PiPA Parents and Carers in Performing Arts

Client Background

PiPA’s vision is for a performing arts sector where parents and carers of all backgrounds are able to fully contribute their skills and expertise, and which is a role model for others.

Established for over ten years, their work in England is supported through regular funding from Arts Council England. Their primary focus has been to help organisations better support parents and carers among their staff and communities.

Work in Scotland commenced in 2017, and with three years of Creative Scotland targeted funding from 2022 – 2025 they were able to engage with 32 organisations.


The Challenge

PiPA needed to design a future strategy for Scotland that:

• was based on an understanding of the particular situation in Scotland
• was embedded in the performing arts sector in Scotland
• could attract funding from multiple sources
• would be sustainable beyond the period of the plan


My Approach

Using my knowledge of the sector and wide network of contacts in the performing arts, the public sector and funders in Scotland, I took the following steps:

• designed, delivered and analysed the results of a survey with 29 organisations
• set up a Scotland Advisory Group of 11 members with a diverse experience and expertise to inform plan design
• identified and led discussions with a range of strategic partners
• led discussions with leadership at Creative Scotland
• identified and analysed important opportunities in Scotland, including the government’s commitment to the Fair Work Framework


The Solution & Results

I delivered a five-year plan for PiPA in Scotland from 2026 – 2031 with the following features:

• demonstrably evidence based, using survey and in-depth interviews in Scotland
• drawing on PiPA’s UK-wide strategy and experience
• reflecting specific circumstances in Scotland, including the commitment to Fair Work and the challenges faced by parents and carers in the Highlands and Islands
• demonstrating commitment to supporting those facing intersectional challenges
• strategic partnerships agreed with a number of organisations, including Federation of Scottish Theatre and Shetland Arts
• a pathway to support agreed with Creative Scotland
• a funding model combining multiple sources of income and a plan for sustainability


Client Testimonial

We worked with Jim on the first stage of delivering our Scotland strategy focused on embedding our work within the Scottish creative landscape. This stage centred on three priorities: strategic leadership and delivery, developing partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and building a sustainable approach to fundraising.

Jim was instrumental in driving this forward. He connected us with key stakeholders, built strong relationships, and mobilised support around our vision. He ensured we gathered meaningful feedback and insight at every stage which helped secure buy-in and refine our strategic direction. Jim also made sure a diverse range of voices and perspectives were included throughout the process, which was critical to its success.

His strategic thinking, together with his wide knowledge of the creative sector, the Fair Work framework, and policy and practice in Scotland brought a breadth of insight that ensured our work was informed and collaborative. He combined deep understanding with a practical, flexible approach that made collaboration easy, productive and a joy.

Cassie Raine, Anna Ehnold-Danailov
Co-CEO, PiPA