Implementation and change delivery: Project recovery

Keith Collins
Principal Consultant

"Having worked with non-profit organisations of every conceivable type - and in a number of different countries - since I started in the sector in 1992, I always find something about a client that makes working with them rewarding. Naturally, working with clients to use my experience and knowledge to help them improve is always a good feeling. However, beyond that there is always something else with any organisation that is appealing, either on an intellectual or an emotional level. Sometimes that may of course be a personal connection to the field of work that they are operating in – but sometimes it may be more of an intellectual challenge, grappling with what makes them unique in terms of complexities and needs."

Keith specialises in helping organisations identify, select, adopt and use technology to improve their relationships with all stakeholders. With some clients, this may involve helping identify and select technology solutions to support a new organisational strategy - for others, incremental improvements and new options within the tools that they already have. With experience from every perspective – as a non-profit client, as a supplier of specific technology solutions, and as an independent consultant – Keith can help non-profits ensure that their technology decisions fit organisational strategy, and that the 'softer' side of these initiatives – cultural fit, change management, stakeholder needs – are also factored in. Since 1992, Keith has worked within a number of roles in the non-profit sector. At Christian Aid, Keith oversaw the implementation of a new CRM solution, before moving to Sue Ryder Care to undertake a similar project and to set up their first Supporter Services team, including new business processes to support Gift Aid, Direct Debits and an internal IT helpdesk. Keith then moved to the supplier side, working at Blackbaud Europe to help non-profits implement The Raiser's Edge, The Information Edge and NetSolutions. With a desire to move into independent consulting, Keith then established the technology consulting division within Purple Vision, developing and delivering consultancy offerings including CRM selection, strategic technology reviews, and business process improvement. Following Purple Vision's re-positioning as a Salesforce.org partner, Keith then worked to develop and deliver consultancy and implementation solutions within the Salesforce platform, including engagements with customers and projects across Europe – with a particular focus on German-speaking countries. In the summer of 2017, Keith decided to move back into a more independent consulting role as a Senior Consultant with Adapta, since when he has worked with clients including Shelterbox, Islamic Relief UK, the British Horse Society, the National Children's Bureau, Scope and The Pony Club, on projects as varied as holistic reviews of the IT function; training and advice on GDPR compliance, and the specification and selection of new CRM systems. Credentials and Qualifications Keith is a qualified PRINCE2 project manager, and in his spare time is a volunteer football coach and manager for St Albans City Youth FC.

Katharine
Digital Projects and CRM Associate

Katharine is a highly experienced digital strategist with nearly two decades of experience leading digital, marketing, and supporter engagement programmes across the charity, utility, and cultural sectors. Passionate about helping non-profits maximise the impact of their digital channels and systems, she blends deep technical understanding with strategic vision to deliver tangible outcomes. Katharine began her career as digital technologies were gaining traction, giving her a strong foundation in adapting to – and capitalising on – evolving platforms, systems, and supporter behaviours. She excels at bridging the gap between technical specialists and business stakeholders, ensuring that digital transformation is not only effective but also inclusive and sustainable. Her ability to navigate complex organisational contexts, build strong teams, and champion a culture of data-led decision-making has made her a trusted advisor to charities and membership organisations. Katharine’s track record includes leading CRM strategy and implementation projects, managing high-value procurement exercises, and overseeing website rebuilds, app launches, and marketing automation initiatives. She has held senior leadership roles, including at Practical Action, where she led a 16-person team across digital, data and supporter experience functions, helping the organisation process over £10m in donations annually and deliver audience-led campaigns informed by data insights. As a consultant, Katharine continues to support charities such as SpecialEffect and Riders for the Disabled Association. Her recent work includes managing a full Microsoft Dynamics CRM implementation, supporting digital infrastructure reviews, and facilitating strategic planning with fundraising and communications teams. Her skillset spans business requirements gathering, digital channel optimisation, stakeholder engagement, user journey design, and compliance – including data protection and fundraising standards. She also brings hands-on capabilities in tools such as Power BI, SQL, and analytics platforms, and she is qualified in PRINCE2 project management and digital marketing through the Chartered Institute of Marketing.