Michael

Michael is a Cranfield Trust volunteer consultant based in the South-East of England. Since joining in 2008, Michael has completed over 30 projects providing a range of strategic and development support.

Michael’s key areas of experience include:

• Strategic Business Management
• Business Planning
• Organisational Reviews
• Process re-engineering
• Mentoring 

Michael has used his experience to provide support to wide range of charities, including one charity which provides safe accommodation for the homeless. He provided support to this charity over a number of years on a variety of project topics.

On one particular project, the charity came to Cranfield Trust as they prepared to undertake a review of their organisational structure as they needed the guidance of a mentor to help them prepare a new business plan for trustee approval.  The plan was approved and the charity has moved on to a new stable and successful future. 

Q&A with Michael: 

What inspired you to volunteer for Cranfield Trust? 

The relevance and need for Cranfield was self-evident and I knew that I wanted to be part of that endeavour. 

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering? 

You meet so many good people often in very difficult circumstances.  It is both inspiring and humbling. 

What would you say are the main benefits of volunteering?

You know when you have done a good job and that is so rewarding. I know I get just as much personally and professionally form those I engage with.

What skills do you feel you have gained/improved through volunteering with Cranfield Trust? 

I have certainly improved my listening skills.  And the research aspect of every project I have worked on has improved my professional and technical knowledge. 

How would you describe your volunteer experience with Cranfield Trust? 

Fantastic, I have had nothing but continuous support from everybody at Cranfield

above: feedback received from a charity client supported by Michael.