Soil Association

Roger Mortlock, Deputy Director of the Soil Association, says:

“Our whole economic model was shifting and we needed to look at fundraising in the context of our overall strategy. More Partnership suggested Jen Dougan as an interim manager.

“Although she lives in Brighton and we’re based in Bristol, Jen is in the office for two or three days a week. On the other days I’m able to phone her. When she’s here she feels like one of us. And when she isn’t, it feels as if she’s always thinking about us. She never gives the impression that it’s just another consulting assignment. Sometimes she even has to remind me that she’s not on the staff.

“Organisational change should always be evolution rather than revolution. But either way you cannot move forward without taking people with you. Jen understands that, but she’s also been incredibly helpful in articulating where the endpoint will be. She’s helped to remind us that the network of producers and companies we certify – more than 5,000 businesses – is an enviable prospect pool. In other words, it’s been much more than interim management: More Partnership has helped us refocus our strategy.

“Now Jen is involved in the recruitment of a permanent Development Director. I’m confident that, with her help, we’ll have someone in place in a few months. Jen has rapidly become an important member of the senior management team, if not part of the furniture, so it will be hard to say goodbye. But I think her impact will be felt for years to come.”