I approach organisational development with a focus on capacity-building and inclusion rather than centralisation. My experience and training in facilitating consensus decision-making enables me to include different voices in a creative and constructive process. Nurturing a wider network of people to build their capacity, particularly in a voluntary setting, means allowing others to make their own mistakes and set direction, whilst being there as ‘backstop’ to pick up the pieces if and when required. It also involves designing projects so that there are tasks available at a variety of levels of skill and capacity, and the potential to gradually become more deeply involved. A movement relies on many people being involved and participating in ways that are meaningful and accessible to them, whatever their circumstances.
“[A] core goal of public policy should be to facilitate the development of institutions that bring out the best in humans”
Elinor and Vincent Ostrom, 2014
Current projects
Zero West
A regional initiative to accelerate the transition to a zero carbon society in the West of England.
- Co-ordinating the steering group – setting up healthy group culture, developing agendas, follow-up and backstop of tasks
- Building capacity in analysis of regional renewable energy technical potential working with Tom Stedall of SpiralEdge
“Emilia has been absolutely central to the Development of Zero West. As one of her fellow directors I’ve found her commitment and drive invaluable. Her openness to others’ ideas and her ability to facilitate groups and enable positive outcomes have been both crucial and impressive.”
Bob Langton
Past projects
Bristol Energy Co-operative
Founding director
- Initial organisational setup including formal governance and team working practices
- Development of first set of solar PV rooftop projects including negotiating roof lease agreements, developing relationships with building owners/managers, roof surveys
- First share offer, including organising share offer launch, collaborating with other team members on financial model and share offer documents.
- Mentor in youth community energy catalysts project
“As the original Chair of the board of the Energy Coop, Emilia forged an enthusiastic but inexperienced group of volunteers into an effective team, forming the nucleus for what has become a £10M community-owned business. Her commitment to basic principles of democracy and equity is inspirational, while her clarity and focus keep discussions to the point and projects on track.”
Peter Thompson, Bristol Energy Co-operative chair
CUSU Green
Development of Cambridge University Students Union Green Officer as a joint role, to build capacity, supporting college green officers to implement their ideas and university-wide campaigns through a forum which put them at the centre of decision-making.
Cambridge University living laboratory
Initial advocacy for the development of a living laboratory initiative in the University of Cambridge, inspired by the approach taken in the University of North Carolina. This led to funded development work based in the University Estates office, sponsored by Santander. The Living Laboratory is now an ongoing successful project.
Emilia Melville 