Strategic clarity and cultural confidence at Barca-Leeds

The approach

Jo’s process combined desk-based analysis, developmental workshops and the offer of confidential one-to-one conversations. This created space for honest reflection across functions of the organisation. She also took a thoughtful approach to trustee engagement, holding early conversations to test expectations and build buy-in before the process began. That groundwork proved valuable in navigating differing perspectives and learning styles.

Throughout, Jo worked within Barca’s culture rather than imposing a generic consultancy model. As Helen reflected, “Jo understood very quickly how the organisation ticked culturally and structurally.”

Key themes and shifts

The review surfaced several priority areas:

• Equality, diversity and inclusion – raising its profile and embedding it more deeply across the organisation
• Business development – improving capacity and approach
• Storytelling and impact articulation – clarifying and strengthening how Barca communicates its difference
• Board effectiveness – with specific recommendations that trustees later asked Jo to help deliver

Importantly, Jo provided not just critique but a strategic review, refreshed objectives and a high-level three-to-five-year plan that helped colleagues see developments as an evolution rather than a departure.

The Impact

The full organisational impact will unfold as the new strategy goes live. However, several immediate benefits are clear.

• For Helen as CEO, the work provided a trusted, independent sounding board. In a sector where peer relationships can carry inherent conflicts of interest, having someone who understood both commercial risk and social purpose was invaluable.
• For the board, Jo’s external perspective strengthened the legitimacy of recommendations around governance and effectiveness. Trustees respected her input and actively requested her further involvement.

• For the wider organisation, Jo’s process created structured space to reflect, surface development areas and align around future priorities, despite the pressure of full operational workloads.

Above all, the work has helped Barca move into its next strategic phase with clarity and confidence. Through this process, Barca not only refined its strategy, it has also strengthened its leadership for the years ahead.