testimonials

Philip Lymbery
Chief Executive, Compassion in World Farming

"I have known Simon in a professional capacity for over three years. During that time he has advised Compassion in World Farming on developing a new and challenging five year business strategy, helped us define our brand, gain clarity on our competitive market positioning and deliver a new corporate identity. Simon has excellent facilitation skills whether they're being used in a formal meeting with trustees and senior managers or a more creative setting with staff from across the organisation. He has a very inclusive, relaxed style which enables everybody to contribute to discussions and decision-making, yet invariably manages to achieve consensus and a meeting's objectives in the time available. His input has been a great asset to Compassion and I would have no hesitation in recommending his consultancy services to others."

Marcus Green
Chief Executive, Cotswold Care Hospice

"Simon worked with Cotswold Care to create a strong fundraising strategy to help drive an ambitious programme of growth. His vast strategic experience meant he was able to cut to the nub of the key issues and identify problems and solutions. The highly methodical approach gave us what we needed. Perhaps his most valuable contribution was helping the hospice to believe in its fundraising again and advising on appointing the team to deliver the strategy."

Jacqui Gwilliam
Director of Fundraising and Communications, Home Farm Trust

"HFT have been working with Simon for a number of years during which time he has helped us to make a real impact on our fundraising. The internal culture change he has helped us achieve with the new fundraising strategy has been highly motivating for the team. I've found him supportive, easy to work with and full of sound advice that takes into account the way we work."

  Patrick Nash
Executive Director, Teacher Support Network

"Simon initially covered the TSN Head of Fundraising post before we made wider use of his skills. He was highly proficient at planning and budgeting and quite willing to use his many years' experience to tackle the day-to-day tasks of fundraising. Simon also gave excellent support to the fundraising team in the absence of a permanent manager, enabling them to learn and develop in their roles. He then successfully mentored and advised the new Head of Fundraising while she settled into the job."

  Joanna Matthews
Director of Fundraising, YWCA England & Wales

"Simon has been advising YWCA on its donor marketing for 18 months. He has a very practical approach and always responds quickly to our needs. I have particularly valued his ability to retain sight of the big picture when dealing with lots of detail. He has also helped make our planning and budgeting for the next five years as realistic and accurate as possible."

  Cameron Bowles
Executive Director, Education Action International

"Simon is a great strategic thinker. He helped EAI re-brand itself, providing good insights on our markets and options for how we might reposition the organisation. He also provided mentoring and coaching to our Head of Fundraising helping him improve his management skills and make sensible strategic choices."

E-mail: simon@bernsteinassociates.co.uk