Building and sustaining relationships is the bedrock of Citadel’s work over the last 20 years. We support and learn from clients, provide insights and gain trust.
A prime example is our work with Brook, a charity that “believes in a society where everyone is supported to live healthy lives, free from inequality and strengthened by fulfilling relationships.”
Brook is best known for its services and advocacy for sexual health and, more recently, young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Its work in schools is valued greatly for relationships and sex education, in both personal and social development and the challenges many young people face from
misogyny and consent, to identity, self esteem, physical and mental health.
We take wider lessons from Brook and its principles for healthy relationships, applied to Citadel’s day to day, year on year work: “like all relationships, this relies on good communication, especially over the long run.”
The first principle is “be kind”. This works two-ways through honest and open communication, not hiding from deadlines nor over-promising or overloading on requests or demands. Rather responsive to needs, sensitive to workload and capacity, and flexible to accommodate daily pressures.
That same kind and honest approach helps “build trust” as the second guiding principle for strong relationships with the client and as consultants. Giving clear advice that is sometimes tough to hear, and going the extra mile to deliver projects and reports which truly add value to clients’ work.
That same trust applies to our work with politicians, always transparent and never overreaching, providing counsel and managing expectations along the way.
Which leads us to the third principle of healthy relationships, to “spend time together and apart”. This means knowing when to step back and when to offer support, not building-in time unnecessarily nor creating dependency; instead helping build capacity and guidance for client teams to deliver over time.
Some clients need more time together than others, and it can change over time. Just be ready with advice and stay on top of their interests throughout (not just when you’re on-the-clock).
Likewise, working with politicians, it’s important to “keep friends around you” and not drop them when a new relationship starts in the electoral cycle.
Be kind, build trust and the collective impact of charities, politicians and supporters can together help secure the best possible start in life for all our children and young people.
2025 is Citadel’s 20th anniversary year:
“It’s always a pleasure to work with Citadel and you have incredible impact across the charity sector. Here’s to plans in 2025!”
Helen Marshall, CEO, Brook
Citadel 