About Laura Crichton  BA Hons  LGSMD (MTh)  LTCL  MInstLM

Beginnings

A native Scot, Laura has lived in Devon since 1990 after working in Canada and London. She originally studied music and psychology and qualified as a music therapist in 1981.  She has over twenty years hands-on experience setting up and running both national and local services for the public and Third sectors.

Previous roles include Operations Manager with Age Concern Enterprises (running Age Concern England's national Information Line), Director of the National Music and Disability Information Service and music adviser with the Disabled Living Foundation. She has experience in managing voluntary services and professional support services in health and social care settings. Her work in information and advice services has given her a wide knowledge of service areas encompassing health and social care, disability, housing, education, the arts and the welfare system.

Laura has particular success in creating and delivering new services, leading teams to provide high quality public services to nationally recognised standards.

Throughout her career she has been involved in training, lecturing, writing and personal/professional development across the UK and Ireland. She was trainer and consultant to Age Concern Espana based in Majorca during the first year of their national InfoLine.

After first being involved in Action Learning in 2005 (a national programme for managers in the Third Sector), she trained as an Action Learning facilitator, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

Laura brings a depth of knowledge, training and experience in personal and professional development which underpins her work. 

Current work

• mentoring for leaders of Social Enterprises in the South West
• In-house training courses for South West Employers
• training courses for voluntary organisations in the South West
• Women MoveOn, a co-facilitated group programme for women facing a change or making positive changes in their lives
• delivering new2management training in the South West. 

Arts

Laura is a classical guitarist, and has given solo, duet, and ensemble concerts in Scotland, London, Cambridge, Lancaster and Devon. The arts in all its forms are a major influence and source of inspiration.