Consulting and Project Support
No two organisations are the same and training needs can be complex and varied:
An e-commerce business wants industry specific training in tone management for its negative messaging.
A manager notices that staff procrastinate and underperform when it comes to key writing tasks and looks for a way to upskill both their ability and confidence.
A university seeks to provide training for its academics in ‘translating’ their research writing into content for blogs, social media posts, and public engagement appearances.
Here at Writing Works Consulting, I understand that unique situations require customised solutions. That’s why I developed my Consultancy and Project Support Services.
Working across multiple sectors, I devise and implement bespoke training solutions for a wide range of clients, including schools, local councils, combined authority staff, and trade journalists.
Typical Client Scenarios
A school wanted bespoke training to support a select group of students in raising their exam scores. I reviewed the exam procedures and requirements, analysed student writing samples, identified the skills gaps, devised a series of workshops to target those skills, and delivered the training. When preparatory exams were administered, scores improved.
A leader in education wanted to raise awareness amongst senior staff of the importance of language in representing pupil needs and experiences. I conducted background research on the topic, analysed the language used on sample student progress forms, and designed and led a discussion seminar on the characteristics of that language and its possible effects. Feedback from the session indicated positive engagement and appreciation for insights participants could use in their own practice.
How I Work
My process foregrounds a thorough understanding of your organisation and its training needs every step of the way, from our first meeting to your final feedback. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation/Discovery
I meet with key stakeholders to understand your overall context, goals, training needs, and desired outcomes.
2. Needs Analysis
I assess current practice and performance to identify gaps in skills and areas for attention, typically by analysing writing samples and reviewing associated guidance documents and policies. I may also survey or interview staff and audit the existing workplace writing culture.
3. Proposal of Customised Training
Based on my findings in the needs analysis, I prepare a comprehensive report of my assessment and a detailed plan of the training program I propose.
4. Stakeholder Review and Input
I share my assessment and proposal with you, welcome your input and feedback, and make adjustments in line with your views.
5. Training Delivery
I develop the learning materials and deliver the training in the agreed format, such as a 2-hour seminar, a half-day’s training, a full day intensive, a series of sessions over several weeks, or a short course. Whatever the format, the training is dynamic and outcome-led and optimally combines content delivery with participant activities and small-group work. On-line and face-to-face delivery options are available.
6. Evaluation and Feedback
Upon completion of the training, I collect and analyse feedback from stakeholders and participants to assess impact and identify any further training needs.
7. Ongoing Support (Where Agreed)
Where desired and agreed, I can also provide follow-up support packages, which could include:
Coaching
Draft reading and feedback
Peer-to-peer feedback training
Writer in residence/Establishing an effective workplace writing culture
Bespoke toolkits
Why Work with Me?
Leveraging my 30 years as an academic, I bring to my consultancy and project support practice:
*Expert language analysis and document evaluation skills
*A rich repertoire of analytical methods
*Deep knowledge of the way writing and writers work in a range of professional settings
*A lifetime of experience in specialist workshop design and delivery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Susan’s knowledge of linguistics and the role of language in the education world made us consider the significance of the words we use on the children we work with” — Jane Pickthall, Senior Integrated Services Manager | Virtual School Head | North Tyneside Council ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️