The Art of Stronger Charities – Built with You, Piece by Piece

 

Hi, I’m Vicky Handbury-Madin, and I run VHM Charity Consultancy.

I work with charities of all shapes and sizes to help them grow stronger — through better governance, clearer strategy, and support that’s tailored to what they really need. Whether it’s registering a new charity, running a strategy session, or helping a board work better together, I’m here to make the process easier, more manageable, and more meaningful.

People often call me a critical friend — someone who’s on your side, but not afraid to ask the questions that really matter. I’ll bring structure, clarity and challenge where it’s helpful, but I’ll always work with you, not over you.

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​Alongside my consultancy work, I'm also one of the co-founders of the Shropshire Charity Network — a supportive space for people working and volunteering in charities across the county. We run regular online and in-person meet-ups that bring people together to share experiences, ideas and challenges. It's something I’m really proud to be part of, and it reflects my belief that good governance, like good leadership, thrives in community — not in isolation.

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What I Do

I’ve worked in the charity sector since 2007, and I know how complex things can get — especially when you're trying to balance ambition, purpose, and compliance. That’s where I come in.

Here’s how I help:

• Governance Support
  I help trustees understand their roles and responsibilities, improve how they work together, and make confident decisions. I also run governance reviews and engaging training sessions (no death-by-PowerPoint, I promise!).

• Strategy Development
  I facilitate strategy days that actually move things forward — with practical tools, real discussions, and plenty of room for ideas. Whether you’re setting a vision, refreshing priorities, or planning your next steps, I’ll help bring the pieces together.

• Charity Registrations
  I’ve supported lots of new charities through the registration process — especially when they’re linked to an existing CIC or community group. I’ll guide you through it, from structure and purpose to policies and submissions.

• Policies That Make Sense
  Let’s make sure your policies are up to date, compliant, and actually usable. I write and review governance policies that are clear, relevant, and tailored to your organisation.

• Mentoring & Leadership Support
  I work one-to-one with trustees, CEOs and chairs, offering calm, practical support when you need someone to talk things through with — no judgement, just insight and encouragement.

 

How I Work

I’m not a one-size-fits-all consultant. I take time to understand who you are, what matters to you, and how you work best. My job isn’t to take over — it’s to work alongside you, helping you build on what you already have.

I believe good governance should feel empowering — not like a box-ticking chore. And strategy should feel exciting — not overwhelming.

 

Let's Chat 

If you’re looking for support that’s thoughtful, collaborative and grounded in experience, I’d love to hear from you.

Drop me a message and let’s talk about how we can work together.