Subscribing to STAND

Everything you need to know about the subscription Chief Operating Officer
(COO) sounding board service for small to medium sized social sector leaders
and organisations.

00 Month 201X

One of the best strategic thinkers Ive worked with ever

Lesley-Anne Long, Global Director, mPowering Frontline Healthcare workers and STAND
subscriber

Stand up. Stand out. Stand Strong.

Contents
Page

Is for you?

Why weve set it up

The service

Fees

What it means in practice core agreement clients

What it means in practice new agreement clients

What clients say

Vincent Smith CV

10

Key terms and conditions

12

Next steps/contact details

13

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Is it for you?
If you are a social sector leader or Director of an organisation with less than 5 million turnover
this is for you.
If you want to save time accessing high quality, independent, confidential, reliable advice from
another senior professional who understands the challenges and excitement of leading in the
social sector this is for you.
If you need someone to understand the personal challenges of balancing strategy, fundraising,
marketing, communications, human resources and Board relationships this is for you.
If you just need to share a document you need fresh eyes on before you send an all-staff
announcement this is for you.
If you know your structure doesnt work and you need to think through the options this is for
you.
If you cant work out where new funding will come from or how to turn around a worrying trend
this is for you.
If youre tired of paying consultants to learn and relearn about your business before they add any
value this is for you.
If youre skeptical that large scale solutions will or could apply in your context this is for you.
If you want to do this and draw on over 20 years experience leading people and teams in public
and private sectors at small scale and large, in the UK and internationally this is for you.
If you want to do all of this and not have it cost the earth this is most definitely for you.
Please enjoy reading about a service we believe can help you and your and organization stand up
for what you believe in, stand out from the crowd, and stand strong as people and organisations
delivering positive social change.
If you like what were offering, we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

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Why weve set it up

STAND was set up in 2013 to help social sector organisations confidently align their strategy and
activity.
In our first two years we have worked with some amazing clients all trying to make the world a
better place. Its been a real privilege.
Weve helped a think tank in Ghana refresh their strategy and put in place a structure that helps
them achieve their goals.
Weve helped the University of Bristol engage and work with its research community to better
connect their work with the international development agenda and sector.
Weve helped a USAID global development alliance refresh their strategy and set about defining
new roles for their partners and the core team.
Weve helped charities think about their supporter journeys and seek new funding for exciting
mobile health projects in Africa.
Weve loved being volunteer mentors for the Director of St Werberghs City Farm (Bristol).
And for some of these clients our work goes on. It goes on beyond the original project because
we know them well and they trust us. And that got us thinking.
How do we keep on working together in a way our clients in the small-medium sized social sector
can afford whilst at the same time delivering real value?
How do we do this when we know that many organisations, Directors and CEOs need
experienced support but often do not have the funds to take on a permanent Chief Operating
Officer (COO) or to hire a high quality project consultant that they might need to make their
organisations more effective?
How do we offer something a bit different?
This is our answer.

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The service
The subscription COO service is designed to help you make your organisation more effective
through access to an affordable, experienced, independent and effective sounding board service.
The service is specifically designed for when you need ongoing additional institutional senior
capacity and support to further develop organisational effectiveness, efficiency and
sustainability. Its for when you need that service at lower cost than you would usually get from
a senior project consultant. And when you need that in one place and quickly.
The core service provides roughly 1 day of support each month and is tailored to you. It can be
used as a whole day each month or spread across the year. Well keep a record and keep talking
to you about how much time you have left. Your choices of service include:

75 hours personal, experienced and expert support over a year.

Initial one-day on site organisational health check.
Annual on-site review and health check.
Telephone support.
Email support.
Key document reviews, comment and advice.

In practice, if you are a new client, this means we start by getting to know you better.
Once we establish trust, we are on the end of a phone or email when you need support and
advice.
We will turn around key document reviews with insightful comments as quickly as practically
possible.
We operate independently of the political considerations you need to manage when negotiating
with your Board, external stakeholders or staff.
The service is confidential and personal. It focuses on practical support.
In addition, if you need to commission more days for specific pieces of project work that cannot
be accommodated for in the core service, we can do that too. And you save money
commissioning extra days compared to a client who is not on a core agreement.

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Fees
Because budgets are always tight we have thought hard about pricing. We have two types of
agreement core and advanced to suit your need and planning horizons.
A core subscription is for our ongoing support service.
There are two options for contract terms either 6 months or 12 months.
We dont offer less than 6 months support because it would not give us and you the time to
build the understanding and trust needed to work really effectively.
Because a 12 month relationship gives us longer planning horizons we can offer you a 5% discount
on this contract saving you 240 for the first 12 months.
The table below shows the main features of the two types of agreement.
Contract

Description

/month

/length of

Saving

agreement
6 months

6 months (min) for

350/month

2,100 for 6 months,

core subscription

4,200 for 12 months

COO/sounding support

if renewed

of c1/day month
12 months

12 months for core

330*/month

3,960 for 12 months

subscription

5% saving on
6 month deal

COO/sounding support
of c1/day month

Advanced agreements are for clients who are already subscribers to a core subscription and
need more of our time that cannot be accommodated under the core contract.
Sometimes this is short term piece of work. For example, an extra day or two to prepare for and
facilitate a key meeting, or to conduct a specific piece of focused research.
Sometimes it is for larger pieces of work on strategy, organizational development or fundraising.
We can accommodate both.

