People first. Open by Default

The Good Ship

Helping social-purpose organisations take action through strategy, design, learning and technology.

How we help

01.

Strategy, Resilience & Organisational Design

Together we’ll focus on effective & imaginative approaches to strategy, impact and governance that help you adapt to a changing world.

02.

Technology & Infrastructure

Strategic advice and hands on technical development using open-standard solutions that work for you. Think resilient data platforms, AI infrastructure, API first design and automation.

03.

Endings & Composting

Helping organisations to create lasting legacies and build resources for the commons. Digital composting, open sourcing, guides and more.

04.

Coaching, Mentoring & Learning Partnership

One-to-one leadership coaching, peer-group mentoring and ongoing learning support for CEOs, teams and directors.

Our Principles

We are guided by our principles which include

  • Open by Default - Tools, templates and write-ups under Creative Commons or Open Source licencing

  • Effectiveness over Efficiency - We design for real impact and resilience, not just speed or cost savings.

  • Ethical & Impact First - Your purpose guides every recommendation. We’ll never push tech or change for its own sake.

  • Learning over monitoring - Data, collective sense-making and a good cup of conversation guide every step.

  • People first collaboration - it's people that make things happen and this is better together.

About me

Who Am I?

I’m Tom Watson: coach, advisor and occasional speaker. I blend Data, Technology, Design and Strategy to help charities and social enterprises be more resilient and effective. I run The Good Ship, working as your partner from one-to-one development support, to systems-change and place-based programmes, alongside frontline groups and trusts & foundations, all grounded in Open Infrastructure and principles.

Resources

We make resources open by default. You can find them here

© The Good Ship 2025. All rights reserved.

Thank you

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