How can I help?
I am an experienced leader and manager with exceptional people skills, and a wide and rare range of experience as a result of excelling in two distinct, demanding and rewarding earlier careers. In the British Army, I was frequently involved in operations in Northern Ireland, and served with the UN on peace-keeping duties in Cyprus. I commanded an Infantry Battalion, as well as Old College, The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
I was ordained in 1998, and served for 5 years as vicar of the Parish of North Leigh in Oxfordshire, whilst also working for the Bishop of Dorchester in developing various key projects.
Subsequently, I have focussed on my facilitating consultancy. I work with individuals, businesses, organisations, churches and village communities, helping them identify and address problem issues, and so move forward.
What recent clients have said
The Diocese of Oxford:
Stephen has first class presentational skills, but it is to the resolution of conflict within parishes and communities that he can bring unique gifts and skills. I have employed him to help resolve two very different community situations, and whilst one is ongoing, the results in the other complex dispute have been hugely encouraging, and so much better than I could have dared hope.
+Colin, Bishop of Dorchester
Admiral Yacht Insurance:
Our day was well prepared and well organised. Stephen took time to speak to everyone in the group and was quietly confident...He had a gentle approach but clearly listened to everyone as a result of which we achieved a great deal on the day. Having experienced facilitators who had perhaps a more brash...approach to generating ideas, Stephen's quieter coaxing style encouraged an openness in which everyone was more confident to participate; with our new team this was invaluable…..everyone left very upbeat, feeling they had made a contribution and had achieved the objectives set for the day.
Safe Haven Solutions Partnership:
We employed Stephen to help us move from the concept stage, where frankly we had been rather stalled for about 8 months, to the point where now we have just established the Partnership, having been helped by him to arrive at a clear plan of action. He is a first class facilitator, relates easily to all sorts of people and is very perceptive when it comes to assessing both people and situations.
Loch Leven Equine Practice:
"We wanted to assess our business at the 2 year point. How did our clients find us; what did they think of our services, and especially, what could we do better? Stephen produced a questionnaire which went out to all our 350 clients. This achieved a 30% response, and he then gave us an insightful, constructive and very helpful summary which we`ve been able to use to plan our strategy for the next two to three years."
Hugh Somerville BVSc MRCVS
Quotes
"He is a first class facilitator, relates easily to all sorts of people, and is very perceptive when it comes to assessing both people and situations"
"An insightful, constructive and very helpful summary which we`ve been able to use to plan our strategy for the next two or three years."