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We also want to give the largest savings to clients who are able to commit to working with us for
longer and on the most significant pieces of work.
To enable this we have created a tiered pricing structure so that core clients always get a saving
on our day rates on offer to the open market. And the more days you commission from us, the
greater the savings.
The table below sets out the key features of our four types of advanced agreements:
Contract

Description

Length of additional

/day

Saving

540/day

10% saving

contract
Bronze

Core client on 6 month

Less than 10 days

agreement + additional

commissioned in a year

on usual day

days commissioned

rate

outside core agreement

Silver

Core client on 12 month

Less than 10 days

agreement + additional

commissioned in a year

480/day

20% saving
on usual day

days commissioned

rate

outside core agreement

Gold

450/day

25% saving

Core client on 6 month

More than 10 days

agreement + additional

additional work

on usual day

days if more than 10

commissioned in one

rate

days are commissioned

block in year

outside the core

agreement
Platinum

400/day

30% saving

Core client on 12 month

More than 10 days

agreement + additional

additional work

on usual day

days if more than 10

commissioned in one

rate

days are commissioned

block in year

outside the core

agreement

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What this means in practice core agreement clients

If you commit to work with us for a year, in turn we give you savings on an extra days you may
wish to buy plus the more you buy the greater the saving.
In the table below you can see you save over 1,000 for a day more work from us in the year if
you are on a longer contract.
Of course, working with you longer benefits STAND too. We get to know you better and
consequently do better work.
Examples

annual cost

Project costs

total

core agreement

# days
support in
year

6 month subscription

4,200 (if

only

renewed after

10-12

initial 6 months)
12 month subscription

3,960

10-12

only
6 month subscription

4,200

4,860

9,060

c21

3,960

4,320

8,280

c21

4,200

4,500

8,700

c22

3,960

4,000

7,960

c22

plus 9 days additional

work in year
12 months subscription
plus 9 days additional
work in year
6 months subscription
plus 10 days additional
work in year
12 month subscription
plus 10 days additional
work in year

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What this means in practice new project clients

New clients often approach us about a specific piece of work or project. Historically, this is how
we have always worked. But our new sounding board service enables us to offer something a
little different. And it can save you money.
For example, a 20-day strategy development project might typically cost 12,000 at our current
day rate of 600/day.
However, if you became a new a client you could instead take out a core subscription for 12
months at 3,960. This would then give you access to our best day rate of 400/day for
additional days. For 20 days additional work on your project we can then provide this for 8,000
(400/day x 20 days).
The combined cost of the core agreement and the project work would therefore be 3,960 plus
8,000. This is 11,960 - 40 less than the 12,000 for only commissioning the project.
On top of this saving you are also getting access to 12 more days across the year for ongoing
support. That means 32 days of support instead of 20 and for less cost. We hope that idea might
give you food for thought when commissioning new project work.

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What clients say

Trust is a crucial element of the effectiveness of the work we do with clients.
These are just some of things people have said about our approach and work in the past:
Vinny is one of the best strategic thinkers Ive worked with ever. He brings great insights to
problem solving, can clearly articulate a vision, and then help shape the practical steps to get
there.
Vinny is able to cut through detail and complexity and by doing so, he supports his clients to
reach clarity of purpose. He does this by asking great (and usually tough!) questions, challenging
people to think about issues in a deep way, and then using their own insights, come up with
great solutions that fit their organization. Hes great fun to work with very inclusive, a
fabulous communicator and completely professional.
Working with STAND has been an extremely valuable experiencepartners from both private
and public sector commented positively on their professional approach and their insightful
comments and reporting following that process.
I have found Vinny to be a strategic and clear thinker, skilled at fostering constructive debate
and promoting effective collaboration between multiple stakeholders.
I have known Vinny's work for some years. Certain qualities stand out - his measured and
thoughtful approach, his ability to understand exactly what is required, and his capacity to
deliver what is needed when it is needed.
Vinny really engaged with us, and gave clear and detailed input. He didn't shy away from
difficult subjects, but helped us to find constructive answers to them. We all enjoyed working
with him
Their professionalism was outstanding
Vinny's approach to strategy, vision and values is a breath of fresh air. He has an ability to sift
through complex internal information to identify the real issues, which are often overlooked
even by the most senior of Managers.

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Vincent Smith
The support you get from us is personal. Whilst the service is still
young, you will be supported by Vincent Smith (Vinny). A summary
of his CV is provided below so that you can see the quality of
experience and support you can access by subscribing to STAND.

