Along with our collaborative partners the University of Edinburgh and UNICEF, we chose Cairney & Company through a competitive process to support the Data for Children Collaborative to better understand our potential to secure funding beyond the initial funding from the Scottish Government and the Data Driven Innovation Programme.  Karen and the team really took the time to fully understand the drivers for the consultancy services that we were seeking before putting in an application. They built up trust and an understanding of our needs very quickly, and could then readily reference their relevant experience.

Cairney & Company interviewed a number of key stakeholders, conducted a stakeholder assessment and mapping, researched potential funders and how best to manage our relationships, and also provided us with a well-thought out and planned approach to ensure our future fundraising success and financial viability.  We worked closely with a focused and dedicated team of experts which included, Karen Cairney, CEO, Colin McCallum, Leigh Dilks and their Strategic Delivery Partner, Michael Lavery (CEO of Brand & Reputation) who collectively delivered a significant piece of work. Cairney & Company’s insights have provided us with a robust set of recommendations that will challenge our own thinking and that of our board, but also a set of quick wins that we can move on now.

Alex Hutchison, Director, Data for Children Collaborative with UNICEF

NMITE engaged the services of Cairney & Company (C&C) to assist us with the research and development of our fundraising case for support, as well as a specific piece of work looking at developing an innovative scholarship model. These two pieces of work were crucial to NMITE’s fundraising strategy, allowing us to approach potential donors confidently and with clearly articulated and compelling messages.

By spending time with our team, at both executive and board level, and consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, Karen and her colleagues ensured that both pieces of work were informed and capture the essence of what NMITE aspires to achieve. Both the case for support and scholarship report are very high-quality pieces of work. C&C also reviewed existing materials and conducted research on trends that would inform future strategic fundraising planning.

Cairney & Company continue to provide on-going, excellent service, supporting the fundraising function at NMITE. We are most grateful to them for their professional manner, knowledge of the sector and their credibility.

Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon

President and Chief Executive of NMITE

Cairney & Company’s (C&C) President Karen Cairney, Partner Colin McCallum and Senior Consultant Leigh Dilks, undertook an internal review of UCLan's alumni and development programme, engaging with the senior leadership team of the University. It was during this time the C&C team demonstrated their innate understanding and expertise in advancement in Higher Education, as well as their sensitivity to the wide range of participants involved in the consultation, while driving home key recommendations.

This subsequently led to Leigh Dilks undertaking a 6 month project directly with the alumni team to support the delivery and implementation of an integrated alumni relations programme. Leigh’s passion for her profession and commitment to UCLan have been invaluable to me, the alumni team, and wider External Relations department. Cairney and Company are thorough, professional and always have their clients best interests at heart.

Ruth Connor, Chief Marketing Officer
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Working with Karen and the team, in a very short space of time, has challenged our own thinking around the best campaign model for ECU. Cairney & Company have opened up a whole new overseas market for us in Asia, with great insight and energy they are a pleasure to work with.

Sonia MacKay-Coghill
Director of Enterprise and Development
ECU

Karen spent six months as Interim Director of Development at the University. Here she coached the Development and Alumni Relations management team and six members of the development team, instilling a culture of high performance following an assessment and period of change. Karen led a series of workshops and one-to-one sessions with the team on values and behaviours, offering a warm, insightful, and ultimately invaluable resource. As well as coaching, Karen provided her expertise to guide the development of our strategy, the Case for Support and cultivation of key prospects.

Christina Turner
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
University of Liverpool