Active Matters

I am a passionate advocate, supporter and leader within the sport and physical activity sector and through my strong connections within the Active Partnership network and through it’s partners I have developed a real belief in the impact being active can have on people’s lives.

Whether as a member of a local Partnership team, as a National Board trustee and Chair of the National Development Group, as a facilitator, thought leader, critical friend or trusted partner, I have developed strong relationships, a deep understanding of the work and a unique independent lens as to the sector’s purpose, strengths, challenges, development and progress.

My support is varied and pragmatic based on need… and has enabled me to support local place led organisations as well as influencing national thinking and initiatives which progress thinking around effective system working.

Active Black Country

Ian Carey, Director

Alison has supported Active Black Country and myself at a time of significant change for the partnership and sports sector, driving, creating and leading change which has seen a revision to the partnership’s strategic direction, organisational structure and ways of working. Ali’s approach has been instrumental in developing the revised focus of the business vision; her ability to understand and make connections across a breadth of strategic drivers has contributed considerably. She has very quickly understood our business, its priorities and shared our passion in forming a business which has a clear direction to move forward.

County Durham Sport

Dr Maxine Rhodes, Managing Director

Coming to a new organisation, I wanted to find someone who would help me develop learning as a core part of our new culture. I needed someone who ‘got it’ and I found that person in my first month in post! When I saw her speak at the APN National Conference I thought I would enjoy working with her. I wasn’t wrong.

Ali’s approach is very people focused and she gets the business of partnership- which is what we are all about. As a values led organisation, we wanted a discussion with staff not a system of learning administration imposed on staff. Ali has been helpful in shaping what that might look like and we have invested in building trust, expertise and support amongst a new and young team- a way of working that meshes with their learning styles, personalities and ambitions for their role.

Like all skills, those practices associated with a learning culture (reflection, analysis, hearing a variety of voices and becoming a critical friend) all take time to develop. Ali has given us guidance and support and encouraged us to trial and adapt. Consequently, staff have developed their own solutions and approaches have been embedded into our day to day work.

It’s been a pleasure working with Ali and I hope the relationship continues as we develop our ambitions, our curiosity and our passion for the work.

Energise Me

Julie Aimes, CEO, Energise Me

“It is very evident that you really understand the purpose and role of Active Partnerships and your background, skills and experience really added value to our process. You are very credible which meant I could have confidence in you and what you bring when we have valued internal and external colleagues in the conversations – thank you !”

Get Berkshire Active

Brett Nicholls, CEO

“Shipway consulting provided an exceptionally professional and thorough external board governance review to GBA culminating in a highly practical and insightful report. Ali went beyond just governance assurance and provided us with a forward looking account of where we could continue to improve. The board discussion following the report was open and honest and moved the board’s thinking in a very positive direction. We are very grateful to Ali for her professionalism and insight and I would recommend her without hesitation.”

Yorkshire Sport Foundation

Nigel Harrison, CEO

‘Ali lead our strategy review as we knew she had a deep understanding of the type of work we do and would bring fresh thinking to us. We’re delighted we did. Ali worked extensively with our partners and our team, listening to their thoughts, reflecting them back to us to give us real, tangible learnings for us to build upon. Her approach was both challenging and supportive. Throughout the process Ali was great at interpreting our thoughts, changing things when needed, and was flexible in the way the project ran its course. We are now in a much better position to move on with a well-rounded and well thought-through strategy which is in line with all our stakeholders’ thoughts.’

Active Surrey

Elizabeth Duggan, CEO Active Surrey

Active Surrey worked with Ali Shipway to complete our External Board and Governance Evaluation. Whilst Ali was really thorough in terms of our compliance, the real value was derived from her focus on the board’s strategic direction, composition and impact. She left us with clear and actionable recommendations which will help us move forward, not just as a board but across the organisation as a whole. We’ll be working again soon I’m sure!