ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Nicola
For more than 20 years, I’ve worked in charity leadership across non-profit organisations large and small, serving as a CEO and Director. Today, I work as an independent charity consultant, trainer, and executive coach.
My work is focused on helping non-profit leaders, teams, and boards navigate change, solve complex challenges, and strengthen their impact. Having spent two decades on the other side of the table commissioning consultants myself, I strive to offer exactly what I always needed: clear advice, practical solutions, human warmth, and complete integrity.
I bring a fresh, calm perspective to complex situations. Whether we are designing sustainable services, working through governance questions, or developing leadership skills, my goal is always to help you discover your strengths and lead with clarity and confidence.
HOW I WORK
Effective consultancy and coaching should be practical, relational, and free from jargon.
Capability and quality first
I only take on work that I am fully confident I have the expertise, capacity, and capability to deliver to a high standard. If I am not the right person for your project, I will say so honestly and, wherever possible, connect you with someone who is.
Collaborative partnership
I work alongside your team as a partner rather than an external observer. My aim is to leave your organisation stronger, more capable, and more confident, embedding learning directly into your everyday work.
Pragmatic realism
I am realistic and transparent about budgets, timeframes, and capacity. I don't overpromise; instead, I help you prioritise what matters most so you can achieve the greatest possible impact within your resources.
Understanding your priorities ("It's not about me")
Every charity has its own unique culture, history, and internal dynamics. I take time to listen deeply and understand your specific context, priorities, and subtext so that the solutions we create work realistically for you.
High integrity and ethical practice
I hold myself to rigorous professional and ethical standards. This includes maintaining clear data protection and confidentiality protocols, using artificial intelligence responsibly and ethically, and maintaining environmental responsibility in how I run my practice.
A flexible 'Leadership Ally' mindset
Senior leadership can often feel isolated. My approach flexes to give you exactly the support you need in the moment—seamlessly switching between coaching (helping you explore your own thinking), mentoring (sharing perspective from my career), and practical advice (offering direct guidance and tools).
My background
My consultancy and coaching practice is backed by over two decades of hands-on operational and strategic leadership in the charity sector:
Executive Leadership
I have served as CEO and Director in non-profits ranging from small local charities to large national organisations. I have led service delivery, fundraising, public engagement, and multi-year strategy, and have overseen major organizational change, including strategic transformations and restructures.
Healthcare & NHS Partnership
I have over 15 years of experience working alongside NHS services. This includes leading charities providing commissioned services across primary and secondary care, serving as a member of an ICB 'Place Board' representing community providers, and delivering training to NHS commissioners and clinicians.
Governance & Board Development
As both a charity consultant and active trustee, I understand governance from every angle. I regularly support charity Boards to strengthen governance practices, ensuring they align with Charity Commission guidance in practical, workable ways that fit the Board's actual capacity.
Coaching & Facilitation Credentials
I am a qualified executive coach holding a Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC) and am a member of the Association for Coaching. I undertake regular coaching supervision and continuous professional development. I am also an associate across sector networks including Consultants for Good, Bloom, NSVO, and Fair Collective.