About 3 chords consulting

Our values, focus and ambition

Our Values

The great songwriter Harlan Howard once described country music simply as "three chords and the truth" . Whilst we acknowledge that the work our clients bring us is often much more complicated than that, we take a lot of inspiration from this quote. In particular, we seek to provide concise and understandable solutions that match our clients' needs and we operate with integrity and honesty. Also, true to our roots in delivering environmental regeneration projects, we want to do this in the most sustainable way possible.

a large tree sitting in the middle of a lush green field

Our Focus

We take a personal interest in our clients and are selective in the work we take on. We principally seek to work with community and voluntary sector organisations and those which support them. Most of the projects we take on are modest in size, the kind of scale which the larger consultancies might not be interested in. We pride ourselves by going the extra mile and provide tailor made professional services and additional capacity in key areas of the business so our clients can focus on delivering their core activities.

Our ambition at 3 chords is to help our clients to achieve their goals and aspirations. In doing this, we seek to make a positive difference; helping to tackle themes such as social inequality, environmental degradation and economic disadvantage. Through our work, we aim to amplify the impact of our clients' projects - helping them to recognise, improve and communicate their strengths and achievements.

Our Ambition

About us

Our team is led by Stephen Hughes. He has over 20 years experience of undertaking community and environmental research and analysis - working in academia, for a private consultancy and also within the charity sector.

During his career, Stephen has built up a network of professional contacts which he can bring in to support 3 Chords' work. We can therefore meet a wide variety of our clients' needs such as undertaking biodiversity surveys, community consultations and GIS analysis.

Stephen has considerable expertise in monitoring and evaluating projects and regeneration programmes which deliver nature-based solutions across Scotland. He has particular interests in projects that address climate change, biodiversity crisis, health issues, and socio-economic inequalities.

With an extensive track record of data analysis, impact assessment and report writing, Stephen uses his skills to design and implement robust monitoring frameworks and strategies that clearly demonstrate the outcomes and benefits of our clients' projects.

He also has practical experience of building and maintaining effective partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, such as local authorities, community groups, funders, and businesses, to secure support and resources .

Stephen has designed and run several competitive grant schemes - mainly focussing on the community and voluntary sector. On the other side of the funding fence, he also has a lot of experience of writing funding applications - successfully bidding for money from major charities, foundations and government agencies.