Andrew Robbins JP MBSC
Founder & Principal Consultant
hello@smarterconsulting.co.uk
Andrew or Andy to almost everyone who works with him founded Smarter Consulting to bring together experience gained across more than two decades in business, technology, justice and public service.
Having founded, led and advised businesses, delivered technology projects, worked within the criminal justice system and supported organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, Andy brings a broad perspective to problems that don’t always fit neatly into one professional discipline.
Alongside his professional work, Andy has maintained a longstanding commitment to public and voluntary service. He currently serves as County Chair for Cornwall with Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (Wessex RFCA), helping to strengthen the relationship between Defence and the communities it serves. His work includes engagement with the Reserve and Cadet Forces, employers, community organisations and other stakeholders across Cornwall, with a particular interest in supporting cadet opportunities, volunteers and greater collaboration between Defence and the wider community.
Andy’s work within the criminal justice system has taken a number of forms, giving him experience from very different perspectives. His background includes frontline policing and service as a Justice of the Peace, sitting in the adult criminal courts and Youth Court and hearing appeals from the Magistrates’ Court in the Crown Court.
More recently, Andy has worked as an Accredited Police Station Representative, registered with the Legal Aid Agency and providing legal advice and representation to people detained in police custody. He undertakes both own-client and Duty Solicitor police station work on behalf of solicitors’ firms, advising clients before and during interviews under caution and safeguarding their rights throughout detention.
For the purposes of PACE Code C, the definition of “solicitor” expressly includes an accredited or probationary representative included on the Legal Aid Agency register. This enables Andy to bring another distinct perspective to his work within criminal justice providing representation at the police station and protecting the rights and interests of suspects during investigation. Andy also represents clients attending voluntary interviews under caution, including interviews conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions.
This breadth of experience provides a practical understanding of the criminal justice system from several distinct perspectives policing, the judiciary and defence representation.
Restorative justice has also been a significant part of Andy’s work for more than two decades. He currently serves as Chair for Restorative Policing with Restorative Justice International on the Global Advisory Council, bringing together his experience of restorative practice, policing and criminal justice to support the development and wider understanding of restorative approaches within policing. His restorative work has included training and consultancy in the UK and internationally.
His particular strengths include strategy, business development, digital transformation, public procurement, restorative justice, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement and working within complex or regulated environments.
Andy takes a practical approach to consultancy. He isn’t interested in producing a 50-page report simply because that’s what consultants are expected to do. The objective is to understand the problem, identify what will make a difference and help make it happen.
That same approach runs through his business, justice and public-service work: bring the right people together, understand the problem and turn ideas into practical action.
When specialist knowledge, strategic thinking or senior-level input is required, Andy leads the work personally.
Jen Morris
Accounts & Personal Assistant
jen.morris@smarterconsulting.co.uk
Jen keeps the day-to-day administration at Smarter Consulting running smoothly and is the first point of contact for Andy’s diary.
She manages meeting requests, appointments, event invitations and general enquiries, helping to make sure Andy’s time is used effectively and that requests get to the right place.
Jen also supports the administrative side of the business, including accounts enquiries, correspondence and keeping things organised behind the scenes.
If you’re looking to arrange a meeting, invite Andy to an event or find a suitable time to catch up, Jen is the best person to contact.
Dan Smitherman
Business Development Manager
dan.smitherman@smarterconsulting.co.uk
Dan looks after business development, new opportunities and commercial enquiries for Smarter Consulting.
He is often the first point of contact for prospective clients, partnerships and new projects, helping to understand what is needed and whether Smarter Consulting is the right fit.
Dan works across new business, client relationships and potential collaborations, making sure promising opportunities are explored while filtering out the ones that probably don’t need another meeting in Andy’s diary.
For new business enquiries, partnerships, collaborations or an initial conversation about working with Smarter Consulting, speak to Dan.