Driving digital change with a side of adventure: Meet Billy Peat
Our profile series is all about showcasing the incredible individuals making a difference in the non-profit sector. And while we may be a little biased, we think our Hart Square team is truly exceptional in the work they do for our non-profit clients! So, let’s introduce Billy Peat, Senior Business Change Consultant at Hart Square!
Discover Billy’s tips for digital change from his experience across 25 projects and hear the fascinating story of how he technically visited North Korea!
Q. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role and organisation?
I’m Billy, a Senior Business Change consultant here at Hart Square. I’ve been with Hart Square for six years, starting in September 2018. In my role, I work with various clients in the not-for-profit sector, supporting a wide range of projects and services. Over the years, I’ve contributed to more than 25 projects at Hart Square!
My role includes developing business cases for clients considering a new CRM system or website and facilitating partner selection processes. For example, I help clients draft invitations to tender and support the selection process. [image_with_animation image_url=”2083″ image_size=”medium” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”]
Billy Peat
Senior Business Change Consultant
Hart Square
I also manage implementations, working closely with clients and technology partners to introduce new systems such as CRMs, financial systems, websites, or procurement tools. Additionally, I serve as a sponsor on projects, where I provide quality assurance and support to consultants and client project sponsors by offering guidance.
My role offers a huge variety. One day, I might be creating a business case for a small membership organisation, and the next, I could be managing the implementation of a CRM for a large charity or leading a procurement project for a financial system. The diversity of projects and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on different organisations make this role rewarding. No two days are the same, and it’s this constant challenge and variety that I really enjoy!
Q. What has driven you to work in the not-for-profit sector in particular?
My first experience in the nonprofit sector was at Cancer Research UK, where I started in their fundraising support team and held two or three different roles over the course of four years. During my time there, I witnessed first-hand the incredible work they do to help people, and it really sparked my passion for the sector. That passion has stayed with me ever since.
After leaving the nonprofit sector briefly to explore other opportunities, I was drawn back when I got the chance to work at Hart Square. Now, I have the privilege of helping a wide range of organisations, not just charities but also membership bodies. These organisations are vital to society, and many people depend on the services and support they provide. Being able to contribute in some small way and add value to their work has been deeply fulfilling and continues to motivate me.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at Hart Square?
I touched on it previously, but it has to be the incredible variety it offers. No two projects or clients are ever the same, and I get to work with a diverse range of organisations, from small charities with just four or five team members to large membership bodies with over 200 members. That kind of exposure is unique, and I can’t think of many other places where you’d have the opportunity to work on such a wide range of projects. It’s been great for my personal and professional development.
Another thing I value is the collaborative environment. I get to work closely with sponsors, account managers, and other consultants, which fosters a strong sense of teamwork. It’s an environment where you can collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another. There are so many talented people at the organisation, and I’ve learned a lot from them—and I know I’ll continue to do so.
Q. To get to know you better could you share a professional fact (e.g., favourite part of your role) and personal fact (e.g., something that might surprise your colleagues to know about you)?
One unique aspect might be the variety of regional clients I’ve worked with at Hart Square. Over the past two or three years, I’ve had clients based in places like Leeds, Oxford, and Dublin. I think I might hold the record for being one of the most travelled consultants at Hart Square, though that’s definitely something worth fact-checking before we make it official!
As for what something that might surprise people, I’ve technically visited North Korea! While traveling in South Korea, I took a tour to the border, where you can cross a demarcation line and technically stand in North Korea. It’s a surreal experience: you’re just a few steps into the country, with North Korean soldiers standing about 100 meters away on the other side. It’s definitely one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited, even though I didn’t get a stamp in my passport to prove it. The memory of standing in North Korea, however briefly, is something I won’t forget!
[image_with_animation image_url=”4254″ image_size=”medium” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”] [image_with_animation image_url=”4255″ image_size=”portfolio-thumb_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”]
Q. Digital projects can inherently bring change. What piece of advice would you give to a non-profit organisation who was looking to embark on a change project?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give to any organisation, regardless of size and whether it’s implementing a CRM, a website, or a finance system, is to properly resource the project and be very clear about what you’re trying to achieve.
Too often, I’ve seen organisations take on ambitious transformation projects or even smaller initiatives without sufficient resources. This can lead to two major problems: overburdening staff who are already stretched and failing to deliver the change you intended. It’s important to recognise that on its own, no piece of technology can solve all your problems. The success of any system is dependent on the people behind it. So, in addition to ensuring proper resourcing, it’s critical to identify why you’re undertaking the project in the first place. What are the outcomes you want to achieve?
This ties into the second part of the question about change. One of the most important aspects of change is bringing people along with you. Effective change management requires buy-in from everyone in the organisation. When people understand why the project is happening and can see the value it will bring, they’re far more likely to support it. From the leadership team down, there needs to be consistent messaging about the project’s goals, progress, and impact.
Q. What value have you seen Hart Square provide to its clients?
While I may be slightly biased, I truly believe in the impact we make. Over the years, I’ve seen the projects we’ve managed, in collaboration with technology partners, deliver transformative results. Whether it’s helping a charity raise more funds or enabling a membership body to increase member retention rates, knowing that we’ve played a part in that transformation is incredibly rewarding.
One of the most critical aspects that I believe allows us to do this is our independence. Being independent allows us to approach projects with an objective perspective, free from any external agendas. This means we can give our clients the best possible advice and guidance, tailored entirely to their needs. It allows us to objectively evaluate situations, support clients in a calm and constructive way, and guide them toward the best outcomes. That’s the real value we bring—helping organisations achieve meaningful results by being their trusted, critical friend.