In Their Words

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"I have known Dean for over 10 years and, in that time, have highly valued working with such a committed and dedicated development professional.  Most striking is Dean's ability to establish relationships with people from all backgrounds and interests; he is an outstanding communicator and his ability to provide clear and knowledgeable advice leads to meaningful and long-lasting relationships based firmly on trust.  Dean initially developed an excellent knowledge of the education sector, helping to guide a range of high profile projects by providing an impressive combination of strategic vision and hands-on attention to detail.  Subsequently, he has extended a wide network of contacts to support major donors in the private and public sectors.

Dean is an unusually good listener and this allows him to tune into the precise needs of different organisations.  Always positive, Dean works with a high degree of integrity and focuses on a team-based, collaborative approach with a genuine desire to make a difference lying at the heart of all he does.  He is intelligent and honest and I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Former Headteacher, The Royal Latin School

"Working with Dean was a breath of fresh air. I worked with Dean at the University of Buckingham.  He was in the Fundraising Office and I was in the Alumni Office at the time.  He completely understands the, sometimes, tricky relationships between the two differing roles but by being open, honest and sympathetic to clients' different needs, cultures and attitudes he helped me find a way.  We worked together on various jobs and I was more than grateful for his support, wisdom and kindness in dealing with various situations and our successful navigation of some of these relationships together. I am absolutely sure that Early Bird Philanthropy will be a huge success and I highly recommend Dean as a person to work with."

Head of Alumni Relations, University of Buckingham

“Dean led the establishment of the Corporate Giving Network, a philanthropy initiative to strengthen relationships with the local business community and encourage strategic corporate giving. He also developed and implemented the Young Philanthropy Programme, working in partnership with schools and colleges to introduce young people to charitable giving and community investment. Dean consistently maintained professional relationships to a very high standard with a broad range of supporters and oversaw the coordination of the Annual Awards Sponsorship, contributing to the organisations visibility and securing event funding.”

Chair of Trustees, Regional Place Based Charity

"I have known Dean for ten plus years. He was always a joy to work with; professional, well informed, clear and concise. He listens to those he is engaging with, both potential donors and those seeking support; he is insightful and thoughtful in his responses, developing ideas and solutions that will work for them. His commitment to the organisations he is involved in is impressive, utilising his exceptional talents, including communications and research. Dean is thoughtful, positive and calm ensuring that those he is working with feel connected and understood so that initiatives he is seeking to make happen are delivered to a high standard. In my experience, all colleagues and clients trust him and are positive about his involvement, impact and delivery. He shares his knowledge and contributes his own time to the communities he is involved in."

Former Chair of Trustees, National Charity