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Sue Brown

@suebrownsb.bsky.social
1.6K followers 354 following 129 posts

Charity consultancy | Strategy | Governance | Policy influence consultancy/projects | Facilitation | I bring people together to create change | FRSA | parkrunner

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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
👉Are you a facilitator or using facilitation in your work? 👉Would you like to meet other facilitators in the North East? Join us 11 November, 3pm – 4.30pm, Newcastle. Informal chat plus this month we’ll be discussing reflective practice and reflective tools. 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iaf-e-w-fa...
eventbrite.co.uk
IAF E& W Facilitators & Friends North East - Coffee Meet November
Informal event for facilitators and friends from across the North East to come together over coffee in Newcastle city centre.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
My latest newsletter out now. How comfort, stretch, panic model can help teams and boards facing challenges. Method of the month – focus on values. Book of the month and policy influence workshop for charities in NE England. suebrownconnects.substack.com/p/comfort-st...
suebrownconnects.substack.com
Comfort Stretch Panic
I often work with teams and boards experiencing challenges.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Are you a facilitator based in NE England? Join the @iafenglandwales.bsky.social informal coffee chat in Newcastle tomorrow. All welcome. 9 September. 2pm. Details: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iaf-englan...
eventbrite.co.uk
IAF England & Wales Facilitators & Friends North East - Meet up
Informal event for facilitators and friends from across the North East to come together over coffee in Newcastle city centre.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
My latest newsletter out today. The value of small charities in policy change and a free resource to help them do that. Plus how to use human spectrogram to inform team/board discussions and a podcast worth listening to. suebrownconnects.substack.com/p/policy-cha...
suebrownconnects.substack.com
Policy Change and a free resource
I am passionate about the potential of small charities to influence policy to deliver a huge impact for their beneficiaries.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
So many small charities could make a massive impact by using the evidence they have to influence policy, but they don't know how. That’s why I’ve created a policy change worksheet to help them think how to approach it. Free to access via my website: www.sbconnects.co.uk/resources
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I've seen some strange figures in the news estimating "average " savings at £15 per year. If you do 1 return journey per week that saves 50p each way - £52 per year. A lot for someone on low income.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
My latest newsletter just out. Thoughts on celebrating (and learning from) failures, using five whys to uncover the root causes of problems and a recent podcast that really sparked my interest. Read and subscribe: suebrownconnects.substack.com/p/celebratin...
suebrownconnects.substack.com
Celebrating failure
Some years ago, I attended an event which celebrated failures.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
My latest newsletter just out. Thoughts on the importance of disagreement on charity boards and committees and what to do as a chair if everyone is always in agreement. open.substack.com/pub/suebrown...
open.substack.com
The importance of disagreement and a free resource
Disagreement and good decision making
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
I’ve had years of experience of making meetings and events accessible to people with physical and sensory impairments. I’m sharing some of what I’ve learned in this free resource. The first of several resources I’m developing. www.sbconnects.co.uk/resources
Front cover of Accessible by Design: Workshop and meeting accessibility tips
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My latest newsletter just out. Thoughts on trends in the third sector, method of the month, book review and links to my latest blogs. open.substack.com/pub/suebrown...
open.substack.com
Third Sector Trends in England and Wales
The contribution of voluntary organisations to place
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
What might a book about the Iraq war, written by a US General have that’s relevant to the charity sector? Lots that's relevant to anyone navigating complexity. My reflections on re-reading Team of Teams ten years on. www.sbconnects.co.uk/insights/team
sbconnects.co.uk
Team of Teams- working in complex systems — Sue Brown Connects
What might a book about the Iraq war, written by a US General have that’s relevant to the charity sector? Ten years ago I read the book “Team of Teams”. It made a big impression on me and ten years on...
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Just added a new blog to my website. Something I've been thinking about in recent weeks - the challenge of evaluating complex system change when we so often use linear models such as theory of change. Read it here: www.sbconnects.co.uk/insights/system-change
sbconnects.co.uk
The challenge of evaluating system change — Sue Brown Connects
When I talk to people about governance they often assume I am talking about policies and committee structures. Of course, these are important, but there is more to governance than that.  Boards need to know that the right policies are in place (and being implemented). They need assurance t
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
I’m really looking forward to facilitating this session for ACEVO on Influencing policy: how charity CEOs can lead change beyond their organisations. This interactive session will explore how leaders can influence public policy and advocate for systemic change. www.acevo.org.uk/event/influe...
