Dr Norma Barry has been Managing Director of InsideOut: Organisational Solutions since November 2009. She has a Ph.D in Leadership and Change Management and an MBA from Cardiff Business School. Norma is a trained facilitator and coach, a qualified PRINCE 2 Project Management practitioner and accredited to undertake Facet 5 psychometric testing. As a former Welsh Government Senior Civil Servant, Norma has had extensive public sector experience in a range of policy areas, working mainly at the private/public sector interface. She has wide expertise in a number of functions such as transformational change; strategy development and implementation; project management; organisational design; leadership development; press and public relations; and stakeholder management. Norma is particularly skilled at identifying and resolving organisational problems. In addition to running her company, Norma is a member of the Food Standard Agency’s Welsh Advisory Committee and the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Industry Board. She is also a panel member for the Care Council for Wales, a Member of Welsh Water and chairs a Housing Association board in a voluntary capacity. In addition, Norma has published books on the subject of successful people management, which are available worldwide.
Endorsements: IOOS has carried out in-depth and extensive evaluations of Cardiff Metropolitan University’s European funded 20Twenty Leadership Programme. We were extremely pleased with the way the evaluations were carried out. Norma was tenacious in undertaking the survey work to ensure a robust, representative sample and worked closely with the team throughout the assignment. Her final reports were thorough and highly professional in their presentation. I would certainly be prepared to consider IOOS for similar work in the future. Professor Brian Morgan, Cardiff Metropolitan University We have been enormously pleased with the work carried out by IOOS in evaluating our Transitions Cymru project and perhaps more importantly, so are the National Lottery.
Richard Wong, St Loye’s Foundation
Norma Barry of IOOS has undertaken consultancy work in relation to governance for me in two capacities. First, as Chair of Welsh Women’s Aid I appointed her company, in competition with others, to undertake a thorough review of the organisation’s leadership and management, and to present the Board with proposals for effective governance of the organisation. Second, as Chief Executive of Calan DVS I approached Norma to work with the senior management team to develop a strategic framework that would enable the Board to provide the staff with strategic direction and a tool for monitoring implementation of key activities linked to the organisation’s overall vision and mission.
I was impressed with the energy and commitment Norma brought to both tasks, as well as her ability to engage well with staff and stakeholders. She is thorough and professional, and has excellent strategic analysis skills. Her insight into national policy development was much valued together with her advice and recommendations for the strategic development of both organisations. Norma has significant skills and experience in a range of policy areas which she applies to good effect. I would have no hesitation in commissioning her company again at some time in the future.
Rhian Bowen-Davies, Special Adviser to the Welsh Government on Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women
Norma worked with UKELA for over two years as a consultant supporting our Wales Working Party. In that time, Norma worked closely with senior colleagues and key organisations in Wales to raise UKELA’s profile, organise topical events for our members and help our Convenors influence key pieces of environmental legislation. Norma’s network in Wales in this sector is second to none and she uses it professionally to good mutual effect. I would not hesitate to recommend Norma for her commitment and tireless energy in support of her clients.
Linda Farrow, Executive Director UK Environmental Law Association
Norma Barry's contribution to the work of UKELA Wales Working Party has been invaluable. The role of co-ordinator is vital to the success of this group, which operates as a voluntary network of legal practitioners, academics and other public and private organisations with an interest in environmental protection. Norma has been key to the success of this organisation in mobilising the huge resource among the UKELA membership in legal and other expertise in the field. With Norma's help the group has had enormous success in contributing to the development of new planning and environmental legislation in Wales and disseminating information about this to interested professionals. She has also organised a very successful event for university student's wishing to pursue a career in environmental law or a related field.
Dr Victoria Jenkins, Senior Lecturer, College of Law, Swansea University
I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Norma both as a consultant and as a colleague for several years. I have been impressed with her ability to quickly grasp complex issues and her strategic thinking coupled with a strong practical focus on improved performance. Norma has a strong work ethic and is an excellent person to have in one’s team in any capacity.
Ruth Chambers, Policy and Advocacy Consultant/Interim Manager