about the company

Kate Cairns Associates (KCA) was established in 2011 to bring together the work of Kate Cairns and a group of experienced practitioners and trainers across the UK. Since that time the organisation has grown, as we have been joined by new associates committed to the same values and driven by the same knowledge and research base.

In the 12 months from October 2019 we have delivered 320 training/consultancy events, reaching over 8,000 participants. Managed from our head office in Gloucestershire, we have 38 associates based throughout the UK. Our small, experienced team has a considerable track record in running effective training programmes, both face-to-face and online, and in responding to the changing needs and priorities of the workforce.

KCA is an IQ Centre for the delivery of vocational qualifications. Our course content is rooted in science-based theory and is written and produced to accreditation standards.

mission and values

Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by changing the practice of those who work with them. We do this by sharing transformative knowledge, encouraging deep reflective practice, and empowering individuals and organisations to make a difference.

We understand that all human beings are both vulnerable and resilient. We work to promote resilience in the individuals and networks supporting the most vulnerable people in our society, so that they in turn can promote the resilience of those with whom they work.

We do all we can to run an ethical business that contributes positively to society and has minimal impact on the environment. We aim to build a fair and profitable business through:

relationships based on trust and co-operation
communication based on transparency and truth
products and services based on reducing the environmental impact of our work

how we ensure quality

Our quality assurance processes are robust, and we take feedback and evaluation seriously, promoting our own learning and working with our associates to develop their skills. After each training event, participants can provide their evaluation online, and we seek structured evaluation from our consultancy customers as each contract is completed.

We want to ensure that:

Every training or consultancy event delivers the agreed outcomes to an excellent standard
Every trainer /consultant meets our presentation standards and brings their experience and knowledge to bear in a way that makes a difference to practice

In addition to seeking and acting on feedback, we sample events for direct observation by our quality assurance team. We use our analysis of participant evaluations and our own quality assurance process to set the agenda for our regular trainer forums. At these events associates develop their own practice as trainers, and work together to update and improve our training materials and other resources.

our staff

Board

Kate Cairns — Training Director
“ After a lifetime working with vulnerable children and their families, I find joy in sharing ideas with others who are taking such work forward. Our associates take the work of researchers and theorists from around the world and make it useful for everyday life and work.”
David Robinson — Business Development Director
“ I have worked in this sector for five years and it's a real buzz for me to be involved in helping practitioners support some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Outside work I am kept busy by my family and also enjoy walking my dog, cooking and going to gigs.”
Email: david@kca.training
Tel: 01453 488402
Jonathan Rallings — Chair (non-executive)
“ I'm driven by making connections with and between people to share ideas and experience, in work and in life. I’m involved with KCA because I believe our knowledge and training can make a real difference on the ground for some of the most vulnerable children and families across the country.”
Sally Poskett — Delivery & Quality Director
“ In my work I constantly ask the question 'Will this make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable people?' If the answer is yes, then the task is worth doing. I have little time for tick-box learning, as I believe that people learn best when they are inspired, interested and motivated.”
Tom Cairns — Systems & Finance Director
“ As the team would confirm, I am never happier than when head down in programming, spreadsheets or statistics. At the same time, I love knowing that - through the amazing work of our associates, writers and partners in front-line services - what I do has real social value.”

Business development

Daniel Cairns — Business Development Manager
“ Having grown up in care, I am passionate about the provision of stable, loving environments for vulnerable children, and I recognise that equipping the children's workforce with the right skills and knowledge is a route to achieving this.”
Email: daniel@kca.training
Tel: 01332 650655

Head office staff

Brian Cairns — Associate Manager
Awaiting description
Chris Stanway — Qualifications & Standards Manager
“ As an Inclusion Manager, SENCO and deputy head, I spent years working with young people experiencing challenges, and seeing how caring, well-informed, human support made all the difference. AT KCA, I am trying to help as many settings as possible make all the positive difference they can.”
Jude Stockwell — Customer Service Lead
“ Having a background in both IT and administration, I am pleased to be able to bring these skills to a company like KCA, where the work I do will help to make a difference in people's lives. Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, watching films and crochet.”
Louise Rodgers-Vorster — Junior Developer / IT Support
Awaiting description
Lydia McIlroy — Office Manager
“ I'm very pleased to have joined KCA, and to have the opportunity to work directly with our clients and support our training events. Being part of KCA's work to help vulnerable people makes me feel I am putting my recent Health and Social Care A-level into practice.”
Rachel Burgess — Finance Officer / Administrator
“ In my previous role as Finance Officer at my local Children's Centre, I participated in a Five to Thrive training course and experienced the motivating approach of KCA. I feel privileged to be working in an organisation that is passionate about making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. ”