Kate Ling

• Lead organisational strategy design and delivery, working closely with senior stakeholders to drive alignment and execution.
• Established charity-wide portfolio and programme management, including resource planning and benefits management.
• Set up and lead Portfolio Management Office (PMO), operating as Portfolio Manager and embedding best practice.
• Designed and maintain robust, compliant strategy and risk governance, enabling effective oversight and decision-making.
• Founded and developed high-performing team of project management, improvement, and risk specialists, driving continuous improvement and performance excellence.
• Work extensively with Board of Trustees and Executive team to shape and deliver strategy, including designing and facilitating strategic workshops, leading governance forums, and resolving complex issues.
• Hold overall responsibility for organisational risk management, including business continuity planning, assurance, and internal audit.
• Member of Senior Leadership Team, supporting Executive team in effective leadership and operation of charity.

Achievements:

• Centralised data functions to improve efficiency and enhance reporting quality.
• Developed the charity's first data strategy to align with organisational goals.
• Introduced strategic key performance indicators to track progress and drive decision-making.
• Led the transition from MS Excel to MS Power BI for improved data analysis and reporting.
• Collaborated with teams to establish effective data collection methodologies.

Achievements:

• Collaborated with Director to develop charity’s 10-year Theory of Change, providing clear, long-term strategic framework.
• Led design of evaluation and measurement approaches for Theory of Change, securing organisation-wide engagement and Board approval.
• Introduced innovation principles and service design methodologies to strengthen programme development and delivery.
• Developed strategic-level metrics, achieving full independent assurance and strengthening charity impact measurement.
• Rebuilt and led Service Delivery Data and Insights function, initiating adoption of business intelligence and data visualisation tools.
• Championed the use of data-driven insight to inform decision-making and optimise resource allocation across organisation.

Achievements:

• Designed and implemented charity’s first tailored project management framework, including guidance, training, and engagement activities.
• Led work positioning Blue Cross as first charity to achieve Association for Project Management (APM) accreditation, setting sector precedent.
• Led strategic initiative to deliver veterinary services through private practice partners, opening first clinic within three months of business case approval, on time and within budget; designed scalable blueprint for future clinics.
• Supported delivery of 10-year service transformation programme, responsible for programme management documentation, stakeholder communications, and performance reporting.
• Led project to consolidate veterinary practices onto single practice management system, aligning data and delivering successfully on time and within budget.
• Led multiple projects transitioning operations to new Rehoming sites, ensuring minimal disruption and sustained performance.
• Member of Senior Leadership Team within Service Delivery, contributing to strategic decision-making and operational leadership.

• Assistant management of Burford horse rehoming centre - circa. 80 horses, 20 staff plus volunteers, £1.5m budget.
• Responsible for financial management, press spokesperson, customer facing rehoming and fundraising activity.
• Managed appearance of centre at Badminton Horse Trials as charity of the year, including press spokesperson.

• Managed production of all materials for brand agency.
• Worked closely with suppliers to secure competitive costs, timely and good quality production including press pass and inspection.
• Interpreted Account Management team requirements into detailed specifications.
• Managed network of freelance suppliers, such as designers, illustrators, digital developers.
• Managed work across creative resource to ensure maximum billable hours and good quality work was delivered on time.

• Managed client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact to ensure satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Coordinated with internal teams to develop and execute tailored marketing plans and deliverables that align with client goals.
• Oversaw project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring projects were completed on time and within scope.
• Provided regular performance reports and insights to clients, optimising campaigns for better results.
• Supported business development efforts, contributing to new client acquisition and upselling opportunities.

Studied whilst working.

Art & Design, Psychology and Physical Education - C, C, E.

10 GCSE's including Maths and English - A* - C.