CV
A senior social sector consultant with twenty years experience
helping organisations confidently align their strategy and activity
for maximum impact in the UK and internationally. Multi-business
model experience spanning charity, social businesses, nonprofits
and the private sector. Multi-sector experience including medical
research, womens rights and international development. Client-side and consultancy practice
experience. International experience in UK, USA and Africa. Scale experience from <1million to
500 million turnover organisations.

June 2013 Present. Director, STAND Consulting

Strategy, fundraising, organizational development and evaluation consultancy for social
sector clients in USA, Africa and UK.
Client evaluation feedback average Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 10.
Clients: African Center For Economic Transformation (Ghana) supporting the senior team
through a 12-month strategic and structural review; mPowering Frontline Health Workers a
USAID Global Development Alliance working to the Global Director providing strategy and
fundraising consultancy (USA); University of Bristol Cabot Institute co-designing a
programme to encourage needs-lead research reporting to the Professor; Anthony Nolan
Trust supporting the senior management team to establish a supporter journey change
programme; and Meningitis Research Foundation advising on strategy and fundraising for a
health systems strengthening project in Malawi.

July 2011 June 2013 Chief Operating Officer, Development Initiatives

Working across two businesses a social business consultancy and a nonprofit (neither a
charity) - in an international development organization. I established this new role with
responsibility for all programmes, finance, operations, HR, engagement and
communications including: the Global Humanitarian Assistance programme (GHA); aidinfo
(working on aid transparency and access to information), a new office and programme in
East Africa; Investments to End Poverty researching and analysing financial resource flows
affecting poverty; and oversight of the Department for International Development (DFID)
Programme Partnership Arrangement grant.

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 Supported Directors through development and implementation of new strategy.

Established new structure including a new Directors team working across UK and Africa.
Managed 70% growth of size of company to 4m turnover with 47 FTEs.
Doubled positive feedback in Great Place to Work survey results.
Introduced management accounts, operating plans and budget process throughout both
organisations.
Introduced new people management processes throughout charity including: new role
profiles, 121s, personal development plans and appraisals.
Introduced new values framework for the organization including the set-up of staff
representatives team.
Significant new grants or extensions secured from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and DFID.

Prior experience
Chief Operating Officer, Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse now SaferLives (July
2008-June 2011).
Head of Special Projects, Cancer Research UK (June 2007-July 2008).
Head of Supporter Relationship Management, Cancer Research UK (September 2006-June
2007).
Head of Direct Marketing, Cancer Research UK (July 2005-August 2006).
Head of Central Resource Management, Cancer Research UK (May 2003-June 2005).
Senior Business Development Manager, Cancer Research UK (2002-3).
Legacy Marketing Manager, Cancer Research UK (2002).
Legacy Marketing Executive, Cancer Research UK (2001-2).
Marketing Coordinator, Australian Heart Foundation (2001).
Subscriptions Marketing Executive, Reed Business Information (1999-2000).
Marketing Executive, Citigate Dewe Rogerson (1997-1999).

Education/Courses

2:1 BA Hons Politics, University of York.

Leading Strategy and Change Ashridge Business School.

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Key terms and conditions

If you subscribe to STAND we can start your service as soon as practically possible. There are
some key terms and conditions to the service we would like to make you aware of in advance.

You/your organisation becomes a STAND subscriber by signing the contract and upon
receipt of first payment by STAND.

The subscription is payable monthly by direct debit one month in advance.

To end a contract you need to give notice of termination not less than 30 calendar days
prior to the end of the term of the contract agreement. Failure to give due notice risks
loss of the following months fees as fees paid in advance cannot be reclaimed.

Failure to use time allocated under the contract cannot be reclaimed.

STAND must give notice of termination 30 calendar days prior to the end of the contract
agreement.

STAND has primary responsibility for ensuring all contracts are up to date. However,
should the client fail to give notice on the contract, continuing payment (via direct
debit) will be assumed by the contractor as ongoing payment for services. Payments
unintentionally made in this manor for the service cannot later be reclaimed.

The cost for the service is based on an assumption of 10-12 days support per client per
year. STAND will keep a record of time allocated to clients and provide monthly reports
on time used so that we can discuss time use across the year. Clients requiring time
above this allocation will be asked to purchase extra days according to the price plan
associated with their contract.

The price plan is based on the assumption that the service provided will mainly be via
phone and email contact. However, time can be used within a 20 mile radius of Bristol to
meet for informal discussions, or to chair or facilitate key internal meetings where an
independent presence may be beneficial. Any travel and expenses costs associated with
external meetings will be recharged to the client at cost.

Additional research or creation of new documentation would need to be commissioned as

additional days.

Core support days are not transferable across to project work under any circumstances.

STAND does not accept any liability for actions taken or not taken as a result of the
advice given as part of the service.

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Next steps
If this information has helped you to be interested in the service please get in touch with Vinny
Smith today on either his phone 07766 761 730 or via email at vinny@standconsulting.co.uk
For further information about STAND Consulting please visit our website
www.standconsulting.co.uk
Please do also see more information on LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/vinnysmith .

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