Suggestions
Keir McCluskey
Product and Implementation Lead at Centre for Homelessness Impact
Professional Background
Keir McCluskey is an accomplished professional in the fields of social innovation, product design, and community engagement. With a diverse career spanning various roles, Keir is currently making significant strides as the Product and Implementation Lead at the Centre for Homelessness Impact. In this pivotal role, he is dedicated to utilizing evidence-based approaches to influence policies and practices that can effectively alleviate homelessness. His passion for social change and innovation is evident in his extensive work history, where he has expertly bridged the gap between technical design and community needs.
Prior to his current position, Keir served as the Networks Manager at Tempo (Time Credits), where he facilitated the development of community networks that empower individuals and organizations to help one another through a unique time banking system. His role there allowed him to further hone his skills in building relationships and fostering community engagement, which are crucial to any social innovation initiative.
Education and Achievements
Keir's solid educational foundation underpins his expertise and accomplishments in product design engineering and social entrepreneurship. He earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Product Design Engineering from both the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art. This dual academic background provides him with a well-rounded perspective on design principles and engineering practices, empowering him to create solutions that are both functional and visually appealing.
His commitment to social innovation led him to partake in a Fellowship program at Year Here, a unique initiative that brings together social entrepreneurs to work on pressing social issues through innovative solutions. This experience solidified his dedication to making a positive social impact and equipped him with the necessary tools to drive change in his community.
Keir also gained valuable insights through various roles, such as his time as a Community Participation Officer at Toynbee Hall, where he worked directly with diverse communities to foster inclusion and engagement. Furthermore, he played a critical role as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Square Circle, where his entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he directed efforts to develop innovative products while aligning with social causes.
In addition, Keir has made notable contributions to local initiatives as an Innovation Consultant for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where he provided strategic guidance on new processes and community-centric projects. His ability to connect with various stakeholders has been a recurrent theme in his career, allowing him to facilitate meaningful conversations and collaborations.
Key Roles and Community Impact
In another highlight of his career, Keir took on the position of Project Leader at Simon Community Scotland, further exemplifying his commitment to tackling social issues. His leadership in this role focused on directly addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations, igniting his dedication to social equity and community upliftment.
Keir's early professional experiences, including roles as a Biodiversity Officer at the University of Glasgow and a Clydesider for Commonwealth Games Scotland, enhanced his ability to think critically about design and implementation in both community and environmental contexts.
Even in early roles such as a Customer Service Representative for notable companies, including KFC and John Lewis, Keir was able to develop essential interpersonal skills that fostered his customer engagement and service abilities, which he later translated into more impactful positions focusing on community and social outcomes.
Notable Skills
Keir's adaptability across different sectors reflects his multifaceted skill set, which includes expertise in product design engineering, strategic planning, community engagement, and social innovation. His ability to blend these skills has enabled him to offer strategic insight and collaborative leadership to various organizations.
His work underscores the significance of creative problem-solving and social responsibility in business. Driven by a passion for creating impactful social change, he continues to seek opportunities where he can apply his engineering expertise and commitment to community development, ultimately improving societal well-being.
Achievements
- Product and Implementation Lead at Centre for Homelessness Impact, utilizing evidence-based practices to tackle homelessness
- Networks Manager at Tempo, fostering community-driven time banking initiatives
- Co-Founder and CTO of Square Circle, developing purposeful products
- Engaged as a Community Participation Officer at Toynbee Hall, enhancing community involvement in social issues
- Project Leader at Simon Community Scotland, dedicated to addressing homelessness
- Social Innovation Fellowship at Year Here, committed to addressing societal challenges through innovative entrepreneurship.
