About us

COGS was established in 1997 by co-Directors Mandy Wilson and Pete Wilde and works at national, regional and local levels with the public, voluntary and community, public and private sectors. In April 2007 Pete retired and Tony Herrmann joined COGS as a new Director. All work is led by Mandy or Tony though COGS also works with associates who bring a range of additional expertise.

Mandy Wilson has been a community development practitioner, manager and action researcher for many years, working for local and national bodies with the aim of linking programme and policy development with ‘on the ground’ practice and experience.  As an independent consultant Mandy has specialised in participatory planning and evaluation processes, and has managed consultancy projects both in the UK and in Romania.

Mandy brings together experience of being active at a community level alongside paid work experience of providing support to communities and policy development at local, regional and national levels.  She has been a member of advisory groups for government and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, is chair of the Community Development Journal editorial board and is currently a Neighbourhood Renewal Advisor.

Tony Herrmann is an experienced community development practitioner, trainer and consultant. He worked for many years in neighbourhood based roles in public, voluntary and community sector organisations including a 3 year secondment to the University of Leeds to co-ordinate a programme of community based adult education. Tony managed the Community Work Training Co. for 8 years: a voluntary organisation providing learning programmes, resources, consultancy and direct support to community organisations and networks across West Yorkshire.

In 2006 Tony began working independently with KEY consultancy undertaking project evaluations, research, community facilitation and developing learning programmes until joining COGS in April 2007. He brings extensive experience of community development and neighbourhood based work combined with voluntary organisation strategy and management.

Kate Jacob is our most regular associate, providing information and event management, financial and administrative expertise.