About Blinkbright
Experienced thinking. Practical support. Clear evidence.
Blinkbright is an independent consultancy helping public, voluntary and purpose-led organisations understand complex challenges, strengthen delivery and create positive change.
We combine strategy, research and evaluation with substantial experience of public services, partnerships, programmes and organisations.
We are particularly experienced in work that improves economic inclusion, health and wellbeing, communities, heritage and the environment.
Turning complexity into clarity
Complex programmes and organisations rarely fit into neat categories. Strategy affects delivery. Delivery generates evidence. Evidence changes strategy.
Blinkbright works across those connections.
We help clients step back, understand their context and make sense of different perspectives and forms of evidence. We then translate that understanding into practical recommendations, stronger plans and accessible communications.
Our work is grounded in experience, but never imposed from a distance. We listen carefully, ask constructive questions and shape every commission around the decisions it needs to support.
We believe good consultancy should leave an organisation with greater clarity, useful evidence and the confidence to act.
What matters to us
Collaborative
We work with clients, partners, staff and communities, recognising the knowledge and experience they bring.
Independent
We provide honest analysis and constructive challenge while remaining sensitive to the realities of delivery.
Thoughtful
We take time to understand context, complexity and different perspectives before reaching conclusions.
Accessible
We make complex evidence easier to understand through clear language, strong visual communication and practical recommendations.
Why clients work with us
Blinkbright brings together strategic and operational experience from the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Clients work directly with experienced consultants throughout the commission. We offer:
Senior-level attention and direct communication
An understanding of both policy and frontline delivery
Experience of complex partnerships and funded programmes
Qualitative and quantitative research skills
Independent evaluation and impact analysis
Facilitation that helps different perspectives move towards agreement
Clear writing, visual reporting and accessible presentation
A flexible approach proportionate to the organisation and commission
We are large enough to bring together complementary expertise and small enough to remain responsive, personal and closely involved.
Our team
David Kirkham
Managing Director
David has more than 30 years of experience spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors.
He has worked strategically and operationally on national and local programmes involving employment and skills, welfare reform, economic and social regeneration, business support, health and community development.
David is an experienced system leader, evaluator, programme manager, facilitator and change-management practitioner. His work combines strategic analysis with an understanding of delivery, partnership working and organisational development.
He holds an MSc in Economic Development and is a member of the Institute of Economic Development and the Institute for Social Value. He is also an accredited visual designer, bringing strong visual communication into Blinkbright’s reports and presentations.
Heather Downey
Associate Director
Heather has provided consultancy, facilitation and project-management support to public, private and voluntary-sector organisations since 2004.
Her areas of expertise include the environment and conservation, health and work, employability, learning and skills, organisational development and governance.
Heather’s previous leadership experience includes working as interim Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, serving as a director with the Learning and Skills Council and undertaking non-executive roles within the NHS.
She brings extensive experience of working with boards, leadership teams, partnerships and stakeholders to Blinkbright’s strategy, evaluation and organisational-resilience work.
Adam Jeffrey
Associate Director
Adam has more than three decades of experience in economic development and regeneration.
His work includes economic research, programme and project evaluation, strategic and business planning, organisational development and funding advice.
Adam is a member of the Institute of Economic Development, the International Economic Development Council and the UK Evaluation Society.
He brings substantial economic-development expertise and independent analytical insight to Blinkbright’s research and evaluation commissions.
Let’s work together
You may have a defined brief or an emerging challenge that needs further thought.
Tell us about your organisation, programme or project and we’ll arrange an initial conversation.