“Chris brought a significant depth of expertise, experience and gravitas to advising the Martin James Foundation on both our strategic and practical finance and governance activities. Chris’ incisive perspective combined with a deep knowledge of relevant sector guidance helped to develop our internal practices over a relatively short period, working closely with colleagues in the Foundation to ensure transfer of knowledge and embedding of activities beyond the lifetime of the project. Anna also joined the project during the implementation phase to advise on matters relating to charity governance, board development and policies. Chris and Anna’s strong existing working relationship underpinned the support and responsiveness they could provide as a team.”
Pete McDermott
Lumos CEO and former CEO Martin James Foundation and CIFF PIC member
“Chris is absolutely fantastic to work with and has made such a huge difference to Astrea in a short space of time. His engagement has been one of the best things to happen to Astrea. Rare to find such a fantastic individual.”
Libby Nicholas
Former CEO of Astrea
“I have worked with Chris closely over the last 18 months or so; it has been a delight. Chris is highly intelligent, hard-working and thorough and produces quality work. I have no hesitation in recommending his services”
David P Moss
Founder, North Rona LLP
“Chris has been a fantastic support to FILE in its critical inception phase. Chris’ knowledge of finance and grant-making systems in the not for profit space is second to none. His advice is strategic, tailored and insightful, and has helped FILE tremendously to support our rapid growth trajectory.
Chris has been integral to supporting the development of financial and organisational systems that meet best practice and are operationally appropriate for our size and needs. He developed and delivered board level information, which was extremely well received. We look forward to continuing our engagement with Chris and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to anyone.”
Sophie Pullan
Program and Operations Director, FILE
“I spent over six years on the risk and audit committee of Ark Schools, an academy trust educating 25,000 pupils. Chris spent two years as CFO at a critical time in the trust’s development. He introduced a long-term business plan that laid the pathway for the trust to become financially sustainable. He also overhauled management accounting processes to improve visibility on key performance measures. Chris achieved this skilfully, balancing a confident and ambitious vision with excellent personal skills that meant he invariably took people with him. Anna was an excellent Governance Lead and as a result I maintained a high level of confidence in the trust’s compliance culture. I regard her as an extremely strong governance professional and a delight to work with.”
Steve Maslin
Former Lead Partner UK, Grant Thornton and current Governor & Audit Committee Chair, Nuffield Health