John is very dedicated to his disciplines and commits to them a110%. His local knowledge with his range of skills contribute, to a safe session for all abilities. He's presentable, honest and professional. We've been lucky enough to have John work with us at Mountaineering Wales. Providing rehabilitation for the young homeless and disadvantaged as well the drug misuse services, as you can imagen we've had all walks of life on our courses. John has been able to keep them engaged whilst helping them progress in there climbing capabilities and demonstrating great group management skills with our various groups.

My contact with John is predominantly through coaching. I've coached John previously and then I have been an ever-present throughout his journey through the coaching awards; from Fundamentals 1 through to his Development Coach Award. While I have not conducted the training myself, I was an observer (going through the process to become a provider) and have keenly watched as John has soaked up information, always craning for more. Crucially, while many hit overload if you give them too much information, he's also always able to process and retain the knowledge he acquires along the way. John is incredibly intelligent and from my observations, is clearly better suited to the higher level courses. While I have observed him running freelance sessions at the Indy Climbing Wall at Foundation Coach level, John's intellect is far better suited to a step above. On Development Coach Training, John not only took in information well but was clearly processing everything throughout, keen to ask questions and seek clarification where he needed it. I have also mentored John with his coaching and it is clear that he reflects well and adapts his practice based on his reflective practice. I've seen him grow, adapt and develop and have always been taken with his humility throughout. Always keen to keep learning, John is not the type to think he suddenly has all the answers, yet now maintains such a wealth of knowledge and experience that he has the confidence to stand by his decisions. This combination creates the ideal opportunity for good professional judgement and decision making. I don't currently hire anyone for my business but often look at those I mentor and wonder if I would: based on their knowledge; willingness to learn and adapt; manner with clients; balance between student and coach led sessions; and delivery of a complex session. Of the dozens I've helped locally and further afield, there are only three that I would trust to work for me. John is one of those three.

John has proved to be an excellent participant on courses, displaying interest and enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding, all whilst being in tune with those around him. I recently employed John to direct a week long mountaineering course for a group of very enthusiastic and competent individuals who wanted a challenging week in Eryri. John provided, and ran exactly what they wanted and needed, weighing up each of the participant's wants against their abilities along with that of the whole group. He knew where to pitch the level, he understood how much challenge to provide and on which day, showing empathy with the team and application of risk management, relating this to the environment and the conditions presented. He managed the team on walking, mountaineering and simple technical terrain. He was a commensurate professional. In regard to climbing activity, I was the course provider and director on John's CWDI training. I was impressed by him, pretty much summed up in the reasons listed above. I would like to think that given John's abilities in mountaineering and climbing, his instructional skills, his personality and relatedness with others, that he will undertake the MCI assessment as another day in his stride, albeit with an excellent level of preparation, unbound enthusiasm, professionalism and a great rapport with others. He will make a great addition to the community of MCI's. Regards Dave Brown WMCI