When I took over as the CEO of University Alliance in 2019, it was clear that the organisation needed a new and refocussed strategy to reset the direction of travel for the organisation and for its member universities. The first person I called was Ian Robinson.
Having worked with Ian at UK Sport on the Rio Olympic/Paralympic Cycle Strategy with the world’s most compelling BHAG to be the first nation ever to win more Medals post-hosting, I knew we would be in competent hands.
Ian’s ability to jump into new worlds and sectors and quickly assimilate the necessary information is impressive. Ian is able to focus minds and create the necessary building blocks of an organisational strategy with multiple and complex stakeholders to create something that is compelling, works, is easily understood and helps organisations deliver.
Our 2019 strategy helped us as an organisation rebuild, refocus and deliver. Ian brings with him a wealth of industry and sector knowledge and skills from advanced manufacturing, elite sport and higher education to name but a few. I would not hesitate to work with Ian again and again.
Vanessa Wilson, CEO, University Alliance.
(A higher education mission group representing large and leading professional and technical universities across the UK)
"I have had the pleasure of working with Ian Robinson for over 15 years across several organisations.
Ian introduced a clear and simple way of planning and delivering player development and elite team performance strategy to multiple sports including England Cricket, British Tennis and the British Olympic / Paralympic system led by UK Sport.
Ian combines a unique knowledge of strategic planning and operational delivery with expert facilitation skills. This enables him to connect with a diverse range of business executives, elite sport leaders, top coaches, scientists and medics.
Ian is excellent at helping teams to reach consensus and establish clear strategic direction. He adeptly helps leadership to engage their people in operational delivery to drive strategy into consistent action. Ian possesses the emotional intelligence required to quickly tune into an organisation’s culture, build rapport, energise groups and establish confidence in the plans developed.
I have no doubt that Ian’s support has played a significant role in the success of the teams I’ve been part of over the last 15 years in high-performance sport. Therefore, I would wholeheartedly recommend Ian to anyone looking to develop and drive forward their plans."
Simon Timson,
Performance Director, City Football Group,
former Head of Pathway, England Cricket and Performance Director, British Tennis, British Skeleton & UK Sport.
“I worked with Ian for 5 years in my role as CEO at UK Sport when Ian led our strategy and operational excellence team.
Ian’s work was instrumental in developing the UK Sport 10-year strategy launched in 2021 that is the driver for everything UK Sport does in leading high performance sport to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments.
Ian has a genuine love of strategic planning and possesses a great toolbox of skills to help teams develop strategy at either organisation, department or team level.
The combination of his experience in sport and other industries allows him to bring objectivity underpinned by understanding of how our elite sport performance world works.
He is a great relationship builder and is able to easily drop into unknown teams to add value quickly.”
Sally Munday OBE, Chief Executive, UK Sport.
"I met Ian just a few days into my new role as Head of Participation at Cricket Wales, where I was tasked with leading strategy development for the organisation. From our very first discovery meeting, Ian put me at ease by asking the right questions to understand the support I needed for the project.
His can do approach, leadership qualities, and genuine desire to support me were remarkable. Ian not only helped deliver on our objectives but also took the time to help me grow as a leader throughout the 12 months of development. Even now, he remains available to answer queries, offer guidance, or provide general support. I know I can rely on him for honest, professional advice.
Ian has an exceptional ability to recognise when I might be losing focus and always knows how to bring me back on track while keeping the task at hand clear. His knowledge and support are invaluable, and I would not consider working with anyone else for this type of work. People buy into people before they buy a product, and Ian is one of those rare individuals who inspires trust and confidence effortlessly.
He is always calm, which brings out the best in those around him. His expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and leadership is something you simply cannot buy. Over time, I have come to consider Ian not only a trusted professional colleague but also a friend, someone who will always be there to offer guidance and support.
Mark White, Head of Participation,
Cricket Wales / Criced Cymru
"I first worked with Ian over a decade ago when I was Chief Executive of the English Institute of Sport (now the UK Sports Institute).
Ian helped me and the senior team develop a long term strategy which enabled us to collaborate effectively with our multiple stakeholders, which in turn resulted in the organization contributing to Team GB’s and Paralympic GB’s successes in the Games held in Rio and Tokyo.
Ian is a master of his art, as his relaxed but purposeful style encourages teams to explore what really matters in their business and to develop strategies for maximum impact.
I have no hesitation in recommending him to those organisations looking to come together to build plans to move their organisation forward."
Nigel Walker OBE,
former CEO, English Institute of Sport.
"It has been an absolute pleasure working with Ian, whose support has been instrumental both in shaping our strategic development and in strengthening our relationships with key partners.
Ian brings a calm, patient, and approachable manner that immediately builds trust and encourages open, productive dialogue. His skill in mediation and ability to create the right environment for collaboration have been invaluable in helping us move forward collectively and confidently.
He is solution-focused and consistently aligned with our organisational values of Together, Lead and Care. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry make him an extremely credible and respected voice in every discussion.
Feedback from all our colleagues has been outstanding, a testament to his professionalism, empathy, and ability to bring out the best in those he works with. We are incredibly grateful for his contribution and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to any organisation seeking expert guidance, relationship building, and strategic clarity."
Barry Cawte, CEO,
Cricket Wales / Criced Cymru
“Ian helped lead a group of senior stakeholders in a strategy and prioritisation review.
His professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm came out throughout, enabling very positive outcomes to be achieved.
He was able to build trust quickly enabling him to challenge appropriately and ensure the difficult conversations took place.
His energy really made the whole experience very positive!”
Tim Cornell
Hospital Director – Manchester, Nuffield Health /
Manchester Institute of Health and Performance.
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