I am a specialist in grant programme design and delivery, evaluation and impact assessment, and delivering our innovative approach to engaging communities through Asset Based Community Development.
I am the Head of Communities for Forever Manchester, supporting the fantastic team who process Awards and are out and about working as Community Builders. The role is incredibly varied and engages me in activity from grant programme design and delivery, organisational strategy, evaluation and impact assessment, to training and development.
It’s hugely exciting when the work of Forever Manchester naturally overlaps with Forever Consulting and we can utilise our combined experience to find new solutions. Our Community Builders frequently support Forever Consulting with consultation exercises to ensure engagement is maximised and we develop great ideas and to achieve positive local change.
Why I chose this career…
It was accidental really, after having my daughter I wanted to find a job that was giving back in some way. It was a complete change for me after a career in retail management, but corny as it is, it felt right from the very first interview and I’ve never once looked back.
Places I love…
I’m a Wiganer and Mancunian and love the variety of places that Greater Manchester has to offer. In Manchester I love the architecture and the fact that you can walk along any street and look up and spot a beautiful detail on a building that you’ve never noticed before. I also adore the countryside on our doorstep. One of my favourite places that I return to again and again is Rivington Pike. On a clear day you can walk up to the top and see right across the whole area. Gorgeous.
The project I have been most proud of…
Working with the whole team at Forever Manchester to embed an Asset Based Community Development approach across all our activity, from the team of Community Builders working in the community, rewriting all our grants programmes to reflect the asset-based approach to the training that the team deliver for communities and professionals.
rachel@forevermanchester.com
0161 214 0940