Experience

I am a consultant, trainer, Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution accredited mediator and a non-practising solicitor. I was formerly head of governance and trustee services at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and have worked extensively with third sector organisations nationally and internationally.

Highlights
  • I run a boutique service that provides leadership and governance development, facilitation, coaching, mentoring, bridge building and podcasting. My podcast, Tesse Talks, is a humorous expression of insight, knowledge, foresight and wisdom Tesse Talks brings management and governance perspectives to life through personal and professional lenses. Listen at tesseakpeki.com/tessetalks.
  • I developed a virtual network, the Wellbeing and Resilience network, which encourages collaboration, connection, cooperation and the delivery of services to individuals and organisations who need them. My coaching series, Tesse Leads, is a safe, sensitive and supportive place and space to share, hear and tell your stories and experiences. Get advice from top experts at tesseakpeki.com/tesseleads/.
  • I have served as an independent chair to the assessment panel at Royal College of Midwives.
  • I have chaired the behavioural summit of ICSA, Governance Institute.
  • I’ve undertaken a governance review for the Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • I have undertaken a governance effectiveness review for the British Council.
  • I’ve partnered with the Institute of Risk Management to undertake a governance review.
  • I’ve facilitated a strategic away day for the Church Urban Fund.
  • I’ve facilitated an ACEVO Leadership session on diversity.
  • I contributed to the template for the assessment of board performance against the Charity Governance Code.
  • I co-designed a compassionate accountability framework that was adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
  • I am a judge for the Charity Governance Awards organised by Clothworkers’ company.
  • I was shortlisted as Governance Champion 2021 for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland by the Chartered Governance Institute.
  • I published a chapter entitled Emotional Governance in Robust, Resilient and Ready (Wild Search) (www.wildsearch.org) in 2021.
  • I was spotlighted by Chartered Governance Institute on International Women’s Day 2022.