About Us
Each programme of work undertaken by Skills Evolution comes with the assurance that your interests will be managed by one of our core team of consultants. In addition, Skills Evolution draw upon a range of expert associates to work alongside their principal consultants who are handpicked to suit the client's individual needs.
The principal consultants are:
Dr Jane Yarnall BA, FCIPD, PG Dip (Bus, Res), PhD - Director
Jane has over 19 years experience in Human Resources, both within large corporations and as an independent consultant. She has worked with managers, staff and unions at all levels and is an experienced facilitator and coach. Clients she has worked with include esure, BBC, Lexmark, DWF, Lloyds and English Heritage. Jane has received a doctorate for her research into the impact of organisational self-development programmes on career satisfaction and organisational commitment. She has also published articles and books on the role of line managers; career anchors, training evaluation, Talent Management and HR Business Partners. Jane is qualified in the use of occupational tests and personality instruments to level B.
Philip Yarnall, BA Hons, Chartered Marketer CIM - Director
Philip is a highly experienced Strategic Marketer, Business and Programme Leader who has worked within blue chip global companies in senior management roles with UK and International responsibilities for 15 years. During that time he successfully led Product/Services Management and Strategic Marketing in companies within the financial and general industrial sectors. He also introduced and delivered business process and service improvement programmes using best practices including the ITIL IT Service Management and Six Sigma quality frameworks.
Clients he has worked with to introduce and implement major programmes of best practices include ITV plc, Pink Roccade, Miller Group.
Companies he has worked within to deliver Strategic Marketing include: General Electric (USA), SunGard and Misys.
John Coffey B.Eng
John has over 20 years experience as a manager in a variety of positions from first line operations through to board level and international roles and has worked as an independent consultant over the last ten years. John has a particular interest in the practicalities of realising high performance in organisations and helping organisations work through major change programmes. He has co-authored a book on change management best practice during mergers and acquisitions. Clients he has worked with include esure, Lloyds TSB, Lazard, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambell Foods, Integralis and Anderson Consulting.
Barbara Kenton MSc, DTM, FCIPD, Cert Coun
Barbara has over 25 years experience as a manager and development specialist at both operational and strategic levels. Barbara has a particular interest in supporting organisations towards sustained and improved health and well being. This includes working with HR groups and change agents to support them through the transition to Business Partnership. She brings with her a wealth of experience in consultancy, facilitation, coaching and interpersonal skills training. Formerly a senior consultant at Roffey Park and the Centre for Management and Policy Studies, Barbara's clients have included Chevron Texaco, Portsmouth and Milton Keynes NHS trusts, Lexmark, Toyota, Southern Rail, Defra, Fujitsu and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Laura Knill, BSc, MSc, C Psychol, PG Dip
Laura has worked as a business psychologist for over 14 years. She specialises in talent management, from both the assessment and development perspectives. Her other work includes design and facilitation of management development programmes, executive coaching and learning set facilitation. Her clients range from large mulit-nationals to small niche consultancies, from major public sector bodies to local housing associations. Her aim is to combine academic best practice with “feet on the ground” practicality. Recently she has worked with Volvo Group, the Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Barclays Capital and Hymans Robertson LLP.