Goodlabs helps organisations to maximise their social impact, helping them to 'do good better'. Our main focus is VCSE clients who deliver services commissioned by Local Authorities and/or funded by major Grantmakers. We offer an innovative charity CRM application called 'Cimpl' built on the Salesforce platform. We also support commercial sector clients with their CSR/Responsible Business efforts. Our approach is to blend support with challenge, using smart diagnostic tools and putting in place monitoring & evaluation frameworks that increase operational effectiveness. We are an approved partner of the Lloyds Bank Foundation on their 'Enhance' programme as well as working with a range of other funders and umbrella bodies.

I represented the Preston ward of North Shields. My wider portfolio involved: Chair of the 'Thriving' committee (Economy, Skills, Culture, Leisure); sit on Overview, Scrutiny & Policy Development committee; plus external appointments such as Governor of North East Ambulance Service.

Senior exec role leading an accelerated phase of national growth and development for this innovative education charity operating a network of alternative education centres. Growing an innovative Early Intervention coaching model delivered at KS2 through partnership with primary schools and local churches. Transforming the long-term outcomes for at-risk pupils by ensuring that their education gains traction in the early years.

Bringing about better life chances for children living in very challenging home situations and at-risk of being taken into Care. Working closely with a significant UK philanthropist to lead this startup charity from being an exciting concept to an operational success. Working with leading Early Intervention experts to produce a pilot scheme ready to replicate from one base in the North East of England to several other city regions. Securing seven-figure DfE funding; recruiting, training and deploying core staff and network of volunteers; developing KPI metrics / balanced scorecard; building partnerships with local authorities; overseeing Marketing Communications.

Developed of a network of award-winning youth and community projects in Britain’s most challenging urban priority areas. The projects involved schools work, mentoring, detached work, open youth clubs, trips and residentials, etc. When I took the job, the network was still at early stage with 6 projects in the Greater Manchester area. Grew to over 20 projects across 8 cities including London, Glasgow, Liverpool and Sheffield. The issues focused on included tackling truancy, raising aspirations, combatting antisocial behaviour and preventing young people getting into patterns of offending. Worked closely with partners to develop a young offenders training programme operating within a number of YOIs. This work triggered £1 million investment to form a brand-new 'Enterprise Centre' giving ex-offenders a pathway into employment upon their release from custody.

In these roles I was responsible for delivering public events within two inter-connected strands: community fun days in partnership with Local Authority community teams, and youth volunteering initiatives working with Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood teams. Over a five-year period I worked with stakeholders around region and beyond to engage around 40,000 young people in community social action and crime reduction projects. The campaign manager role involved building an in-house Comms team tasked with growing the mailing list, design and production of print materials, media planning and what was then emerging area of online engagement.

Responding to client briefs by delivering creative solutions for print media.