Why the ISV Policy & Legislation Working Group specifically?
Governance has been a constant thread in my work. Not “governance” as in paperwork for the sake of it - more the difference between “we meant to” and “we did, and we can show it.” I’m interested in making processes and systems work for the people who actually have to apply them.
When you say you’re a bridge-builder, what do you mean?
I often translate between worlds: business and community, strategy and delivery, senior leadership and the people who will carry the work. I’m used to different incentives and different languages - and helping people meet somewhere sensible in the middle.
What does good stakeholder involvement look like to you?
It’s clear and honest - and it starts by correctly identifying who the stakeholders actually are. People know what’s genuinely up for influence, why they’re being asked, and what will happen with what they say. And crucially, they hear back what changed - otherwise you don’t get trust, you just get attendance.
And what does bad stakeholder involvement look like?
Engagement-as-theatre. A workshop, some Post-its, a report, and then back to the original plan. Or asking people for input so you can say you asked them - which is a fast route to people never turning up again.
How does your Knowledge & Information Management / SharePoint work connect to Social Value?
It’s the plumbing. If information is scattered and nobody can find the latest plan, you get duplication, confusion, and “decision-making by whoever shouts loudest.” You can’t deliver consistently - or evidence anything credibly - if the basics aren’t solid.
What’s a small thing you do that makes a big difference in organisations?
I look at information from the user perspective. Not what the top think people should know, but what actually helps people do the job - the processes and workflows that let them find what they need and use it properly. I also like diving down rabbit holes to see where they come out - and where they just stop at a dead end.
What are you looking for next?
I’m between roles at the moment and open to fractional or permanent work where that mix is useful - supporting Social Value work through stakeholder engagement that feels human, governance that’s practical, and delivery support that makes things doable rather than heroic.
That’s it, really. I’m not trying to be the loudest voice in the room - I’m more interested in making sure the right voices get heard, that commitments don’t evaporate after the meeting ends, and that Social Value delivery feels like something people can actually do (without needing superpowers, or a 42-column spreadsheet).
