Testimonials
Visionary
www.visionary.org.uk
Visionary is the UK’s membership organisation for charitable sight loss organisations. With funding secured for a three-year initiative, we launched Creating Cohesion - a leadership programme to support both current and emerging leaders across our network.
To make this happen, we partnered with Birch Tree Associates to co-design and deliver a programme that responded to the real-life challenges and needs of the sector.
Working closely with the Visionary team, Nicky created a supportive and welcoming space where 29 participants – all leaders from local sight loss organisations - could build their confidence, develop their skills, and strengthen the knowledge they need to lead effectively.
Nicoletta Primo
Policy and Engagement Manager
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
"Visionary’s Creating Cohesion leadership course, delivered by Birch Tree was one of the most valuable experiences that left me feeling like I really understood myself and approach to leadership on a whole new level. Not only that, but practically is has equipped with tools that I have used in situations where I have been required to take the lead. The sessions were thoughtfully designed, blending insightful theory with activities that encouraged us all to learn from each other and get fresh perspectives.
A special mention must go to Nicky, whose expertise, energy, and genuine passion for leadership development shone through every aspect of the event. She made us feel like a team and created an atmosphere that was welcoming and safe to have honest discussions.
Before the course I felt like I could do with some support to help me along the way with some challenges at work and this has given me a renewed sense of where I can go next and how to be best for my team and the wider organisation."
Sara Cook
Services Manager
Sight Advice South Lakes
I absolutely loved the two days of Creating Cohesion. The strategies on the first session and the wellbeing focus on the 2nd session were both engaging and useful. The speakers have all been really inspiring and Nicky has lead both days superbly. She is respectful and very knowledgeable and has led the group with professionalism and care.
Andy Smith
Service Delivery Manager
MyVision Oxfordshire
I attended the Creating Cohesion online and in person sessions on leadership, facilitated by Nicky. There was a mixture of real life stories by people in various leadership roles each story was either set up or backed up with theory to emphasise the style of leader and how a combination of the styles make differing leaders. The course was a good mixture of theory and conversation which was engaging and thought provoking and I have taken away a lot from it.
Dawn Llewellyn
Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service
Nicky is one of the most professional and talented people I have ever worked with.
As Chair of a charity that was closing, the Board needed to appoint someone who had an advanced understanding of the third sector, who was decisive, and who had experience of leading and project managing the complex process of ending an organisation. I am extraordinary grateful that we found Nicky!
Her extensive knowledge, her ability to astutely assess and prioritise, and her capacity to have both a clear vision while keeping a close on the details were indispensable to every step. During a time of crisis and difficult transition for staff and Trustees, she swiftly gained the trust and confidence of the team, assured everyone's participation, and managed the consultation and redundancy process with sensitivity and efficiency. Despite the many 'moving parts' and challenging time-lines, Nicky's planning and organization skills made certain the necessary tasks were completed, in keeping with deadlines, policies, and regulations. Moreover, her ability to identify and avoid potential risks ensured that we fulfilled our commitment to supporting our clients responsibility throughout the process.
One of Nicky's many outstanding attributes is her capacity for quickly building collegial, warm, and personal relationships. This is evident in her exceptional ability to liaise and negotiate, whether with suppliers, stakeholders and partners; when reconciling complex financial agreements with national and local funding bodies; building rapport with staff and trustees; or devising a considered communication strategy. Her integrity is foundational to her approach, and as this is combined with an exceptional ability to understand different perspectives, she finds effective solutions for all concerned.
Quite simply, we could not have managed the closure without Nicky's excellent leadership and management, and her care.
Ryan Gould
Cheshire West Voluntary Action.
We’ve been developing new systems and processes for demonstrating our social impact, and Matt’s knowledge, experience and guidance has been a huge help throughout this process. While always supportive, Matt asks the right questions to make sure we’re taking the right approach to meet the needs of our organisation and key stakeholders. We wouldn’t hesitate reaching out to Matt again should we need his support, or recommending him to others who might be developing their work around social impact.