capacity, leadership, organisation, or funding. You’ve done the start-up but how do you scale-up what you are doing, or sustainably manage the growth you have experienced?
In my experience, prioritising what you’re good at and working with others who have complementary skills, is the best way to sustainably build for the future. Whether you’re starting-up or scaling-up, the chances are I’ve been there and done it (and made plenty of mistakes along the way). By drawing from over two decades of experience in the charity sector, I can help you understand your situation and offer objective valuable insight, advice and support. I am well placed to help you prioritise the things you do best and shape your organisation in a way that will allow it to thrive. But how?
Firstly, I listen. I provide a safe, supportive environment where you can talk candidly about the challenges you are facing. Mistakes are part of the process and the chances are, I’ve made the same ones too.
I’ll then dig deeper to find out why things are the way they are. I’ll ask questions not only of yourself, but of your team, your board your clients/beneficiaries, your funders or partners if that’s helpful. By asking the right questions, I’ll gain a better understanding of the issue you're facing and help you articulate the problem.
Drawing from my years of experience I’ll present you with options and information that will help you (and your team) successfully navigate your situation and seize the opportunities in front of you. I’ll help you (and others around you) build confidence in your/their ability as a leader and will sensitively but honestly reflect on the solutions to help solve your challenges.
Mentoring and leadership development
Fundraising advice and implementation
Strategic review, planning & consultation
Governance and Board development
Evaluation, research, and facilitation
Marketing and influencing strategy
Senior leadership transition / succession
Business development and planning
I started Priority Advice to help charity and community leaders be more effective in what they do by drawing on my experience as a founder, CEO, chair, trustee and consultant. I support charities, churches, networks and local authorities to be more sustainable. I am an award-winning founder and was leader of the charity Action Foundation that grew to being the largest charity of its kind in the North of England. I was also the founding Chair of Trustees of NACCOM the national network that supports organisations housing destitute asylum seekers and refugees. Therefore, I am well placed to understand organisations and leaders from multiple perspectives and can provide valuable insight to help them unlock solutions to challenges and seize the opportunities in front of them. I am driven by a desire to see organisations and individuals thrive to better serve the vulnerable and marginalised in our society.
As a new Chief Executive, the task of leading a small charity was at times overwhelming and lonely. Having Julian walk with me through the first few years has been hugely beneficial and inspiring. He has a wealth of experience and a genuine desire to support, encourage and challenge thinking in order to facilitate social change and organisational transformation. I feel hugely privileged to have benefitted from his generous, wise mentoring. I would highly recommend him to any board or leadership team looking to develop their strategic impact.
Anna Lewis, CEO, Open Door North East
Mentor/advisor to new and emerging community enterprise leaders.
