Melissa Upjohn's Linkedin Analytics

I have embraced the concept of a 'squiggly' career, achieving management positions in both international corporate financial risk management and international applied animal welfare research, while acquiring several professional qualifications en route. Now that I have stepped away from a senior employed role in a large charitable organisation, I undertake freelance/project based roles which apply the wide range of skills and experience I have gained over the course of my career. I am passionate about supporting purpose-led organisations to define and achieve their pathway to addressing stakeholders' needs, optimising use of funds to maximise impact. My combination of skills and experience in corporate financial risk management, consultancy, veterinary clinical services, applied animal welfare research and non-profit organisation management enable me to apply a unique lens to organizational systems thinking at board level. This approach enables me to help you and your senior team to identify key stakeholders and evidence required to inform your strategy, to think about how best to fill any gaps in your evidence base and how to demonstrate your impact. I was previously a member of the board of trustees for a regional charity working with socially disadvantaged and marginalised peri-urban communities affected by low educational achievement, high rates of NEET, mental health issues and problem substance use. These communities have a tradition of horse ownership but often struggle to access services to support these animals' welfare. The charity builds community capacity to care for their animals and facilitates access to appropriate services when required. I am a member of the board of trustees for a charity which supports cats, dogs and resource limited communities in London and selected international locations. The charity aims to maximise animal welfare and underpin the human-animal bond which is so beneficial to both sides of the partnership. I act in an advisory capacity for a veterinary membership organisation and for a veterinary research funding body. I mentor early-mid career animal welfare professionals and students,helping to unlock potential for fulfilling and stimulating careers. In my spare time I enable my 'pre-owned' dogs to enjoy the great outdoors and I attempt to tame an unruly garden. When it's too cold or too dark to be outside, I practise pilates and yoga, aiming to stay strong and flexible and to kid myself that I'm younger than my passport tells me I am. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Melissa-Upjohn