Consultancy

Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of Befriending Network Scotland's staff:

The In-house Consultancy & Training Team

Mike Nicholson

Mike Nicholson manages all of the consultancy work for Befriending Network Scotland. Mike is Development Manager with Befriending Network Scotland, a post he has held since 1998 when he became its first staff member. He developed the training and networking programmes for befriending projects, established the basis of the Information Service, has facilitated groups of befriending project staff in writing good practice recommendations for the network and piloted the quality awards for befriending projects in Scotland. Prior to his current position, he was responsible for setting up a befriending project in Edinburgh to provide support for young tenants (aged 16-21), many with a background of homelessness.

Susan Gilchrist

Susan Gilchrist undertakes the external training that we provide. Susan is employed as the Training Officer for Befriending Network Scotland. She currently designs and facilitates around 16 training days a year for befriending project staff as well as running our Common Ground networking meetings and teleconferences (24 per year). Susan's background prior to this was in running re:discover, a befriending project in Edinburgh providing support for people with mental health problems, following an earlier career in youth work and streetwork.

Partner consultants

Other partner consultants may be involved if they can bring particular expertise to a piece of work. This would only be done with the approval of a client.