Livingstone Consulting Limited

I am a solicitor who has practised law, in both the public and private sectors for over twenty years. 

As a result of dealing with matters such as practice management, client care and quality assurance during my career, I made the decision to return to education (part-time) in 2013.  In December 2015, I graduated from Ulster University with a Master’s Degree, awarded with Distinction, in Management and Corporate Governance.    

Using my years of experience and knowledge gained from my Master’s, I now wish to utilise my skills and experience to help others.  I recognise that many small organisations, especially start-ups or those in the social enterprise or charity sector, do not always have the capacity to deal with governance or risk issues “in house” and may look to third party providers for assistance.

I have both experience and skills in issues relating to governance, compliance and risk management and have a particular interest in finding ways to help others working in small businesses and charitable and social enterprise organisations.

SERVICES PROVIDED

GOVERNANCE

Good corporate governance, the system by which companies are directed and controlled, is important for the long term success of organisations.  It is not just something which relates to larger companies, such as those listed on the Stock Market.  It also brings numerous benefits to smaller companies.  Good governance is also essential for charities, community and voluntary organisations.

I can help small businesses and third sector organisations with an assessment of their current structures, advising on best practice and giving guidance as to how improvements might be made.

I can also assist with training those with governance responsibility within organisations – whether directors, independent directors or charity trustees.  I can help improve Board effectiveness by providing training, reviewing current practices and working with Boards or committees to improve governance awareness.

COMPLIANCE

I can assist businesses and organisations in ensuring that they meet the many, and varying, demands and requirements of customers, clients, governing bodies or statutory authorities.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk is often perceived as the possibility of something bad happening.  It can be seen as interchangeable with danger and, as a result, can have very negative connotations.  It is more than this, however, and has been defined as “the effect of uncertainty on objectives”.  It can be managed and, therefore, controlled and reduced.  I can assist businesses and charities with risk analysis, risk evaluation and risk management.  

I can also assist organisations with management plans and procedures, to manage and reduce risks to the business or organisation, including:

• Business recovery and continuity plans
• Anti-corruption policies and procedures
• Ethics disclosure

STRUCTURES

I can advise as to what structure is most appropriate to an organisation, in terms of its leadership, management or governance.  I can also provide guidance on different models of organisation – whether an unincorporated association, partnership, or company (limited by guarantee or a Community Interest Company) – depending on what they want to achieve.