Welcome

Have you landed on this page because you:

  • want to enhance your organisation’s equality, inclusion and diversity?
  • want to develop yourself or your team professionally through coaching?
  • want someone to help you with qualitative research or evaluation?

If the answer is yes to any or all of the above, you’re in the right place!

To introduce myself, I set up my business in 2017, after over fourteen years working as an academic. I draw on my academic expertise and experience to offer training and consultancy on a variety of diversity and inclusion topics from introductory levels to more in-depth workshops or programmes. I also offer talks on various aspects of diversity and inclusion and on professional development.

My particular specialism is women in the workplace and LGBT inclusion. I work with organisations and groups in the private, public or voluntary sector and have supported companies ranging from Fortune 100, Fortune 500, many universities and through to small charities.

I am an executive coach and offer professional-development coaching within organisations as well as to individuals.

I offer a range of consultancy from undertaking research, impact evaluation work to advisory roles. I am based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK but happily work more widely.

Please have a look around the website. To check my availability and find out how we might work together, please get in touch. I look forward to our conversation!

Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can 
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Training

Some people sitting at a desk with laptops and notebooks watching someone (unseen) at the front of the room

How might my organisation benefit from training?  Time and again, research evidences that diverse management teams and workforces perform better. Understanding cultural differences and addressing inequalities will not only enhance social justice but will improve your organisation’s performance. Training: Ensures staff or volunteers are well informed and operating within the law Supports the organisation to… Continue reading Training

Facilitation

bright training room with sunlight streaming through blinds, desks, chairs and plant and view of offices beyond window outside

How will my organisation benefit from working with you? Working with an external facilitator benefits you in various ways: when a specialist in a particular topic is needed but for a less formal session than ‘training’ when a neutral outsider is needed to support and lead discussion when a neutral outsider is needed to carry… Continue reading Facilitation

Coaching

A hand outstretched, facing upwards

What is coaching? Executive coaching is a non-directive and facilitative process enabling you to grow professionally and personally. You bring the ‘agenda’ or area to focus on and I bring the techniques and tools of coaching to support you to define and achieve your aims. If you’re looking to be empowered to clarify and discover… Continue reading Coaching

Facilitation image - smart boardroom interior

The Resolutions Retreat proved to be exactly what I need during this particularly difficult year. Whatever apprehensions I had about working with people I did not know soon vanished and we had some great discussions.  Working with specific techniques and guided activities, we were able to clarify what we need for ourselves going forward.  At the same time, we shared many realities of being women in academia. What a joy to be allowed to acknowledge that without feeling apologetic.  Julie is a skilled facilitator and incredibly good at creating a supportive, inclusive and mutually respectful space. I came away with renewed sense of purpose and a plan to keep my own work ‘front and centre’.

Much appreciated !! 

Dr Sheila Quaid, on Women in Academia Resolutions Retreat

Training image - people sat around a table during a training session

Julie’s workshop on ‘Privilege’ was powerful. I advocate and advise on EDI myself so was taken by surprise by the very emotional response it evoked in me. It cemented my resolve and sense of responsibility to challenge bias in myself as well as in others. Her methods and interactions create a safe space where delegates are challenged. She shows how privilege creates context and affects all our human interactions.

Highly recommended.

Kate Cairns, Cairns Consultancy