Nicola Upton

Consultant

I've worked in the charity sector for over 25 years, including as a CEO and Director, and now as a consultant, facilitator and coach. My experience spans charities large and small, covering strategy, service development, governance, organisational change and people leadership.

I work with individuals, teams and Boards, providing strategic and practical advice, peer support and coaching. I enjoy helping organisations navigate complexity, make difficult decisions and find practical ways forward. I'm skilled at engaging staff, communities and other stakeholders, ensuring their perspectives meaningfully inform decisions without overcomplicating the process.

I combine strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up my sleeves and get involved in delivery, bringing a collaborative, down-to-earth approach to helping organisations and their people thrive.

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Key Projects:

Options appraisal: close, merge, or change, a small to medium sized healthcare charity

Supported trustees and senior leaders to evaluate strategic options amid declining income, through stakeholder interviews, facilitated discussions and a report assessing the benefits, risks and practical implications of different pathways.

Service review: developing a national advice service, a large advice and support charity

Reviewed national advice services, engaging staff and stakeholders to develop costed proposals for improvement. Subsequently developed the change programme and transition arrangements, supporting the onboarding of a permanent senior leader.

Support services review and future service development, a national small charity supporting people with a health condition

Delivered a comprehensive community support services review, using surveys, interviews and focus groups to understand diverse experiences and unmet needs, and developed evidence-based recommendations for future service design and delivery.

Nicola Upton

Key Skills/Consultancy Specialisms:

Key Projects:

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