Our small charitable organisation had reached a point in its existence where we as Trustees needed to take a look at how we could be more effective and agile in achieving our goals. To help us in this, Mark Crabtree provided a very supportive and engaging programme for an ‘away day’ for Trustees, allowing us to explore positively what our core strengths are, and how to develop these as part of our governance and restructuring. The day was very well-organised and expertly delivered by Mark, who provided a clear programme and worked with the team as a facilitator and educator in a really supportive way. Everyone was impressed with how the day went and what we achieved. Mark’s friendly and professional approach was terrific, and as a result of his involvement with us, the Trust is now ready to implement a new model for governance.

Professor Keith Lilley, Chair and Trustee, Historic Towns Trust

…I just wanted to say thank you for all then help and support you have given me over the years. You can always be counted on to come up with a good suggestion or a new idea, which was so vital when we were working on the project. You will be a big miss around here and I and so many others have benefitted so much from your expertise, knowledge, enthusiasm and time…..

Claire McDonald; Risk and Strategy Manager;
Durham University

Analysing oneself can be enlightening but also brings with it a certain vulnerability. My experience of working with Mark was following a recent PRISM brain-mapping. There’s no doubt the PRISM tool is great but Mark’s skilful, personable and empathetic approach to exploring strengths and weaknesses, asking thought-provoking questions and explaining both the theory and application of PRISM is what makes it valuable.

Craig Fleming; FJ Philanthropy

I found the PRISM model personal and insightful, it was much more specific and actionable than other psychometric models I have used. In particular, the coaching session was extremely rewarding as I was able to understand my results in relation to my current work life and environment. It has helped me to understand myself better and to develop and implement strategies that have had a real positive impact.

Stephen Dooley; Head of Digital Business Analysis, University of Salford

“We recently worked with Mark Crabtree for two workshops engaging international expert stakeholders in the neuromuscular field. Mark listened to the aims we had in mind and suggested  a number of different methodologies that could be used to run the meeting to achieve those aims.  He kept the sessions moving while creating space for reflection, and above all ensured every contribution was heard and valued equally as we worked towards our goals.  He added significant value to the meetings.” 

Professor Volker Straub; founding joint co-ordinator of TREAT-NMD.

I have very much valued our work together and always had the highest regard for your professionalism and integrity. It has been a pleasure to work with you.

Professor Graham Towl

…Here at Ambitious Futures we commissioned Mark to investigate possible future models for our scheme and the potential relevance of the apprenticeship model.  We found Mark extremely knowledgeable, as well as flexible and reliable.  We highly recommend him!…

Christine Abbot; Chief Executive Officer;
Ambitious Futures Ltd.

I will miss you Mark and I thank you so much for your support, your guidance, for being my coach and for being an all-round decent bloke.

 Jayne Pavitt Marketing Manager;
Durham University

I’m really disappointed not to be able to shake your hand and thank you so much for your support in my early days and months at the University and on my first project assignment. You were a beacon of light and positivity then and haven’t changed a bit since.

I will miss your “can do” attitude, your subject matter expertise and corporate knowledge and most importantly your friendship.

Judith King; Business Analyst,
CIS Durham University

Our recent work with Mark Crabtree was very rewarding.  Mark used PRISM as a tool to assess our individual strengths and preferences, within our core team, and the insights yielded have proven usefully illuminating, not least in terms of revealing key strengths upon which we can build, but also raising awareness of key areas for personal development. Crucially, as a result of completing this exercise, we have also, with Mark’s expert guidance, begun to identify ways to harness areas of diversity/complementarity in the team to maximum effect, to drive performance.   Mark’s positive and supportive style, coupled with his ability to provide high-quality insight, 1-2-1 and team feedback, has ensured this was a highly rewarding, enjoyable, and value-adding exercise. 

Bryan Fleming; CEO, FJ Philanthropy

Thank you so much for giving the team training to the Exec.  It was, by the sound of it, timely and very well received; exactly what they needed it and just exactly when they needed it too!

Dr Jill Tidmarsh, Vice-Principal, Josephine Butler College

“We recently formed a senior manager team at the North East Ambulance Service to support executive directors in the day-to-day management of the trust. Whilst there was a trust, respect and commitment among both teams, Mark Crabtree supported the two teams during two half-day sessions to consider how we more effectively work together. We concentrated on team dynamics in one session and in the other, Mark was able to ensure that everyone’s views were heard when reflecting on the purpose and value of the new senior manager team. His techniques ensured that we ended the day with a consensus on moving forward and a raft of actions to allow us to become a more effective in collaboration in the future.”

Mark Cotton, Assistant Director of Communications & Engagement,
North East Ambulance Service