With 20 years’ experience of cross sector working I am a specialist facilitator, writer and researcher. I have particular expertise in participatory learning and engagement, a passion for turning talk into action, and the skills to support people to explore different ways of doing things. My professional and academic background (MA Anthropology of Development) enables me to bring an understanding of sustainable development – environmental, social and economic – to my work.

I work as a Senior Associate with Institute of Voluntary Action research, particularly focusing on the facilitation of cross sector partnerships, including the current Health and Social Value programme and the Building Health Partnerships programme – working with Local Authorities, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in a number of areas across the UK. Other clients have ranged from small community organisations such as Utulivu (a Reading-based diaspora women’s empowerment group) to Local Authorities and Universities; national charities such as the Fairtrade Foundation to international NGOs such as PlanUK.

My current portfolio of projects includes using a Kenyan TV soap opera as a catalyst for global learning in schools, supporting local areas to develop resident-led partnerships for investment under the Big Local programme; delivering a series of Model UN Climate Conferences with young people and developing and facilitating training for community organisations.