Consultancy
I work with clients locally, nationally and internationally to develop highly effective leadership within and across organisations.
Through a collaborative and coaching-oriented approach, I empower teams and individuals to develop effective mechanisms and practices for positive change.
I begin by actively listening to the challenges, then partner with organisational leaders to co-create a tailored approach that aligns with the needs of individuals, teams, and the wider organisation.
Subsequently, I implement the agreed-upon plan, supporting the integration of new frameworks, enhancing skills and knowledge, and transforming mindsets and behaviours.
My work primarily involves partnering with leaders to deliver diverse development initiatives and design innovative frameworks that bring clarity and enable the realisation of organisational goals.
Examples of Work I Have Previously Undertaken
Developing an Effective Department Leadership Team
Working alongside a department leadership team over the period of a year I supported the team to develop leadership skills and behaviours, a series of frameworks to support effective communication and succession planning and capacity building and led a series of whole team development.
The work included:
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Exploration of a leadership team vision and values.
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Development of leadership skills and behaviours
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Design of a clear and coherent communication framework
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Creation of a robust and supportive induction programme
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Creation and delivery of staff development to lead effective 1:1s
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Creation and delivery of a four-session mentor development programme.
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Trust Governance Review
Conducting a supportive and challenging review of Trust Governance for a Multi-Academy Trust.
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The work included:
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Review of records, documents and public information
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1:1 meetings with Trustees
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Observation of a Trust Board Meeting
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Surveying Local Chairs of Governing Bodies
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Report Production
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Presentation of the outcomes at the Risk and Audit Committee
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Development of a People Charter
Gathering staff voice and working alongside executive leaders to develop a People Charter that underpins the organisation's approach to people leadership, wellbeing and staff development. I have undertaken this work for a number of organisations.
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The work included:
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Staff voice meetings
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Collaborative design meetings
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Creation of The People Chater
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Introductory sessions/podcasts/videos explaining the People Charter
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Designing an Effective 1:1 Strategy and Approach
Working with leaders and line managers to design and implement a new, positive and staff centred approach to 1:1s that held staff to account, supported succession planning and capacity building, put personal and professional development at the centre and created autonomy for the staff member.
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The work included:​
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Review of current approach
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Design of 1:1 framework and documents
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Professional Development Sessions for Line Managers and Leaders
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Impact Review
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While the above provides a snapshot, my work is deeply customised to address your organisation's specific requirements, and I have many more relevant examples to illustrate this.
I've partnered with leaders at all levels to implement effective approaches, designed bespoke individual and team frameworks, offered individual mentoring and coaching, and created national and international staff development programmes.
If you're interested in exploring how I can support your organisation's leadership frameworks and approaches, please reach out via email, and let's discuss your needs.
Pricing
Our initial conversations will focus on understanding your specific needs and the scope of work you envision.
Together, we will explore various sustainable options to ensure you receive the best possible value, prioritise key areas, and structure the work into manageable phases that accommodate your budget.
My day rate is currently £550, with reasonable expenses billed separately.
Testimonials
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‘The experience we had when using Catherine Carden to support EKC Schools Trust with our external board review has been exceptional from start to finish. Catherine’s expert knowledge and experience, guidance and reassurance on current and new ways of working was hugely beneficial. Our experience of the board review was very positive and collaborate. Catherine comes highly recommended to any organisation that is seeking an independent, holistic and rigorous assessment of their board effectiveness.
Sharon; Director of Governance
EKC Schools Trust
Catherine’s variety of working approaches has been well-received, from bespoke sessions with the leadership team to online training with the wider team.
Jo; Headteacher
St John's CofE Primary School
We faced numerous challenges, establishing a cohesive team. Through the dedication and support that Catherine provided, the team felt heard and truly understood. Catherine's approach, made the team feel like partners during the support, and not just a project.