Services

Adult Learning

With 23 years in community-based adult learning few can equal Colin's expertise or passion for adult learning. If your organisation is involved in the development of adult learning he can offer advice to improve its effectiveness, link you to other providers, funders and awarding bodies and keep you abreast of key developments. Colin is currently the Chair of the Forum for Adult Learning NI and sits on the UK Reference Group for the European Agenda on Adult Learning.  Colin is currently the NI Rep for EPALE - e-Platform for Adult Learning in Europe - a website for adult learning throughout Europe. In summer 2015 Colin was asked to serve on the UK Erasmus+ Sector Consultative Group for adult learning. He is also a member of the BBC's Education Broadcasting Council NI.

Good Relations

Colin has been working in the field of good relations since 1991 and so has seen and been a part of its development from the earliest days. This wealth of experience enables him to assist groups examine their own practice, develop good relations projects and link to other organisations in the sector doing similar work. He has managed PEACE funded projects since the 1990s and can offer organisations advice and assistance in the creation and management of EU funded projects.

Management Consultancy

Drawing on his 10 years of experience at senior management level Colin offers insight and support to Boards and Senior Management Teams facing the challenges of change that are now the norm in the community and voluntary sector. Colin is a member of CO3's Executive Interim Panel which provides Third Sector organisations with access to expert, experienced Third Sector Interim Executives both as a support to Chief Officers in times of need and also to support an organisation when there is a temporary gap in leadership - see: http://www.co3.bz/transitional-executive-service-tes

Fundraising

Colin has been fundraising for over 20 years and his success for the WEA led to the growth of its good relations programmes and later many other community learning projects. He was responsible for bringing in millions of pounds for the organisation from a variety of sources. Combined with his experience sitting on a funding panel, this has honed Colin's skills in the design and writing of grant applications and tenders. He is also skilled in partnership applications which are so critical in today's funding context.

Project Management

Thinking and planning for this should begin with the funding application or tender, but Colin can also help design and refine the operational systems needed for the effective and efficient delivery of projects.

Facilitation

Colin has been facilitating groups for all of his professional life. He can design learning programmes to meet a wide variety of needs from organisational development to tackling contentious social issues.

Developing Learning Materials

Linked to his facilitation experience and understanding of how adults learn, Colin has developed several learning manuals over the years, specialising in good relations. His excellent writing skills create resources that are accessible, useable and learner focused.