acevo.org.uk
Influencing policy: how charity CEOs can lead change beyond their organisations
Overview Pricing Booking In today’s complex social landscape, charity CEOs are uniquely positioned to shape not just their organisations, but the policies and systems that impact the communities they serve. This interactive half-day workshop explores how leaders in the charitable sector can move beyond operational management to influence public policy,…
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
People told me I should start a newsletter and finally I did. I’ve said I’ll do it monthly – 1 article (this one's on difficult conversations in strategy development), 1 facilitation method you can use in meetings, 1 book/podcast review. Wish me luck. suebrownconnects.substack.com/p/difficult-...
suebrownconnects.substack.com
Difficult conversations and strategy development
I’ve been talking to a lot of different charities about strategy this year and one theme is emerging: focus.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
On line or in person a bad meeting is a bad meeting. Just meeting in person won't improve a meeting that's unplanned, lacks direction, dull, uninspiring and doesn't enable participation.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
I’m excited to share that my new website for Sue Brown Connects is now live. Please share with anyone you think might be interested or need support with charity strategy/governance, policy influence, meeting facilitation. www.sbconnects.co.uk
sbconnects.co.uk
Sue Brown Connects | Policy, Strategy, Governance & Facilitation
I support charities and partnerships to increase their impact through policy influence, strategy development, strong governance and facilitating engaging meetings.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
This one is concerning. As the Government bans ads for unhealthy foods before 9pm, so an alternative route to target advertising for such foods at exactly the people who will suffer the most damage opens up.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Happy New Year. Back at my desk today. Lots I’m looking forward to in 2026 including launch of new website next week, new trustee role, hospital governor, 3 different book groups. Most of all I’m looking forward to working with not for profits on governance, impact, participation and engagement.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
Volunteering and running in fancy dress. What Christmas is all about. #LoveParkrun
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Exactly. Those with the lowest healthy life expectancy also have the jobs that are hardest to do with a physical health problem. We need to get serious about tackling health inequalities.
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 19/10/2025
Over 230,000 children in the UK live with long-term MSK conditions. We can’t afford to ignore their bone & joint health. Young people deserve timely access to MSK services close to home. Local, accessible services prevent problems from escalating. #BoneAndJointWeek
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Rob Yeldham @robyeldham.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Worth sharing this again I think
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
So hard to know how to counteract this stuff. Thanks for this blog.
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Rob Yeldham @robyeldham.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
www.linkedin.com/pulse/bella-...
linkedin.com
Bella Ciao - a personal reflection on how we should respond to events in London yesterday
The organisers of yesterday's march in London are fundamentally anti British despite their rhetoric. They are seeking to radicalise people who feel neglected, or who have concerns about any issue they...
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The Food Foundation @foodfoundation.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
🤳🏾 How can we cut through social media disinformation about healthy diets? Join the conversation at the upcoming @vegpoweruk.bsky.social Summit! Dan Parker gives a glimpse of the agenda on our latest podcast. 🎧 Listen in full: bit.ly/4gcCg7J
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The Food Foundation @foodfoundation.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
📊 New @eatingbetter.bsky.social report reveals attitudes of UK citizens are shifting towards eating more plants and less meat and dairy. Respondents listed concerns about animal welfare, affordability, and where meat comes from. Read more: ➡️ bit.ly/4mcwIvg
Public Attitudes Survey report cover
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Involve @involveuk.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Planning an in-person engagement event? A well-planned, welcoming event helps participants feel safe, supported and ready to contribute. 📒 We’ve created a practical, step-by-step guide to help you plan everything from venues and accessibility to staffing and photo consent... 🧵 👇
Image that says 'How to plan logistics for in-person engagement'.
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The Food Foundation @foodfoundation.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
🗣️ 'Whatever you think about appetite-supressing drugs they're going to be a huge part of change' - @henrydimbleby.bsky.social No topics are off limits in our 10th anniversary podcast! So listen in to hear predictions about the future of food: zurl.co/rZkVB
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 23/07/2025
Fantastic to see so many ARMA members coming together today to share reflections on the 10 Year Health Plan and discuss the future of MSK care. A great show of collaboration, insight, and commitment to improving lives.
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 22/07/2025
📰☕Catch up with the latest ARMA Newsletter – with updates from our members, MSK news, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss! 🗞️ Read and subscribe 👉 arma.uk.net/nljul25
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
I'm sorry I didn't realise the impact/ made a mistake/ didn't know - all fine. Just not the assumption that the issue is the person who heard it being offended. Being offended is not harmful - it's to be expected in life.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Sick of hearing "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause offence." The problem with racist, misogynist, ageist, etc. comments is not that someone might be offended. It's that they perpetuate racism, misogyny, ageism - views and values that cause harm, not necessarily to the people who hear them.
