OUTCOMES

I offer a specialised service designated and tailored to meet your individual needs. My approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions.

Strategic Purpose

O’Brien Consulting Supporting independent Residential Care & Complex Additional Support Needs Organisations in Scotland. A unique online experience providing organisations with a bespoke analysis and actionable plan that will extend reach and influence. Steps: Build a historical database to embed the organisation's DNA. When I have this in place, the staff and Board will have a common cause, and when we have a common cause, it brings synergy, collective governance, and a corporate understanding of the purpose of the organisation. What is our purpose? What are our core services? What is our legal entity, registration, memberships, etc? Staffing and Board structure, responsibilities, reporting, accountability, etc? Current strengths and weaknesses? Governance and Management of the organisation? Policies, procedures, induction programme, follow-up and feedback? Past analysis, if and what actions to take forward? Is there a business development plan, risk assessment, horizon scanning, financial future proofing, planning, etc? In its current shape, is the organisation sustainable, resilient, viable, relevant, desirable, and if not, what actions will be required to bring about meaningful change in a very fast-changing world?

Professional

Scotland’s independent residential special needs schools provide so much more than education. They are places of care, therapy, and community for children and young people with complex needs, but these schools also face big challenges — rising costs, increasing demand, and the pressures of keeping both staff and children well supported.

It can sometimes feel like the goal is simply to “get through” tough times. But survival alone isn’t enough. What really matters is learning how to grow through challenges — and that’s where transformative resilience comes in.

What Does Transformative Resilience Mean?

Resilience is often described as “bouncing back” after difficulties. Transformative resilience goes a step further: it’s about bouncing forward — using challenges as opportunities to become stronger, more creative, and more sustainable.

How can Organisations  Harness Resilience for Growth

  1. Adaptability – finding new ways to meet the organisation's diverse needs, from outdoor learning to digital tools.

  2. Innovation – turning pressures into new ideas, such as eco-projects that save money and give children hands-on experiences.

  3. Supporting Staff – ensuring teachers and carers have the training, support, and wellbeing resources they need.

  4. Sustainability – making organisations greener, more efficient, and ready for the future.

Why This Matters

For organisations in the sector, resilience and sustainability mean more than strong organisations — they mean better learning, care, and opportunities to thrive. For local authorities, they need reassurance that their placements are not just coping, but thriving.

Business

 O’Brien Consultancy provides a specialist consultancy service to independent residential care providers and organisations delivering complex support for individuals with additional needs, including autism, across Scotland. I combine sector expertise with innovative online solutions to ensure providers can access high-level support in a cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable way.

My Mission is to strengthen and empower organisations working within the care and education sectors, enabling them to deliver excellence, compliance, and measurable impact for the children, young people, and adults they support. My Vision - A Scotland where all independent care and education providers have the capacity, influence, and resilience to deliver inclusive, high-quality provision for individuals with complex needs. What I Offer • Strategic Consultancy – Supporting governance, leadership, and long-term planning. • Regulatory Guidance – Ensuring compliance with Scottish frameworks and inspection standards. • Operational Efficiency – Streamlining systems and reducing costs through innovative online engagement. • Capacity Building – Developing staff expertise, organisational resilience, and sector influence. • Sector Insight – Providing up-to-date knowledge of policy, best practice, and sector trends. Why Choose Us • Unique Online Model: Access consultancy without the barriers of travel or unnecessary expense. • Specialist Expertise: In-depth understanding of residential care and complex additional support needs provision. • Proven Value: Tailored support designed to deliver long-term results for organisations and the communities they serve.