Portfolio

As a seasoned growth consultant with over two decades of experience, I specialise in empowering ambitious organisations to achieve their growth aspirations.

My expertise spans a wide range of services, tailored to enhance business operations and boost profitability. Whether acting as a Board Member or providing operational efficiency and change management, I’m committed to propelling organisations toward success.

Reach out if you’d like to explore how my expertise can benefit your organisation. In the meantime, below is information about some of the projects I have understaken.

Let’s embark on a journey of growth together!

Board Positions:

Chair of Trustees

As the Chair of Trustees, I spearheaded the governance of a not-for-profit organisation, steering the board towards strategic objectives, securing necessary resources, and championing ethical integrity.

• Entrepreneurial Leadership: I provided strategic vision and drive, to foster innovation and sustainable growth.

• Setting Strategy: I defined the organisation’s long-term goals and charted the course for achieving them.

• Resource Management: Ensured that adequate human and financial resources were available to fulfill the mission.

• Performance Review: Regularly evaluated the effectiveness of management and organisational performance.

• Values and Standards: Ensure the organisation’s values and ethical standards were upheld.

• Stakeholder Obligations: Ensured transparency and accountability to sponsors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

• Decision-Making: To foster a robust governance framework I oversaw matters specifically reserved for board decisions.

Chair of Non-Executive Director (NED) Board:

In my role as Chair of the Non-Executive Director board, I played a pivotal role in ensuring financial prudence and stability.

• Financial Stewardship: Ensured prudent financial management and risk mitigation.

• Governance: Upheld a high standard of corporate governance.

• Effective Communication: Facilitated communication between the board and executive management.

Chair of 15 National Not-for-Profit Boards:

Leading 15 boards within the not-for-profit sector, I diligently aligned with organisational missions, evaluated impact, fostered stakeholder involvement, and ensured adherence to legal obligations.

• Mission Alignment: Ensured alignment with the organisation’s mission and values.

• Impact Assessment: Regularly assessed the impact of our programs and initiatives.

• Fundraising and Advocacy: Supported fundraising efforts and advocated for the cause.

• Community Engagement: Engaged with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the wider community.

• Legal and Ethical Compliance: Upheld legal and ethical standards.

As an operational efficiency project consultant, I bring fresh perspectives to identify areas for improvement and provide long-term solutions that have a real financial impact. Working closely with key stakeholders, I ensure that projects meet requirements and build trust for future endeavours.

My strategies involve optimising operations, improving efficiency, and establishing key performance indicators to track progress. By managing the change process effectively, we minimise disruptions and increase the likelihood of success. Ultimately, I focus on delivering lasting results, boosting efficiency, and giving companies a competitive edge.

Let’s collaborate to streamline operations, enhance productivity, reduce waste, and drive improved financial performance, ensuring your continued growth and success. 

CASE STUDIES

Ardent Tide Construction Payroll Services

1. Insight-Led Change Programme: Developed and executed a change programme that modernised and transformed service delivery, leveraging data-driven insights.

2. Team Operating Model: Designed an effective team operating model aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

3. Policy: Formulated policies that empowered decision-making and ensured consistent and efficient company standards.

4. Sales & Marketing Strategy: Successfully created and implemented a clear sales & marketing strategy, resulting in increased margins and growth.

5. People and Workforce Strategies: Spearheaded the development of strategies that significantly improved employee engagement and boosted retention.

6. Mentoring and Leadership: Acted as a mentor and coach to the senior leadership team, providing valuable management support and advice.

Audit

Delivered the requirements for a KPMG Audit, including chairing the required stakeholder meetings.

KPMG provided us with a distinction and informed us that ours was one of the best-prepared audits they had ever had.  We have since been working for the USA market and thanks to Diane, are safe in the knowledge that we tick all the required boxes.  Angela Lipscombe, MD

Strategic Growth Planning

Created and delivered a growth plan that included diversification into the USA market of film producers. 

Communication and Technology

Spearheaded the creation and delivery of a new website and membership portal.

Noteworthy Achievements at Debenhams

1. Chair for the Consortium of Retail Training Companies: Represented Debenhams on the consortium board, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among retail training organisations.

2. International Conventions: Attended two American conventions on behalf of the International Association of Department Stores (IADS), contributing to global retail insights.

3. Communications: Organised annual briefings and conferences, providing valuable content for CEO speeches. Oversaw the production and distribution of Debenhams’ employee magazine, which grew to reach 27,000. The magazine’s scope extended to cover pensions and customer-facing content. Played a pivotal role in creating and introducing a new employer brand.

4. Charitable Involvement: Served as a member of the Debenhams Chairman’s Charitable Appeals Committee, managing the charitable giving budget and coordinating 100 voluntary charity committees.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: Produced the Debenhams Corporate Social Responsibility Report, presenting the company’s commitment to ethical practices and community impact.

6. European Employee Consultation Forum: Successfully managed this forum in response to European legislation relating to Debenhams’ operations in European countries.