Project profiles
1) Writing and editing in-depth policy pages for Health Unlimted website
I worked with Health Unlimited researching, writing, and editing an in-depth issues section for their new website. Here is what Lisa O'Shea, head of policy and campaigns thought about my work:
"Simon worked with us on our new website, writing and editing a new policy section covering a range of health and development issues. The quality of Simon's writing and editing was excellent, and his knowledge of health and development issues really shone through. He also demonstrated a great understanding of how content needs to be structured and presented on the web.
"Simon managed to get a fantastic amount done in the time available, and it was great to be sent final material that was so professionally put together - and on deadline. The work went beyond our expectations and included style guidance which we can use in future as well as extremely clear handover notes which shrank our workload. Simon was affable and easy to work with and I would thoroughly recommend him."
2) Strategy development for the Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance
The Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance (KHANA) is a key national player in the response to HIV in Cambodia. Although the organisation
carries out a range of communications activiites, it was keen to take a strategic look at its communications work, identifying key audiences and priorities for the strategic plan period, linking this to resource requirements.
I spent a week with KHANA facilitating a workshop with key internal stakeholders and deveoping an outline communications plan that it could take ownership of and then implement. As a result KHANA has been able to refocus its communication resources and priorities to better support the organisation's overall strategic goals.
3) Redeveloping the St Mary's House Dental Care website
St Mary's House is a dental practice based in Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. This new practice was keen to raise its profile in the area, and provide information for patients online. I worked with the practice to develop a range of marketing materials including a practice brochure, marketing folders, newsletter and website. I initiated concepts and designs, wrote copy, and put together artwork - also providing the interface with printers and web hosting providers.
4) Building on strong foundations – Alliance annual review 2007
The Alliance's annual review is one of the most important documents that it published about its work. It aims to describe in a clear and engaging way the work of this global partnership of nearly 40 organisations to donors, policy makers, the media, supporters and other interested members of the public.
I developed a rationale and outline proposal for the 2007 review, interviewed key staff to develop a content outline, undertook research and further interviews and wrote the copy and case studies for the final document.
The result was an accessible and interesting magazine-style review which clearly articulated the key messages and achievements of the global partnership. You can read or download a copy of the annual review on the Alliance website.
I have subsequently worked as a consultant developing content for the Alliance's 2008 and 2009 annual reviews.
5) Communications training for the Evidence for Action consortium
Evidence for Action is a five-year international research programme with core funding from the UK Department for International Development. The Evidence for Action consortium focuses on HIV treatment and care systems. The goal of the research programme is to contribute to knowledge on how to design, manage and deliver comprehensive HIV treatment and care programmes in developing countries.
I ran a communications training workshop for 15 staff from the seven Evidence for Action consortium partners (from the UK, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda and India). The training focused on developing a new set of writing and communication skills for research staff used to writing complex academic reports. Topics covered included assessing your audience, writing plain English, and writing for impact - using practical exercises to put theory into practice.
6) Redeveloping the CircArts website
CircArts uses circus skills as a magnet to draw young people together in a non-threatening, non-competitive, challenging and artistic environment. CircArts has built up an impressive record of successful projects with adults and young people, theatre professionals, schools and community groups.
In Autumn 2008 I carried out an audit of the CircArts website, developed an action plan for structural and content improvements, and implemented the changes. The new website launched in March 2009, and I have continued to work on updates and search marketing for the site.
