Our Leadership & Delivery Group
We are fortunate to have such a strong leadership group, offering their experience and expertise. We have worked closely with the group over many years, delivering some great outcomes, sharing the same values, and enjoying one another’s company. The leadership group will ensure the sustainability and future success of the LDC.
The role of the LDC Leadership Group:
- Support the recruitment of new member organisations
- Offering thought leadership in key areas of organisational development
- Leading specific projects
- Direct involvement in the onboarding of new member organisations
- Helping to create a culture of ‘positive dissatisfaction’
- Designing and leading the future strategy of the LDC
Graham Scott – The Learning & Development Consortium
Graham is the Founder of the LDC and majority shareholder. He is currently responsible for the recruitment of new member organisations and also takes the lead with our first line leader strategy.
Mark Dewhurst – Simply Culture Ltd
An experienced organisational and operational leader. Mark drives our work around organisational culture and is our BPG lead for Building an Intentional Culture. He is passionate about helping others realise their own potential and is an active coach & mentor.
Laura Scott – The Learning & Development Consortium
Laura is our marketing and brand lead. She has responsibility for the LDC website, communication with our membership community, onboarding of new members, and building relationships with our partner organisations. With her marketing skills, she ensures a coherent and consistent brand identity. Laura has recently taken on the role of Project Manager for our Best Practice Groups.
Tony Fitton
Tony has been a keen supporter of the LDC since our journey started. Tony is a mentor within the LDC community and brings a depth of general management skills from a range of sectors.
Alex Firmin
MSc Ed., MSc (Psych)
Alex is an experienced education and organisational development consultant. His core skillset is the design and delivery of engaging personal and professional development programmes.
Prior to working in consultancy Alex was an army officer (making it to Major) and diplomat. Alex studied Pashto and worked to support post-conflict reconstruction and development, primarily in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Alex also worked with community leaders to temporarily support the development of governance and infrastructure in Kabul.
Alex delivers a diverse portfolio of organisational development projects. He works across all sectors, has supported several major mergers, and delivered cultural transformation programmes to clients including Raytheon, KPMG, Barnardo’s, and many smaller businesses and charities. Alex maintains a high level of currency and is currently developing research-based programmes focussing on leadership self-efficacy, eco-systemic leadership, and managing neurodivergent colleagues.
Alex has an intense interest in social and behaviour science. He holds three Master’s degrees: Educational Innovation, Psychology, and Occupational Psychology, and is slowly working towards a PhD. He is married to Katherine and has two children and two Labradors.
Alex is our Best Practice Group lead for Coaching & Mentoring.
James Grant – Ardagh Glass (previous)
James has been a keen supporter of the LDC since the beginning of our journey. He has recently retired from his Plant Director at Ardagh Glass Doncaster role. He provides leadership and direction around supporting local communities and creating agency in those communities. James also provides additional insight between professional sport and organisational leadership. He is also a mentor within the LDC community.
Susanne Braun – Durham University Business School
Susanne Braun is a Professor in Leadership and Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research Students) at Durham University Business School (UK). She is interested in both the bright sides and dark sides of leadership and how they affect productivity and wellbeing at the work-life interface. One of her current research foci is leader identity, its intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics, and how it can be developed over time. Her work also comprises leader narcissism, leader impostorism, and evidence-based strategies for leadership development.
Michael Buckley – The LDC
Having a degree in Microbiology from Liverpool University means that I am a naturally curious person, determined to get to the ‘atomic level’ for root causes. Following graduation I began my career working for RHM (Rank Hovis McDougall) and continued to work in the food industry for over 25 years, having spells with Associated British Foods, Mars & Dairy Crest. I moved into the world of corrugated packaging (cardboard boxes!!), working for DS Smith and VPK. I also ran a wet wipes business for a company called Accrol. In those 35 years I have held many different positions from shift supervisor to MD and have a breadth of experience across the supply chain. During this time I have developed a passion for supporting the people and teams around me to achieve their full potential in life. I enjoy keeping fit and find that running in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside helps me clear my mind. I run the odd half marathon and inbetween times go fell walking in Peak District.
Laura Rockliff-Simpson – The LDC
With over 15 years experience in Event Management, Recruitment, Hospitality and Customer Service, Laura has spent the last 4 years working as a PA with the last 3 being a Virtual Assistant. Her interests and areas of expertise are in helping small businesses grow – offering financial, recruitment, customer service, training and administrative support required. She has a real passion for people and loves helping others thrive and achieve their goals.
Her hobbies outside of work include anything to do with films and theatre and she also loves performing herself.
