introduction
As a communications and participatory media specialist, I provide consultancy services for organisations across the international development sector. My work is founded on two decades of programme and project management, workshop facilitation, capacity-building, and multimedia production including filmmaking, photography, writing, editing and graphic design. While based in the UK, my consultancy work engages diverse communities, activist groups and civil society organisations around the world.
If you would like to explore engaging my services as a consultant, please don’t hesitate to contact me with details of your project. Find out what previous clients say about working with me on the testimonials page.
“Gareth’s drive, dedication, diligence and exceptional professionalism significantly contributed to the success and impact of our programme.”
“Our issues were only ever whispered among ourselves, between widows. We have never spoken about our problems openly…let alone discuss them with the Chief! Now our issues are being shared and we have sensed change in the air.”
participatory practice
As a participatory video practitioner I have worked with marginalised communities around the world to explore their issues and tell their stories, from their perspective and in their words. I have written three guidebooks on various aspects of participatory practice and its capacity to harness local knowledge, promote community-devised solutions, shift power dynamics, and mobilise disengaged citizens.
“Reliable, driven, on-time, on-spec and creative - that’s Gareth Benest, and so much more. If you want someone who shines with integrity, doesn’t settle for less and can move mountains, you’ve got your man.”
“Gareth Benest is one of those people who are always a pleasure to work with. He makes sure that projects are executed with high level of professionalism”
writing & editing
My consultancy services include writing and editing content for publications, articles, reports, websites, promotional materials and presentations. Follow the links below to access various examples of my writing (including three books on participatory practice) and numerous publications I have edited in recent years.
film
Working across a range of campaigns, advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives, I provide a range of filmmaking services as video editor, producer, camera operator, script-writer and director. Recent productions include a short video on state capture and an animation on land corruption across Africa.
design
I regularly undertake graphic design projects for clients, ranging from designing publications and reports through to promotional materials, exhibition stands and poster presentations. Follow the link below for some recent examples of my design work for various international development agencies.