About Esther Ardagh-Ptolomey

Empowering Growth For Over Two Decades

I’ve spent 20+ years working in the charity sector, including roles as a charity CEO, in operations, and in marketing and communications. My work has supported organisations including RSPCA, Shelter, Which?, University of Birmingham, Freegle, Neighbourhood Watch, NESTA, and Cats Protection.

I specialise in no-nonsense, jargon-free support. I don’t do ‘blue sky thinking’ or rattle on about management models. I talk to human beings like a human being.

Esther Ardagh-Ptolomey Charity Consultant

How I work

When examining an organisation, I use a tool I call The Charity Clarity Framework – a diagnostic approach that examines six areas determining whether a charity can function effectively.

My Charity Clarity Framework

Purpose and Priorities – Whether the organisation is clear about what it’s trying to achieve

Governance and Oversight – how effectively the board carries out its responsibilities

Leadership Structure – whether leadership responsibilities are clearly structured and sustainable

Decision-Making Systems – how decisions are actually made within the organisation

Organisational Focus – whether the organisation can concentrate energy on the most important priorities

Culture and Communication – how people interact and communicate within the organisation

What Makes My Approach Different

I examine why organisations struggle, not just whether they comply with governance standards. The work looks at governance alongside leadership structure, decision-making systems, and organisational focus to identify structural causes rather than just surface symptoms.

My background as a charity CEO means I understand how organisations actually function, not just how they should function on paper. I’ve navigated the same challenges my clients face.

Clarity over jargon

Organisational problems are best addressed using clear language

Structural thinking

Many challenges arise from systems rather than individuals

Practical outcomes

Recommendations focus on actions organisations can realistically implement

Honest challenge

Organisations function best when difficult issues can be discussed openly

If you think I can help, then drop me an email or book a free video call

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