ADVISORY
Advisory practice
Independent counsel for institutions working where politics, values and public trust intersect.
The practice is built on three decades inside European multilateral institutions: negotiating texts, chairing committees, and carrying reform through the point where it becomes uncomfortable. Advice is given directly, in writing, and with a clear view of what an institution can realistically absorb.
Engagements are small by design. There is no team behind the name, no methodology deck, and no attempt to convert a narrow question into a programme. Where additional expertise is needed, it is brought in openly and named.
Areas of practice
01
Culture and heritage
Cultural routes, transnational cooperation and the institutional design of heritage programmes.
- Cultural route certification and evaluation readiness
- Heritage programme design and governance structures
- Bilateral and transnational cultural cooperation agreements
- Public funding frameworks and accountability mechanisms
02
Sport and integrity
Anti-doping governance, safeguarding and the integrity of competition.
- Anti-doping compliance and federation governance review
- Safeguarding frameworks for minors and athletes
- Manipulation of competitions and betting integrity
- Board effectiveness and conflict-of-interest architecture
03
Democracy and democratic security
Deliberative processes, institutional reform and resilience against democratic erosion.
- Citizens' assemblies: design, mandate and follow-through
- Institutional reform sequencing and political feasibility
- Democratic resilience and information-integrity assessment
- Local and regional democracy frameworks
04
Human rights and rule of law
Convention compliance, anti-corruption frameworks and human-rights impact review.
- Convention compliance gap analysis
- Anti-corruption and integrity frameworks
- Human-rights impact review for public and private bodies
- Judicial independence and oversight arrangements
How an engagement works
- 01
Framing
A short conversation establishes what is actually being asked, who needs to be convinced, and what has already been tried. Most engagements are reframed at this stage.
- 02
Assessment
Documents, interviews and comparative practice are set against what the institution can realistically carry. Findings are written plainly, without hedging.
- 03
Follow-through
Recommendations come with sequencing and named decision points. Where useful, support continues through the meetings where decisions are actually taken.
Formats
Governance review
A written review of statutes, board practice and decision-making, typically over six to ten weeks.
Standing adviser
A retained arrangement for boards and secretariats facing a sustained reform or reputational question.
Keynotes and lectures
Addresses on European institutions, sport integrity, culture and democratic security, in English, Norwegian or French.
Facilitation
Chairing sensitive negotiations, board retreats and multi-party working groups where neutrality matters.
Engagements are declined where they would conflict with prior institutional roles. Availability is limited and normally planned one quarter ahead.
Considering an engagement, a keynote or a review?
Write a few lines about the question you are working on. Replies within three working days.