Our Clients and Partners

  David Blackburn sadly left us at the end of July 2024 after a very successful interim assignment as the Executive Director of People. David did a brilliant job in stabilising the People Team, making and implementing the case of integrating EDI into the people set-up, and setting the tone and standard for the contribution the People Team should make at every level including at the Executive team. He was an inspired appointment into this role, and leaves the organisation better for his time with us. 

 In a world where people talk, David R. Blackburn is a man of action. He doesn’t just talk – he supports and delivers.  He’s been a mentor and guide to people I’ve worked with (raising money for charity at the same time) and he’s been immensely supportive of our goals as a not-for-profit organisation.  He gives his time ceaselessly, but over and above that, he brings a genuine passion, concern and deep desire to change and improve things for the better. As a character, he is full of warmth and encouragement. He brings a pace of energy and proactivity with him, which is infectious. I know if I’ve got a meeting with David, I can smile and look forward to it. He’s incredibly motivating and a huge source of inspiration. 

  I have worked with David for 20 years and he always brings so much to the party! He's up to speed on everything people related, and he's always full of energy and pace.  His insight into particular situations and his ability to bring about change shows that he's very wise and a great operator.  David always makes a difference to the situation and that is why I love working with him.

 Working with David R. Blackburn has been one of the highlights of my career. The breadth of his expertise and his generosity in sharing his knowledge means through every single one of our interactions I take away something either practical, thought-provoking, inspirational...and so often it is all three! David's unique style to me blends courage, strategy and care - the very best qualities we so desperately need within every organisation in leaders as the world of work continues to evolve and we navigate the seas of change and challenge. It is such a joy to work with him. 

  I’ve had the pleasure of working with David R. Blackburn on numerous occasions and each time it’s a joy. It’s not just his expertise that sets him apart, he’s a true partner, and is extraordinarily generous with his time and support. Once you work with David, he becomes your cheerleader! It’s rare but a testament to the quality of his approach, values and dedication to his clients and wider network. 

 We have had the utter privilege of working with David R. Blackburn since 2019.  David has been a charismatic member of our advisory board, helping us to shape the leading HR conference for HRD’s and Chief People Officers since the launch.  With his guidance we have built a reputation for being one of the few events that delivers genuine thought leadership year after year, and the sessions and theatre’s that David runs himself are continually standing room only.  David is unrivalled in his knowledge and experience in building organisations where people thrive.  And he is one of the few HR Leaders that has tackled every EDI topic, and done so successfully, with the data to prove it.  A real change maker, David is empathetic and considerate and unwavering in his willingness to be the voice of the people who aren’t usually heard.