Professional policy expertise. Punk ethos.
Strategy, engagement and campaigning for organisations who want systems change — not just a tidier version of the status quo.
I'm Nick Harleigh-Bell — a solutions-focused manager, consultant, and experienced policy, practice and partnerships professional with over 20 years of experience in Scotland's third sector.
What does a "punk ethos" mean in a policy context?
Solutions are co-produced with the community alongside the workforce — not designed at them from behind a desk.
Change is built on clear, consistent principles — such as fairness and autonomy — rather than complex, top-down rules.
The fundamental way power operates within institutions is what shifts, not just the wording of an existing policy.
Services offered
No project too big or too small — from a single facilitated session to a full campaign.
Strategy, policy & consultation support
Turning messy policy problems into clear strategy, sharp consultation responses, and plans people can actually act on.
Facilitation, training & lived experience engagement
Running the room: facilitation, training design, event coordination and genuine engagement with people who have lived experience of the issue.
Management, evaluation, lobbying & campaigning
Programme and project management, honest evaluation, and the lobbying and campaigning work that gets change over the line.
Portfolio
A selection of recent projects.
A Guide to Housing Rights
Written for HAS, this guide uses plain language to explain housing rights of any tenant, and where to seek help. It was distributed across all 32 local authority areas.
Manifesto Summaries
Ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election, I summarised and distributed a quick analysis of policy pledges made by each of the major parties.
Moving On Change Programme
As part of Staf's work on the Moving On Change Programme, I was tasked with leading the Principles and Standards Project, outlining the core elements that should form the basis of every care experienced person's path to independent living.
Scottish Government Consultation
An inclusive and extensive response to a Scottish Government consultation, incorporating views of workforce and lived experience. Delivered on time; led to organisation's invitation to give evidence at Parliamentary Committee.