Meet the Samtaler Team
Samtaler is a top-tier social value consultancy with procurement, political, strategy and third sector consulting expertise across multiple markets and regions. We build a project team with a range of experience and knowledge to get you the desired results, which could be a combination of Samtaler social value consultants and industry associates.
Our understanding of, and experience in, social value is broad and deep. Our team understands that society needs profitable businesses and that your social value offer must align with your business goals and other drivers.
With Samtaler your business is in safe hands
SARAH STONE
Founder and Director
Sarah began working in social and sustainable procurement in 2016 for Local Authorities in Scotland to implement the requirements of the (then brand new) Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act. In 2019 she created Scotland’s first community benefit wish list for Perth & Kinross Council. This concept was adopted by Local Authorities across Scotland and the UK.
She has extensive experience in social value design and delivery across multi-sectors and consults with many blue-chip corporations and procurers across the UK.
Before moving into social value, Sarah was a senior adviser to David Cameron (2006-2012) and Ruth Davidson (2015-2017). She also co-founded and ran a social enterprise working with community groups and grassroots campaigners before launching Samtaler in 2017.
Sarah is a former community councillor and the founder of the Military Coworking Network, a community group for non-serving military community members. In addition, she is a trustee and adviser to several military charities and social enterprises.
ROSE WALTON
Social Value Consultant
Rose came to Samtaler after working as Bids and Social Value Manager for a global medical consumables company. Her specialist area of expertise is in building creative, strong social value offers for the health sector and Rose has secured contracts with public sector procurers worldwide, including the NHS, Health Canada, and Healthshare NSW (Australia). She has also had responsibility for developing and implementing a global corporate social value strategy, and training the Senior Management Team on social value and its importance.
Rose also has extensive experience working with community groups and social enterprises. Before moving into Social Value in Public Sector procurement, she was Head of Business at youth-led charity, Blackburn Youth Zone, where she worked closely with community groups as well as local businesses to support them with their social impact, ensuring they made meaningful contributions to the local community.
Rose is a trustee for the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group, a cause close to her heart, having Myotonic Dystrophy herself. Her aim is to help individuals and the families affected by the condition.
KATE GRÄFE
Social Value Consultant
Kate has over 25 years experience in procurement and contract management across both public and private sectors, including 12 years as Chief Procurement Officer for the London Borough of Ealing and Reading Councils. Kate created and implemented the Social Value Policy at Reading, including working with local partners to link proposed social value delivery with need and support a business case for a local social value model. A passionate advocate of social value, Kate has been a co-lead on the Social Value UK Contract for Change programme and provided practioner input to a number of the National Audit Office Commercial Hub seminars.
More recently, Kate has worked as an Associate to deliver a variety of projects, including a circular economy business case, Innovate UK grant bids and supporting climate tech start-ups with defining and measuring impact.
Kate is a trustee for Graft Thames Valley, a micro-charity that aims to eradicate barriers to employment and training for disabled, neurodiverse and other communities for which a standard, generic approach does not work.
LOUISE GRIFFITHS (Grad IEMA)
Social Value Consultant
Louise has extensive experience in social value response writing and delivery for a wide range of blue-chip clients.
Louise graduated from Aston University with First Class Honours in BSc Business and Sociology with an integrated placement year, with specialised modules focused on Business Ethics, Climate Change, Organisations and Society, and Strategy. Louise's experience on placement expanded her acumen into CSR, ESG, Business Development and HR through multi-sector internships and volunteering.
Since joining Samtaler she has focused on environmental sustainability and management; becoming a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and working to identify practical projects and activities clients can undertake to create additional environmental benefits through the delivery of contracts.
LOIS TAYLOR
Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
Originally from the Scottish Borders, Lois has over a decade of Stakeholder Engagement expertise. Her specialist area of interest is stakeholder identification and relationship management.
Lois has also worked on a large number of high-profile public events and conferences, and has extensive experience liaising with external organisations, businesses and the media.
As a former Regional Campaign Manager for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Lois has vast experience planning, organising and running large scale campaigns at both local and national levels and a wide network of political, grassroots and local government contacts in Scotland.
Prior to joining Samtaler Lois was based in Germany where she headed up a team within the Strategic Communications department of British Forces Germany that focused on community engagement and information dissemination to the Armed Forces Community.
RACHEL FORD
Business Manager
Rachel has over 12 years' experience in a wide variety of business support roles across several private and public sector industries.
Rachel started her business support career in Melbourne, where she found a passion working with companies who were actively making a difference for a better society.
Rachel’s drive is to contribute, support and have a huge positive impact, whilst playing an integral role in the growth and success of Samtaler.
We are social value consultants with a heart
We take the time to get to know your business and commercial requirements. Find out more about our approach.