Incisive, informed and pragmatic CPD
from a respected colleague.
Astute, perceptive and creative
approaches applied with finesse.
Questions and practical advice
crafted with warmth.
(The site is currently being updated)
My thinking
Working in public services, the community, within charities and in business I've developed a huge respect for colleagues working at potential, day after day. This respect led to a simple truth - listening carefully to these experts, on the ground, opens up a rich vein of wisdom. We can harness this for success. Learning this led me to a leadership forged on working alongside individuals and teams.
Reflecting on my 50 year career, our best work was always about developing a culture of professional interdependence, encouraging self-belief and the determination to take positive action. Leading in this way is more consensual and less authotitarian. It's means relying on quality assurance and believing in professional learning, in ways that inform, even convert, those who prefer quality control, audit and regulatory processes. Validated self-evaluation is effective, efficient and proven in detailed research. Yes, I am confident that success follows when, we trust the best of our colleagues and support them when they say, "Looking at what we do with a view to doing it better, is part of our work and life. Let us show you what we can do".
I began my career in 1970 teaching English, in Comprehensive Schools. Progressing through to Senior Leadership, Advisory work, I became Deputy Chief Inspector for Nottinghamshire Local Authority in 1993. I chose to go freelance in 1998, rejecting involvement in the Ofsted approach to improvement. Initial roles included: Executive Headships in schools requiring support (I refuse to label them "failing"); Lead Facilitator & Consultant Evaluator with the National College for Teaching & Leadership; Regional Curriculum Adviser for the DfE. Quickly, my work widened encompassing: Business Leadership in Restoration Consultancy; Publishing and Mentoring over 1,500 start-up consultancies & businesses around the UK. Extensive work in the Community and with Charities, broadened my voiew of leadership. I've authored materials and articles on a range of subjects around leadership, evaluation, well-being and success, see MATERIALS and published two books: "The Evaluation of Pastoral Care & PSHE" and a poetry book "Desire Lines". I am especially proud of The iAbacus self-evaluation and planning tool because creating it captured so much of what I've written about above. We now know iAbacus helps makes people and organisations successful.
The iAbacus and my partnership with Dan O'Brien was the logical culmination of all I've worked on. We created a sophisticated software version of my iAbacus Model in 2012. We were BETT Finalist in 2014 and are now working, successfully, in schools across the UK and countries around the world. We have been developing wider applications for iAbacus and so, in 2021, we will be launching into: Business&Enterprise; Health&SocialCare; Sport&Lifestyle; alongside Education&Training.
I'll always make time to meet, correspond and collaborate with people whio have a passion to make a positive difference to our lives and work.
If you'd like to collaborate, or find out more click here
I'm a proud Chair of Kenyan Education Support charity KES. It's great to provide scholarships to gifted, disadvantaged Kenyan youngsters who would otherwise have little, or no, education. Our 100 scholars, many now at University, are already making a positive difference to our world.
I was very pleased to be elected Chair of Governors at Ripley Infant School in 2018. It's such a caring and effectrtive school.
I'm very excited in my new role as Improvement Partner with Sherwood Hospitals NHS Trust.
A fine life-balance includes a growing family, writing, blacksmithing, music and climbing high mountains, preferably covered in snow.
Career 1970-2013 John Pearce CV
Put simply, he is an inspiration. Always an innovator, John's work is the product of deep thinking and is anchored in what he knows motivates people. I have so often seen the long lasting impact when he works with groups and individuals alike. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him without reservation
Philip Holmes, Director, BCEM Ltd
He is wise and he wants you to be wise too. It sounds dramatic but he changed my life by helping me regain the courage and self-belief which had been temporarily been taken from me.
Secondary Head Teacher (wishes to remain anonymous)
Your role is vital - you are the trusted face and the professional glue. Don't underestimate the effect of how you model professional conduct and integrity. You do walk the talk and ask the tough questions of everyone, including yourself.
Mike West Inspector of Special Measures School
I was at your session – you were incredibly inspiring – so much that it somewhat 'changed my life'. So I guess it's a big thank you to you for being one of those realistic, down to earth and interesting guys that education seems to lack these days!
Stuart Spendlow Teacher
I heard John speak – he was witty, articulate knowledgeable and inclusive. He was a big hit - thought provoking while remaining respectful of the experience of his audience. John will stretch you and make you think about things more deeply than you may have before. Not only that, he's a thorough good man!
Mark Grant Business & Leadership Coach.
He has a special way of bringing clarity and common sense to any task or challenge, which, combined with his wicked sense of humour endear him to colleagues at any level. He is demanding and authoritative but genuinely perceptive, supportive and caring.
Maggie Morland - Artist at Maggie Morland Arts
John is extraordinarily energetic and creative, with a capacity to pull together disparate ideas in a way that is readily accessible. He has been a pleasure to work with bringing warmth and profound sense of values and purpose into everything he has done with us
Kevin Ford Chief Executive FPM
I worked with John and he was fantastic, he really helped me realise my potential and believe in my new business venture. After working with him I feel clear about what I need to do next and how to do it. Really hope to work together again in the future.
Diane Stubbs Business Woman and winner of local "Dragon's Den"
I've been privileged to work with John and have been impressed with his total engagement and commitment to his clients. John possesses that rare quality of truly respecting and valuing people. 'People Matter' to John Pearce and he ensures that their needs comes first.
Alan Wayment, Director, VISION
Of all the days I have delivered for the National College, the ones I have facilitated with John shine out like beacons in my memory. They are the ones from which I have learned and they are the ones from which the participants have continued to contact me, as a serving head to follow up issues which began as discussion on the day.
Jill Boyle Head teacher and National College Facilitator
John's Twitter
A caller rings the #Whitehouse, "Can I speak to #President #Trump?" Reception says, "He's no longer President" the… https://t.co/V0W3xKE3Rn
It's Rubbish Collection Day - on our street and in the #US! More importantly we're expecting a very special, impor… https://t.co/RGs3Mx0P8c
RT @Paulwiltshire: Beyond ridiculous that this sort of divine right nonsense should be happening in the 21st century BBC News - Trump pard…
The Consultants' Oath - my ethics and values
The moral purpose & ethics driving my work.
The iAbacus
Created with Dan O'Brien
Our Charity: The Kenyan Education Support Trust
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The Consultants' Oath
Copyright (c) John S Pearce Consultancy 2016 - All Rights Reserved.