J L Williams Consultancy Limited

Testimonies

What others say...

"John has worked as our School Improvement Partner for a number of years and his work has been instrumental in a step change in our achievement. He has gained the trust of middle leaders working alongside them in classroom observations and so was a natural choice to lead middle leader training on improving school self-evaluation. His expertise in data analysis and strategic leadership alongside his challenging but supportive approach ensured the success of the training. Participants commented on how probing his questions were and how much their thinking had been sharpened by the structure of the session. All who took part came out of the session excited about writing their Department Development Plan. Something I’ve never been able to claim in all my letters of application!"  - Deputy Head, Bath and North East Somerset Academy

"My SLT will tell anyone that as a Theoretical Physics graduate I am not easily impressed and view most of what I see under the guise of 'consultancy' in education as pretty feeble. John came into our school at short notice to help us out of a fix with a lack of timetable at the start of the summer holiday. It was not just the elegance, power and flexibility of the curriculum analysis and planning tools that he has developed over years of experience, but the sheer breadth and depth of understanding of curriculum design coupled with capacity to 'make it simple' that left me standing. Starting from a very low base with a pretty flawed model, three days later we had a viable working timetable and a much better understanding of how to design the next one."  - Headteacher, Birmingham

"Excellent" - Headteacher, Bath and North East Somerset

"Thankyou for all the support and guidance you have given staff over the last nine months. I am sure at times your work was extremely frustrating due to the ever-changing membership of the leadership team. I must therefore thank you for your patience.
In particular I must thank you for your personal support to (senior member of staff) since her arrival..." - Headteacher, Birmingham

"I would like to repeat how much we appreciate and value your contribution to the work of the schools in the authority and we very much look forward to working with you in the future." - senior adviser, local authority.

"John has worked with a range of colleagues within Children's Services and at all times has displayed good interpersonal skills. He clearly understands the sensitivity related to specific children's services issues and responds appropriately to situations. He is currently part of a major project initiative and works closely with team members. He manages challenging situations effectively, actively listens and responds to different points of view and he is able to provide advice and support with the appropriate level of authority." - Assistant Director, Children's Services

"John remains calm and professional when dealing with the tensions that naturally arise within a project team when working on critical and time-pressured projects. He supports colleagues when they experience particular stressful times by offering appropriate advice and additional practical support. He is clearly focussed on ensuring the team pulls together to achieve the agreed goals. John has a very friendly approach to his team colleagues. He has time to talk to them and is concerned about their well-being. He facilitates the team to maximise the work of the group and takes initiative when required to ensure action is taken. He is very focussed on achieving outcomes in a very calm and confident way. He values the input of all team members and encourages active participation in the group. He has strong networking skills and brings in additional knowledge where necessary.
John is very good at identifying strengthens and weakness within each individual team member. He actively facilitates approaches that use team members' strengthens and mitigates against their natural weaknesses. He will challenge others in a team in a very constructive and helpful way by highlighting concerns and issues but this is supported by solutions and other practical ways to achieve the outcomes." Project Manager- local authority

"School staff found your support, guidance and example most effective and the appreciated your presence during a difficult period. Not only did your work have an immediate and value impact but it will, in time bear fruit as the new (school) emerges." - Principal Consultant