I have worked across a wide spectrum of organisations and communities - from early years settings to universities, grassroots women’s groups to local municipality departments, and small arts collectives to government ministries, major arts centres and concert halls. From 2001 to 2015 I was Founding Director of Learning and Participation at Sage Gateshead in the Northeast of England, responsible for the strategic design and leadership of its music learning and participation programme, delivering across the Northeast of England, nationally and internationally.
I am a co-founder and Chair of the Board of Sing Up Ltd., a member of the Board of Dash Arts (UK) and Chair of the Blackhall Mill Community Association.
““Katherine is top of my list to call upon when facing an opportunity or challenge that requires external support to facilitate strategic thinking, openness, empathy and collaboration. Her extensive experience of working with musicians, artists and managers combined with her ability to quickly establish a positive rapport with all involved, enables quality thinking, effective use of limited time, and importantly leads to tangible results.” ”
— Peter Garden, Executive Director Orchestra and Learning, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
I work with organisations many different ways, including strategic planning, leadership development,critical friendship, mentoring, team development and training. I like to draw on variety of creative facilitation approaches to stimulate shared critical thinking, build meaningful consensus and catalyse innovation, working in partnership with clients to design and develop the right relationship and process of work.
I’m a qualified Relational Dynamics Coach and Action Learning Set facilitator, offering both one-to-one coaching and group sessions, as well as mentoring and advisory support for individuals in their leadership development; particularly those working in the fields of arts, culture and music education
“Katherine’s exceptional strategic thinking and creative facilitation skills supported us to develop a strong framework on which to build a future. She has the ability to question, challenge and support in perfect balance. Working with Katherine has been a real eye opener. Her commitment, passion and drive are exemplary. ”
— Phillipa Reive, former Director of Music, Britten Pears Arts
