LIBRA thinking
with Alice Dawnay
For new possibilities and expanded horizons
LIBRA thinking
with Alice Dawnay
For new possibilities and expanded horizons
Welcome
I'm Alice - a social entrepreneur and freelance consultant with expertise in therapeutic change and the justice sector
I believe in the immense capacity of people, and that there are always new possibilities to be found even in the most unlikely places.
I help people and organisations expand their horizons.
About Me
I am drawn to courage and adventure and interested in transitions and working with others to untangle knotty problems.
My knowledge comes from over 20 years’ experience supporting people to reimagine themselves and their futures.
In 2008, I co-founded Switchback, a charity that supports young Londoners to find a way out of the justice system and build a life they can be proud of. Switchback’s radical, relational approach dramatically decreases rates of reoffending (to 9% from a national average of 46%) and supports prison-leavers to make profound, lasting change. You can listen here to real stories of people's journeys with Switchback from chaos and disillusionment to stability and optimism.
Alongside helping individuals develop a different relationship with society, it became imperative to seek to get society to rethink its relationship with prison-leavers. I incorporated an influencing function to elevate the voices of Switchback's young men to make change across the system and break down societal barriers to successful reintegration into the community.
Multi-award-winning, Switchback was cited as a ‘beacon of hope’ by judges of the Longford Prize 2019.
HOW LIBRA thinking can be helpful to you
Programme design
I can help you develop front line programmes that offer something meaningful and human in a world where quantity is favoured over quality. I am specialist in combining a therapeutic, relational approach with practical application. I can help create harmony in the dynamic between programmes and fundraising.
Justice system innovation
With over 20 years of working in and around prisons, I relish tackling seemingly intractable issues with a person-centred approach. I can support strategic planning and delivery of creative solutions. I can help you develop campaigns, on-the-ground projects or a combination of both.
my role
First Mate
Fresh perspective
Facilitator
Being at the helm of one of these ships of social justice is no plain sailing. I love helping people think through conundrums, and to see familiar issues in new ways.
either as one-off consultancy, tailor-made to your needs
or
on a retainer: for seven hours a month, at times that suit you, I can be your trusted sounding board, coach and confidante.
Facilitator
Fresh perspective
Facilitator
Workshops: Want to get a group together to look at all angles of a challenge and get unstuck? Find ways to bring the unheard voices into the room?
I can hold a space where complexity and difference enrich outcomes.
Change management: Culture change and organisational change management - I can support you to bring people along with you when changing course or embedding team culture.
Fresh perspective
Fresh perspective
Fresh perspective
Original thinking: I can help you look at the same thing in a whole new way; flipping the script, inverting the power structures, playing devil's advocate, and bringing a dose of rebel spirit.
Whether it's a comms refresh or a strategic overhaul, if you'd like a critical friend, I'd love to help with this.