TESTIMONIALS
Ian’s no nonsense, common sense approach to school development really gave me the confidence to establish our first Development Department at St Columba’s College. He has always been there to guide me through laying the foundations, from creating an engaging calendar of events, to advice on launching our first fundraising programmes including legacies, bursaries and capital development. I continue to meet regularly with Ian to take advantage of his huge experience.
Ian McLean has had a significant impact on development and fundraising in UK schools, establishing fundamentals that have ensured ongoing success and results. I was introduced to his style of operating 16 years ago and have applied his principles successfully ever since. I am a strong advocate of his development work and recommend him with total confidence.
The College really has appreciated the efforts and the commitment Ian has shown and there is little doubt that development at Ardingly has moved forward more in the past 10 months than in the previous 3 years and this is entirely down to Ian’s input.
Although Wrekin College's Foundation was established in 2005, little had been done to drive it forward in the intervening years and in March 2015 Ian was asked to come and advise us on how to revitalise our fund-raising strategy. Based upon his sound advice we have completely remodelled our development structure producing much more cohesion between the school, alumni and Foundation activities. The new initiatives are beginning to bear fruit. Ian's calm but authoritative advice is very reassuring given that it is based upon successful, practical experience.
Upon arrival as Principal, it was clear that we needed guidance and support. I had no hesitation in contacting Ian and for the last 14 months he has been our independent education marketing consultant. In this capacity, Ian has advised us on strategy, alumni, critical paths, as well as short and long term marketing goals. He uses his time to the optimum to ensure that we go to the next phase of our plan. We feel very fortunate to have his acumen at our finger tips.
Ian played a key role in the success of the 50th anniversary of LAS. These events helped the school reconnect with the alumni who are now playing an increasingly important role in school development. Based on his experience, he is uniquely placed in providing excellent management services for fundraising and development programs.
I have known Ian since he put in place the first development programme at Uppingham School, when we were colleagues there in the late 1990s. Ian has so much experience to offer schools; so many examples, techniques, models and stories to share. Heads, Governing bodies and development professionals can learn from him and will enjoy working with him. He always seeks to understand and get to know people in an institution and quickly develops a real affection for the schools that he works with. I am delighted to recommend his services.
It has been fantastic working with you. Not only did you step into the breach but you then drove the whole function on a huge distance where we have some great building blocks to develop further. We also have a team that understand their role and are keen to progress.
It was during our first event together where it became apparent that I was dealing with a world class, true professional in his field. What’s impressive is that Ian adds extra value by considering every aspect from the school’s admissions process and student welfare to a potential donor’s first encounter, through the development and potential fundraising phase. Through his mentoring, I was fortunate to learn the important steps in relationship building and fundraising, especially in the international environment.
After attending several of Ian McLean's seminars on school development and fundraising, our school engaged his services and what a difference he has made! He has provided leadership and real focus with direction and guidance and he gets very involved as a valued member of our team. Our strategy is now clear and our fundraising with his continued involvement, is professional and measured. His advice and support to the school leadership team is hugely valuable and we thoroughly recommend him to any school.
Ian McLean is a complete professional. He has this ability to communicate and explain the essence of the often complex world of development. This he does with clarity, simplicity and absolute sensitivity to each particular situation. He brings a refreshing humanityto all aspects of the function of a Development office and achieves practical and outstanding results.
Ian revitalised the spirit of our school when charged with directing our 50th anniversary celebrations. His professionalism and attention to detail made for a momentous occasion that truly showcased our school in the beautiful Swiss Alps. What makes Ian unique is that he is passionate about greatness and working with others to bring out their best.
Everyone involved in the study was most impressed with the way Ian handled the interviews. He pushed on through a very heavy schedule of meetings and produced a report of invaluable insights and recommendations.
Ian McLean is passionate about all he does! I have followed his career with an expectation of marvellous achievement – that has been fully vindicated. Any institution needing a guide and mentor in moving forward would be wise to secure his services.
Being his mentor and old friend, I am always happy to provide a referral and endorsement for Ian; having worked closely with him and then having observed his work over the past 20 years in Australia and the UK.
an is highly respected by both clients and global associates alike. With over 25 years’experience in all aspects of institutional advancement, Ian’s insight and strategic thinking is keenly sought and highly valued throughout Australia and Europe. Having known Ian for over 20 years, I have no hesitation in recommending his services.
When Port Adelaide won promotion to the Australian Football League (AFL) competition, Ian was engaged by the Club to drive a development program to raise funds for new multi-million-dollar state of the art training and clubroom facilities. Ian played a critical and masterful role in developing and implementing the strategy & marketing approach to raise the funding required. In a relatively short space of time, the Headquarters was opened and played a major role in PAFC winning its first AFL Premiership in 2004. The Club continues to draw on the principles Ian developed in his time driving the PAFC Foundation and I am very pleased to recommend his services.
Since conducting a very successful and insightful Feasibility Study on our behalf in 2019, we have continued to work closely with Ian for the past two years. He is a fount of wisdom, knowledge and experience with regard to school development programmes and has been invaluable in helping us to develop a culture of philanthropy at the school
. . . . . Rachel Graves, Development Director, Tudor Hall School, Oxfordshire
Ian has a wealth of experience in school development and fundraising and our Development office has flourished under his guidance. His professional and honest approach has been extremely valuable for the School and has helped us craft and grow our fundraising and alumni engagement strategy. Ian’s positive spirit and growth mindset set him apart, enabling him to bring out the best in everyone he works with. Ian is always responsive, helpful and has been an excellent mentor in my own professional journey in the field of development and fundraising
. . . . . . Reema Agarwal, Development Officer, City of London Freemen’s School