About Us
Our journey so far
Story of our Company
‘With decades of combined experience, Ability Consultants has been steadfast in its support of charitable and third-sector organisations
across the UK.
Founded in 2020 by CEO Steven Irvine-Duffy, Ability Consultants was born out of a desire to help more charities increase their fundraising and income generation capacity. What began with just 3 clients (all of whom are still with us) has grown into a thriving consultancy that now supports over 20 organisations across England, Scotland, and Wales.
We are proud to work with a diverse range of clients, from small grassroots groups to large international charities. Our portfolio spans a wide variety of sectors, including air ambulances, hospices, homelessness, Down syndrome support, LGBT+ advocacy, international human rights, women’s centres, youth initiatives, suicide prevention, primary schools, and children’s cancer organisations. Most of our growth has been organic through recommendations with many organisations a client for over 3 years!
2025 marks an exciting chapter in our journey as we also launch the Ability Consultants Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to supporting organisations that deliver impactful work to marginalised communities across the UK but struggle with fundraising and income generation. Additionally, we will be reinvesting our profits into the foundation, allowing us to provide grant funding and further extend our support to those making a real difference in their communities.
Why Use a consultant?
Hiring a consultant offers numerous advantages over traditional recruitment. Here’s why:
Consultants can be engaged quickly, without the time and expense of recruiting permanent staff.
You avoid costs related to tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
Consultants provide specialised expertise and deliver results efficiently, maximising value for your organisation.
Consultants bring fresh perspectives and knowledge from working with multiple organisations.
They come with extensive knowledge specific to your sector, ensuring best practices are applied.
You don’t have to cover annual leave, sick leave, or other statutory entitlements.
There are no additional expenses such as employee benefits, office space, or equipment.
Executive Team
Steven
Founder and CEO
Steven is a passionate advocate for the third sector with a deep commitment to empowering organisations to thrive. With over a decade of experience in fundraising and income generation, Steven has worked across various sectors, helping organisations secure vital funding and increase their sustainability.
His vision for Ability Consultants was driven by a desire to bridge the gap for organisations struggling to access the resources they need, and under his leadership, the company has grown rapidly, supporting diverse causes across the UK.
In 2025, Steven’s commitment to creating lasting impact continues with the launch of the Ability Foundation, furthering his mission to support marginalised communities.
Darren
Senior Consultant
Darren brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in the third sector. Having served as a trustee and held senior leadership roles, Darren has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities charities face.
His hands-on experience in governance, strategy, and fundraising has made him a valuable asset to numerous organisations, helping them build strong foundations and secure sustainable growth.
Darren’s passion for the sector is reflected in his dedication to supporting causes that make a lasting difference in communities across the UK.
Ledine
Operations
Ledine plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the organisation. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for operational excellence, Ledine oversees the day-to-day functions that keep the team and projects on track.
Her extensive experience in managing complex operations has been instrumental in scaling the company’s services and expanding its reach across the UK.
Ledine’s leadership ensures that Ability Consultants consistently delivers high-quality support to clients, enabling them to achieve their fundraising and strategic goals.