About me

My name is Sandra Velthuis and I manage Whitebarn Consulting.

I am originally from the Netherlands, but have lived in England, Wales, France, Australia, and since 1997, Ireland. I live in Dublin with my husband and two sons.

I qualified with a BA First Class Honours in Geography from the University of Birmingham and an MA in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Sheffield. I undertake shorter courses and attend conferences on a regular basis to assure my professional and personal development.

I have over 20 years' experience in the not-for-profit sector, as a paid employee, director, trustee, project volunteer and freelance consultant with a wide variety of voluntary and community organisations, including:

• I set up and was Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Ireland (and its predecessor, the Volunteer Resource Centre) for seven years.
• I worked for the London Cycling Campaign as Membership and Office Services Worker for three years.
• I am currently on the Board of Management and Parents’ Association Committee of Rathfarnham Educate Together National School.
• I have been a research participant in the Ipsos international mail survey for over a decade.
• I also volunteered with Cuidiú: Irish Childbirth Trust, Drama League of Ireland, Dublin Cycling Campaign, Women’s Design Service, Planning Aid for London, and others.

My experience is very wide ranging and includes campaigning, editing, evaluation, facilitation, fundraising, policy development, project management, public relations, research, staff and volunteer management, strategic planning, training and writing.