Christopher J Sissons

Personal Profile
Following over 30 years’ experience in community development including 8 years as a manager responsible for resourcing local projects for the British Methodist Church, I am re-training as a professional website consultant.  My plan is to develop a business supporting third sector organisations in development of a sustainable online presence. 

I.T. Skills and Knowledge

I am currently studying by self-funded, distance learning

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Photoshop CS5 with Computeach International Limited.

• Ben Hunt’s Pro Web Design Course (covers use of websites for direct marketing)

Qualifications

• CIW 520 Web Design Specialist, Computeach International Limited - 2013
• 9AO-146 Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Dreamweaver CS5, Computeach International Limited - 2012
• CIW Web Foundations Associate, Computeach International Limited - 2012

Software Packages: Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, learning Photoshop          

Skills and Experience Summary

Strategic Management
Non-directive consultancy
Online Marketing including keyword research, seo and conversion optimisation
Business Planning
Project and Business Development
Local regeneration strategies, models and options
Community Development
Participatory Appraisal, Open Space Technology and other participatory approaches
Local Ecumenism

Career to Date

Freelance Community Web Consultant – Self-employed - 2012-date

Project Officer – Endcliffe Methodist Church - 2011-2012

• Researched and wrote business plans for a centre for creativity and spirituality, introducing a local economy dimension to the project, and for an adjoining coffee shop.
• Developed a funding strategy for a £1.2 million property scheme.

Development Officer – The Methodist Church of Great Britain -2003-2011

• One of three managers in the Methodist Church’s Manchester office, sharing responsibility for a team of 20 people.
• Managed £1.5 million per annum grant aid for the work of local Methodist Churches.
• Developed materials to support churches reviewing their community work and to enhance their planning and management of community projects.

Community Planning Officer – Rotherham Borough Council -2000-2003

• Developed Rotherham’s first community Plan, using participative approaches in Maltby, which became a model for other plans in the borough, and was largely implemented by local people using objective 4b funding.

Community Regeneration Officer – Northern Counties Housing Association – 1999-2000

• Marketed Springwell Gardens, Rotherham, a new estate to potential tenants
• Developmental support to new residents on Springwell Gardens

Community Economic Development Worker – Industrial Mission in South Yorkshire 1992-1998

• Planned and established Attercliffe and Darnall Community Enterprises to support community businesses and enterprises, using high standards of project management.
• Developed Darnall JobLink from a modest door-knocking campaign, aiming to connect people with services, to a significant service with around a dozen staff in several neighbourhoods.

Education and Qualifications

• Postgraduate Diploma in Consultancy, Mission and Ministry: Sheffield University -2004
• NVQ D32/D33 Assessor Award, Assessment Centre for Voluntary Organisations -2002
• Strategic Management NVQ Level 5 Competence at Work – 1998-1999
• Master of Theology in applied Theology: Distinction: University of Oxford -1997
• Adult Teachers’ Certificate, City and Guilds 730, Redcar College - 1989
• PhD (CNAA) Biological Treatment of Coke Oven Effluent –Sunderland Polytechnic-1981
• Master of Science in Computer Science: University of  Newcastle upon Tyne -1977
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology: 2.1 (Hons): University of York -1975

Hobbies and Interests
I have participated in voluntary work over the years, primarily supporting community initiatives in Burngreave ward, Sheffield.  Currently, I am a Trustee for Rainbow’s End, a community based charity shop and director of Learn to Recreate, a social enterprise providing training in textile and needlecraft.  I am treasurer for Churches Together in Broomhill and Broomhall, supporting staff for a service for elderly.  I am membership secretary for Sheffield and Rotherham Green Party. I have been a Methodist Local Preacher for almost 30 years.   I belong to a small group who study theology and community development together.  I enjoy jazz and classical music, gardening and vegetarian cooking.  I have a full clean driving licence