Support for Voluntary, Community, Faith
and Social Enterprise Organisations
Contact Me
About
Practical Assistance
Alan became a consultant following re-location to North Lancashire, after extensive support and development work in the voluntary and community sector since the late 80s.
Between 2001 and 2007 he was chief executive of Chester Voluntary Action (formerly Chester Council for Voluntary Service) a development agency providing practical assistance to local voluntary and community groups. This was preceded by more than 10 years at Liverpool Council for Voluntary Service, where roles included Field Worker and Field Services Manager.
A Sector that Counts
He also has wide ranging experience as a trustee which has included Deputy Chair of Liverpool Citizen Advocacy, Chair of Knowsley Start and trustee at Voluntary Sector Northwest, Chester CAB, Chester and Ellesmere Port YMCA and a director of Learning Together Cheshire and Warrington.
Alan’s background has given him a deep appreciation of the value of the sector and the difference it makes to lives and communities.
Alan’s Background
Alan has worked with staff, trustees and volunteers from a wide range of organisations including small, self-help and community-based groups, black and minority ethnic bodies and larger voluntary organisations providing services.
He has considerable experience of one to one, group work, facilitation and training including: setting up new groups, organisational development, project evaluations, business planning and governance development. This has given him a clear understanding of the need for good communication and an open and positive approach to his work.
Management and Funding
Alan knows first-hand the pressures faced by many organisations in a changing environment. He is experienced in managing staff, drawing up and managing plans and budgets and working with trustees, staff and volunteers.
He has a track record of success in securing funding from a wide range of sources including: National Lottery, charitable trusts, local authorities, health authorities, and the Home Office.
He was a member of National Lottery Charities Board Northwest Regional Advisory Panel 1999-2001 and has advised public bodies on developing their funding including West Cheshire Funding and Procurement Panel 2006-07. More recently he was a volunteer grant assessor for Henry Smith Charity for a number of years.
Values
Alan has a strong commitment to working for a vibrant, diverse, independent and values based voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.