About Me
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Winner of two Women in Business accolades, I have 20 years’ experience in leading teams, predominantly in not-for-profit organisations and local government. My expertise is across multiple industries and disciplines including; stakeholder engagement; project and event management, and marketing and communications, with a passion for delivering great governance at board level.
The Governance Geek is a consultancy championing good governance and leadership. I advise on governance challenges, working with boards of directors and executive management teams.
During the global pandemic, I was the Executive Director of the Institute of Place Management based at Manchester Met University. The IPM is an international, professional body delivering research, training, events and qualifications that support people committed to developing, managing and making better communities. I was hired to review the organisation and find ways to commercialise the business. I also setup The BID Foundation - a new industry body to provide an authoritative voice for Business Improvement Districts, at what was a critical juncture in their growth and development. I increased membership by 50% within 6 months and developed and expanded the team during challenging times.
During my time at IPM, I was crucial to establishing relationships and regular dialogue with central government and trade bodies, promoting the value of place management to policymakers, ensuring they are an integral part of High Street/Town Centre policy and programmes. I led the development of the industry standards for BIDs, launched in 2019 - supported by central government and trade bodies representing business. The 11 standards encourage transparency and responsible governance in the sector, covering key aspects of a BID’s structure and operations including content in its business plan, governance and reporting, and director responsibilities.
Working with boards having been in several chair and trustee roles, I have held the position of Vice Chair of the National Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (NBCRP) Standards Board, delivered by the National Business Crime Centre and held at New Scotland Yard. The NBCRP exists to provide governance to local police forces, councils and BIDs who deliver a BCRP scheme.
I have worked extensively with the media including appearing on the BBC South Politics Show to discuss business rates reform and I have spoken about the future of the placemaking industry and the importance of delivering good governance at several hundred events in the UK and internationally, including South Africa and Washington DC.
Ten years ago, I studied a MBA at the University of Southampton, completing my thesis exploring the dyad between CEO's and Chairs of the Board, to which I received a distinction.
I would love to hear from you and see how I can help your business to thrive. Drop me a note info@governance-geek.co.uk
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