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 24/06/2025
📰 The June edition of the ARMA newsletter is here! Packed with the latest #MSK news, member updates, and events. Read it now: arma.uk.net/nljun25
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 23/06/2025
Don’t miss the next MSK Health Inequalities Community of Practice! Our guest speaker, Clinical Delivery Lead Nick Livadas, will share how a community MSK service identified their underserved groups. 📅1st July ⏰12:30pm-1:30pm 🔗us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mAflW1o4St-ZOm6RKMDmTA#/registration
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Dr Vanessa @hpsvanessa.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Counterpoint: no they won't. Not least because if poor people still have to live in the most polluted areas of the country with the worst access to decent food, incomes, housing, mental health support etc, "personalised" medicine is a lie. It's just for the wealthy and privileged.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Really enjoyed today facilitating a trustee board away day for @arthritisaction.org.uk . Lots of great discussion. Left with the impression of a strong engaged board and an air of excitement about where the organisation is going.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Delighted to have been elected a governor of Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Getting to grips with what that entails at induction session today and looking forward to first meeting next week.
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 11/06/2025
New in HSJ: ARMA’s reports reveal key gaps in leadership, prioritisation & strategic planning for MSK care across England's local health systems. 📉 Read full findings here: arma.uk.net/icb/ www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r...
arma.uk.net
ICB Approach to Musculoskeletal Services report | ARMA
Many Integrated Care Boards are not giving MSK the attention it requires to comply with their statutory duties. A strategic, cross-system approach is required.
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 02/06/2025
Join us tomorrow for the next MSK Inequalities Community of Practice! 🗓️3rd June 12:30–1:30pm Hear from guest Kay Stevenson, Consultant Physiotherapist on work to address inequalities by Midlands Partnership University NHS FT MSK service Register now: tinyurl.com/3yasfru5
tinyurl.com
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: MSK Health Inequalities Community of Practice. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Are you working to tackle inequalities in musculoskeletal health? Do you want to connect with others who are facing the same challenges and are finding solutions? Then ARMA’s community of practice...
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
We've had requests for discussion groups on specific topics. So far next week's session will include space to discuss MSK inequalities in areas of rural deprivation, and digital poverty. Sign up and join us if either of those interest you and let us know if you have other areas you'd like to discuss
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 29/05/2025
Are you tackling MSK health inequalities? Want to connect, share, and learn with others doing the same? Join us for ARMA’s next COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE session! 📅 Next meeting: 3 June 2025, 12:30–1:30pm 🔗Register now: tinyurl.com/3yasfru5
tinyurl.com
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: MSK Health Inequalities Community of Practice. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Are you working to tackle inequalities in musculoskeletal health? Do you want to connect with others who are facing the same challenges and are finding solutions? Then ARMA’s community of practice...
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 21/05/2025
There's still time to become an ARMA Trustee! Applications close this Friday - 23 May. We welcome knowledge of: · Lived experience · Income generation · Policy · Children & young people · Diversity & inclusion . Get in touch for more information - projects@arma.uk.net
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
And here's why our food environment is so bad for our health. Food strategy discussions with no input from public health!
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Good luck. Anyone from horticulture?
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 20/05/2025
The latest ARMA Newsletter is out now - featuring MSK news, updates and reflections from ARMA CEO @suebrownsb.bsky.social on 8 years at the helm of the organisation. 📰🔗Read it here: arma.uk.net/nlmay25
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 19/05/2025
One year on from the Act Now report on MSK health inequalities and deprivation, ARMA is proud to share our new impact report. See the progress, reach and influence the report has had over the past year. Read it here: tinyurl.com/4b7r2n2p
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 15/05/2025
Delighted to be at #NOACONF25 and thanks to the National Orthopaedic Alliance for inviting ARMA to speak about MSK prevention and share findings of our report on ICB approaches to MSK health. arma.uk.net/icb/
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ARMA @arma.uk.net · 14/05/2025
ARMA is delighted to announce the appointment of Adrian Bradley as our new Chief Executive. Adrian brings a wealth of experience gained across public, private & charity sectors & a commitment to MSK health to lead ARMA in expanding our impact and shaping UK MSK policy.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
We need a 10 year plan that sorts out the NHS. We need policies which get the NHS back to what it needs to be even if those policies don't "resonate with the public ". That outcome is what will resonate with the public.
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Sue Brown @suebrownsb.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
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