About Ali

Hello, I'm Ali (she/her) and after more than 30 years of working with amazing charities across Scotland including CHAS, Maggie's, Cyrenians and LGBT Youth Scotland, I am now a freelance consultant working in partnership with a variety of incredible organisations.

When I'm not at work you'll find me on the beach in Edinburgh with my family and friends - the two and four legged variety.

Skills & Expertise

I get a bit excited about charities and social enterprises! I believe they are an essential and often undervalued part of every community; enabling people to feel loved, included and empowered.

I am passionate about supporting charities to achieve their own goals through authentic communication, sustainable income streams, and long-term strategic planning.

With over 30 years of experience in third sector leadership, fundraising and communication, I understand that people are the heart of every organisation.

Developing trusted and productive relationships with staff, volunteers (including Boards) and donors is key to building resilience and growth, and I want to be part of a Scotland where the third sector secures the investment and recognition it deserves for its invaluable work.

Values

My business model is values-led and built on my own core values of Respect, Integrity, Inclusion and Kindness. I try to live these values in everything I do, and specifically through my work in the following ways:

As part of a commitment to strengthening our voluntary sector, I provide a minimum of at least 12 days of pro-bono work a year through Inspiring Scotland's Specialist Volunteer Network, and in voluntary Director roles on charity boards.
I aim to work in as carbon-negative as a way as possible, and I plant one tree for each contract I secure, via the Woodland Trust.
I donate 2.5% of my earnings through regular support of charities working towards health, human rights and inclusion.

Experience

It's been a wild ride and I have been a lucky duck (who loves a mixed metaphor).

From a career that began in theatre in the 90's, which unleashed a surprising love of fundraising and comms, I have been lucky enough to manage fundraising and communications for a number of causes, including conservation with the Royal Botanic Gardens, health with CHAS and Maggie's, and inclusion and diversity with Women Onto Work, Cyrenians and LGBT Youth Scotland.

Within those incredible charities has been ever-increasing responsibility; from management to senior management to leadership roles to Boards. Along the way I have learnt from some inspirational people, both staff and service users, and picked up all kinds of additional skills and experience I never imagined I would enjoy, from HR to financial management.

Wherever I work, I aim to give more than I take and to leave a positive legacy.