Skills Bank

I am offering help and advice with funding applications to public and charitable sources of funds. I can research suitable funding opportunities, identify and engage with potential partners for collaboration, help fill in application forms.
I am available to take on time limited specific tasks/projects. I am not at present available for a regular weekly commitment nor to join a board/committee. Happy to meet in person in and around Inverness or otherwise on-line. I would be willing to assist one organisation every three months, spending no longer than 1 day a week on the specific task.
I am offering one-off consultancy type support to voluntary and community organisations regarding evaluation of a project, problem solving or a development opportunity to pursue. I am available to take on time limited tasks.

I would be happy to update, or write, a Gaelic Language Plan (or related policy) for a community group, charity or third sector organisation in the Highlands. This would be in line with the National Gaelic Language Plan guidelines set out by Bòrd na Gàidhlig. This would include an introductory meeting, the writing of the plan or policy and then an overview meeting to discuss any changes or edits. I would be happy to assist two to three groups a year.

I would be happy to play the bagpipes at any event or occasion that is being hosted by, or in aid of, a community group, charity or third sector organisation in the Highlands. This would include an introductory meeting to discuss the requirements and then the day itself. I would be happy to assist two to three groups a year.

Logo Design
I would be happy to work with one organisation every 6 months to work with them on updating their logo. The organisation should have a clear need for a new logo. Whether it is outdated or simply doesn’t ‘work’ anymore, I would be happy to help!

I will work with the organisation to create a new logo for their Third Sector organisation that is both digital and print friendly. I will provide the logo files in all the relevant formats and explain how best to use them.

Creation of Marketing Materials
I would work with an organisation every quarter to design marketing materials for them. Organisations must have all the text and imagery already available.

This could include:
- Business cards or other stationery such as compliment slips
- Reports such as Annual Reports or Project Reports
- Roller Banners
- Posters
- Letterhead templates for use in Word

I will provide the files, ready them to be sent to print by the organisation.

PR outreach: the production of three press releases from initial strategy and fact-finding through to distribution-ready and follow-up, including a ‘how-to’ that will provide a template for future PRs. Time tailored to specific demands, but not to exceed 3 X ½ days per organisation.

Website content deep clean: a one-off content deep clean and edit will optimize what is an essential public portal into any organisation. Time not to exceed 3 days.

Copywriting: creation of a one-off news, feature or opinion article for placement in local or national press, or inhouse outlets. Complete control of content including two rounds of edits and 100% ownership of finished article. Time not to exceed 3 days per organisation.

Event planning - In my current role, I am responsible for organising events. This has included in person events, that require presentations, speakers, tech, catering and venue organising as well as online events.

Mediation - Mediation has been a frequent skill utilised in my previous employment and as my time as a Unison steward. This is a skill I feel particularly capable of carrying out in a variety of situations.

Equality and inclusivity - This has been the main focus of my role for the last three years. If there is questions or areas that I don't feel equipped to support in, I know where to find the resources and have a skilled team to consult.

I would be happy to prepare and facilitate team building or staff days for a community or charity group. This would include some preparatory 1-1 meetings, the full day itself and the write up (should that be appropriate) following the day. I would be happy to assist two or three groups a year once or, should a more intensive engagement process be necessary, one group for multiple sessions.

I would be happy to update, or write, a governing document (e.g. constitution, Articles of Association) for a community group, charity, or other third sector organisation in the Highlands. This would entail meeting with the group initially, writing the constitution and then finalising it with the group. It would be around 6-8 hours work for each constitution. I would be happy to assist two to three groups a year.

Gardening - amateur but have designed and built several garden. Experience of propagation from seed and cutting, fruit, veg and flower.

Hospitality - run event caterer, food led public house and bed and breakfast. Experience in budget forecasting, cashflow projection, marketing and event management from bespoke dinner party for 8 to conference and wedding events up to 800 guests.

Charity sector - setting up partnerships to deliver services; business modelling and planning, recruitment, budget planning and management and regulatory compliance under Legal Aid Scheme. Experience of working within a public sector environment, codesign and coproduction delivery, working with stakeholders from consumer/client to public sector stakeholder involvement. Set up public private partnership to deliver support people program and undertook theory of change to assist in the delivery of combing stats for 5 legal advice agencies to evidence impact of provision on the wider local community.

I would be happy to offer support to an organisation in any of the following ways. I can commit to around half a day a month. However, this time would depend on what was required by each organisation.
- I can support the recruitment panel for senior staff or for board members
- I can proof read and give feedback and a review on a funding application
- I can offer a protected and confidential space to talk through an organizational issue

I would be willing to provide up to 3 sessions on 'Basic Person Centred Counselling Skills' for third sector organisations working with vulnerable adults or individuals experiencing mental health issues. This would include a preparatory 1-1 meeting with the co-ordinator, and 2 - 3 sessions lasting no longer than 3 hours for staff or volunteers. I would be willing to support two or three organisations or groups per year.