Making change is hard

Realising campaign objectives requires long-term vision, strategic nous, personal resilience and tactical creativity. I help clients map their landscape and plan a coherent, integrated campaign that takes them from A to B. I can walk with you to provide fresh perspective, based on first-hand experience working in politics, in government, with media and as a “recovering” activist myself.

How I can help…

  • Vanessa talks to a team of people sat around a table

    Campaign strategy

    Got an idea to improve your local community? Trying to engage more people to add muscle to your activism? Or been tasked with a campaign for work and feeling unsure? With more than 20 years’ experience on grassroots local, national, corporate, political and charitable campaigns, I’ll help you refine policy objectives, define clear asks, and design a comprehensive strategy.

  • Vanessa gestures to whiteboard with SWOT analysis

    Stakeholder mapping

    Who are the decision-makers, who might be your advocates, where are your allies and what will your critics say? Understand the power dynamics between individuals, organisations and governments critical to successful change-making. I’ll help you map your stakeholders, clarify their priorities and refresh your campaigning tactics to persuade a broader audience.

  • Panel of women activists talk to audience in Newcastle

    Impact evaluation

    Whether you’re making the case to corporates, foundations, individual donors or your community, all campaigns need to show impact. Establish realistic benchmarks for success, drawing on practical tips from experience in Government, in corporates, in non-profits and as a grant giver. I’ll share best practice in evaluation to help you secure internal or financial support and recognition.