Philippa Cross

Philippa has significant experience in the cultural and education sectors, with more than 15 years of working with schools, arts organisations, local authorities, and other partners.  Her expertise lies particularly in stategic development, facilitation, coaching and evaluation.

Over the last 6 years, Philippa has worked extensively with Creative Partnerships Coventry (now Cre8us) as Evaluation Manager, Programme Manager and Creative Agent. She has supported a range of schools - Infant, Primary and Secondary - bringing creative & collaborative approaches to curriculum innovation, teaching & learning, staff development and school improvement. This has involved working with staff, artists, and children and young people, ensuring all perspectives were taken into account: with reflection and student voice have been key elements. She has also led a variety of Cre8us training sessions, for teachers, creative practitioners and creative agents.

Philippa has a particular interest in developing creative and collaborative approaches to planning, delivery and reflection, ensuring that all involved feel ownership of the process, rather than feeling 'done to', whilst at the same time producing robust and rigorous outcomes. Her aim is to support and facilitate shared learning, which in turn feeds into more effective and appropriate planning, and ultimately to a more positive experience for all stakeholders.

With excellent communication skills and a sharp, reflective and compassionate approach to her work, Philippa builds strong relationships with those with whom she works. Always open and honest, her key skills lie in supportive questioning, which helps people to reflect at a deep level, and a realistic and positive approach to problem solving and planning.

Philippa is excited by new challenges, and is committed to her own ongoing learning. She holds a degree in French Studies and an MA in European Cultural Policy and Management from the University of Warwick. She is currently studying for a Diploma in Coaching from the same institution.

In supporting schools, Philippa has drawn on her work with a portfolio of clients that crosses cultural, community and public sectors. Previous roles include Director of Policy & Resources for West Midlands Arts (now Arts Council WM), with responsibility for Learning and the Arts (including training and workforce development), and past clients include Cre8us (Creative Partnerships Coventry), Arts Council England WM, Warwickshire County Council, Red Teapot, Nottingham Trent University, PraXis arts and health network, as well as a range of schools and arts organisations.

Philippa is Director of a newly formed company CHANGING CULTURES which works across sectors, with a Creative Agent approach.

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Mobile: 07941270301

You can also find Philippa on LinkedIn and Twitter: @Philippa_Cross