Dr Doug Belshaw
Systems thinker, occasional fox-hugger.
Think. Make. Recognise.
I’m a consultant, facilitator, and critical friend for mission-driven organisations working on digital strategy, AI literacy, and credentials.
It’s rarely one thing.
The strategy has drifted, no longer describing what you actually do. Tools or platforms that nobody really chose are shaping your work. The story about impact, credentials, or recognition might read well on paper but doesn’t resonate with the people it needs to reach.
These threads can get knotty, and most advice pulls on one at a time. I work on all three: thinking, making, and recognising are the same conversation.
Think. Make. Recognise.
The three modes that show up across everything I do. Pick a region to see where each one lives and what comes out of it.
Three domains
Where thinking, making, and recognising come together.
Systems thinking & strategy
A critical friend who’ll sit with the mess long enough to help you untangle it.
Recent example
TechFreedom is a structured programme for social-purpose organisations on technology dependencies and digital sovereignty, co-delivered with Tom Watson.
Digital & AI literacies
Neither hype merchant nor doom-monger. Frameworks and capacity-building for teams that need to think about AI properly.
Recent example
AI literacies framework for young adults aged 14-19, developed for the BBC’s Responsible Innovation Centre, co-authored with Laura Hilliger.
Digital credentials
Since the early days of Open Badges, I’ve worked to help credentials recognise learning wherever it takes place.
Recent example
New Learning and Teaching Models with a Focus on Micro and Digital Credentialing, a report for the Irish Technological University sector co-authored with Laura Hilliger.
What people say
I appreciate that Doug operates at multiple levels simultaneously. He understands technology deeply, and he’s equally comfortable navigating community dynamics and organisational change. Whether he’s presenting, writing reports on micro-credentials, or facilitating strategic planning sessions, he stays grounded in human-centred approaches and open practices.
More testimonials
Doug brings exceptional clarity of thought, deep expertise in digital literacies, and a collaborative spirit that elevates every session he’s part of. He’s equally at ease shaping big-picture strategy as he is engaging participants in practical, hands-on learning. Any team would benefit from Doug’s insight, integrity, and sheer commitment to meaningful professional development.
His work on pre-planning was timely and efficient, yet effective. I know from past experience that the day itself could have been a huge challenge but went really smoothly, mostly down to the sociocratic processes put in place by Doug. This is testament to the energy, enthusiasm and preparation that went into it.
Always really switched on. A sane voice around all things educational technology and standards and much more — always look forward to working in Doug-related space.
I took some mentoring sessions with Doug. I wasn’t expecting much because I thought I knew my service pretty well. I was wrong — Doug unearthed a lot for me to think about. I’ll be back for more.
Let’s talk
Stuck? The chances are I can point you in the right direction. I’m based in the UK and usually work remotely, though I travel for the right engagement. Retainers, single days, and multi-session programmes all welcome.
Check my availability