Sally M Heard
A place-based community development specialist I have been raising awareness and driving the social enterprise sector for more than 20 years.
I am the founding Director and CEO of Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) Community Interest Company (CIC) and in June 2021 I was appointed SSE’s national Director of Development and External Affairs. A multi-faceted role, working across the organisation providing strategic leadership, strengthening the organisations market position, driving business growth, securing income and enhancing impact.
In summer 2024, I made the decision to move away from my Senior Leadership Team role to make a return to my love of community development, connecting and convening using my experience and skills and seeing the difference my work is making to peoples and communities’ social and economic wellbeing.
I have a strong record of building and maintaining relationships at the highest level across the public, private and voluntary sector, taking a lead role, creating partnerships and collaborations to strengthen reach and influence, locally, nationally, and internationally.
My working style is inclusive and engaging; I have an ability to develop relationships and trust with relative ease and I look forward to working with you to help you develop your personal confidence and capacity while simultaneously supporting you to set organisational strategy and enable you and your trustees realise the aims and ambitions of your organisation.
Change management, Coaching and mentoring, Fundraising and income generation, Strategic planning
Community development, Infrastructure organisations, Rural, Social enterprise, Women
Clients
Social Entrepreneurs
supporting start-up’s build their confidence, capacity, knowledge, expertise and networks
supporting scale-up’s develop strategic plans, build stronger collaborations & networks and secure investment
Local government, senior team members and counsellors – portfolio holders
National Government – Senior Civil Servants, MPs and Government Departments
Private Sector – corporate investors
Trusts and Foundations
Qualifications
• 2024 – Leadership & Management Development Programme
• 2023 – University of Exeter – Circular Economy Masterclass
• 2017 – Action Learning Set Facilitator
• 2015 – Future Skills Directors Programme
• 2011- 2012 SE-UK Senior Leadership Programme
• 2008 – 2009 Common Purpose Graduate
• 1995 – 1999 University of Exeter – BA (hons) 2:1 Community and International Development
2019 – I was awarded Cornwall Ambassador of the Year
Experience
Oct 2024 – present
Sally Heard & Associates
Social Entrepreneur & place based development specialist with a particular interest in the rural economy
June 2021 – Sept 2024
School for Social Entrepreneurs
Director of Development & External Affairs
June 2012 – Sept 2024
CEO & Co -founder
Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs CIC
June 2009 – June 2012
Development Manager
Cornwall Development Company
