hello, I’m Kay
Coaching, consultancy and mediation for values‑driven leaders
I’m a coach, consultant and mediator who works with values‑driven people in demanding roles - leaders who others turn to for steadiness, clarity and good judgement.
I create calm, purposeful spaces where you can pause, think, deepen your insight and make decisions that feel aligned with what matters most.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, working with clients across the UK.
what I do
Coaching
Consultancy
Consultancy
I offer executive‑level coaching that provides structured, reflective space for leaders and professionals to think clearly, strengthen their judgement and make well‑considered decisions in complex, demanding environments.
What I can help with:
- greater clarity in complex or high‑stakes situations
- stronger boundaries and sustainable working patterns
- thoughtful challenge that supports deeper insight and growth
- more confident, values‑aligned decision‑making
Consultancy
Consultancy
Consultancy
I provide targeted, practical and evidence‑informed support for organisations navigating complexity, change and governance challenges.
My work combines strategic thinking with a grounded understanding of how people, systems and leadership dynamics interact.
What I can help with:
- governance clarity & board effectiveness
- roles, structure & decision‑making frameworks
- leadership support during transition or growth
- culture, communication & psychological safety
- sensitive reviews or independent organisational insight
Mediation
Consultancy
Mediation
.
I offer an impartial, constructive route through conflict and relationship breakdowns at work.
My approach is ACAS‑aligned, trauma‑aware and focused on restoring dignity, respect and workable forward movement - often preventing escalation to formal processes.
What I can help with:
- peer‑to‑peer relationship tensions
- team conflict and communication difficulties
- fractured working relationships
- manager–direct report challenges
the people and organisations I work with
Individuals navigating complex roles
Organisations and professional environments
Individuals navigating complex roles
People carrying responsibility, making decisions, and supporting others through uncertainty in demanding roles..
Values driven organisations
Organisations and professional environments
Individuals navigating complex roles
Boards, CEOs and teams working in mission‑driven environments.
Organisations and professional environments
Organisations and professional environments
Organisations and professional environments
Leaders and founders navigating growth, change and complex demands within professional settings.
more about me
My background
I’ve held leadership roles across the private sector and Higher Education, spending much of my career leading people, navigating change and working in complex, relational environments. That experience has shaped the way I show up in my work today: calm, clear, and focused on what enables people and organisations to thrive.
As an experienced Director, Board Chair and Trustee, I understand the importance of good governance, thoughtful strategy and healthy dynamics. I’m currently a Director and Trustee of Humanists UK, Chair of Eating Distress North East, and work alongside a number of charity boards to strengthen their approach to governance and decision‑making.
I’m also a Funeral Celebrant, accredited by Humanists UK, creating meaningful ceremonies, celebrations of life and memorials — always with a deep commitment to honouring the person and the personal.
Across all of these roles, I stay close to the realities of leadership, care, decision‑making and the very human challenges people face when they work in demanding, values‑led environments.
Why choose me
My approach is calm, steady and human. I bring warmth, curiosity and thoughtful challenge, without ever being heavy‑handed or corporate.
I support boards, senior teams, founders and leaders to help them - and their organisations - to thrive, drawing on my extensive experience in business administration, good governance, and leading large teams
Because I understand the pressures and nuances of leadership roles from my own experience, you don’t need to explain the basics - we can go straight to the thinking that matters.
my values
Clarity
Creating thoughtful space to see what’s true — and what’s possible.
Steadiness
Bringing calm, grounding presence to difficult decisions and conversations.
Humanity
Being warm, kind and real. Meeting people where they are with respect and curiosity.
Integrity
Doing work that aligns with values, purpose and long‑term impact — not quick fixes.
Purpose
Supporting work that matters: for people, organisations and the communities they serve.
the difference this work makes
Working with me gives you space, clarity and support that leaders rarely get elsewhere. My clients experience:
- Clear thinking in complex situations
Space to step back, see patterns, understand dynamics and identify what truly matters.
- Stronger boundaries and healthier leadership habits
Support to separate what’s yours from what isn’t — the foundation for sustainable leadership.
- Thoughtful challenge
A steady, human presence who listens deeply and also asks the questions that move things forward.
- Better decision‑making
Insight, reflection and practical guidance that help you act with clarity and confidence.
- Organisational clarity when needed
Consultancy support to strengthen governance, roles, relationships and ways of working.
- Calm, impartial support in difficult moments
Mediation that helps people move through conflict with dignity, clarity and safety.
Across coaching, consultancy and mediation, the thread is the same:
I help leaders create the clarity, steadiness and support they need to do their best work, without burning out or carrying everything alone.
practicalities
My aim is to keep the practical side simple, clear and supportive across all my work - whether we’re coaching one‑to‑one, working together on a consultancy project, or navigating mediation.
- Coaching: most sessions are 90 minutes to allow for depth, reflection and meaningful progress.
- Consultancy & organisational support: sessions and workshops are shaped around your needs - from focused 60–90 minute discussions to half‑days or project blocks.
- Mediation: A full mediation process typically takes around a day to a day and a half in total, usually delivered as a series of structured conversations rather than one continuous block.
- Coaching: Typically delivered as a series, adapted to your rhythm and goals.
- Consultancy: Agreed according to the project scope, pace and decision‑making needs.
- Mediation: Scheduled to maintain momentum and dignity in the process, often within a shorter, contained time window.
This depends on your needs so we'll work together to decide what's most appropriate.
I work online and in person - depending on your location.
Yes, I offer light‑touch communication for reflection, sense‑checks, progress updates or agreed next steps that's tailored to the type of work we’re doing. This may include brief email summaries, draft materials or guided reflections.
Absolutely. I provide a clear, confidential and psychologically safe space — for both individuals and organisations. For mediation and consultancy, we'll agree confidentiality and information‑sharing arrangements at the outset.
I've found that a no-obligation 30–45 minute conversation to explore what you need, the type of support that will serve you best, and whether we’re the right fit to work together works really well to see if we're a fit.
I work with individuals as well as organisations large and small. My clients include Charities, Social Enterprise & Community Interest Companies, Consultancies, SMEs, and large public and private sector organisations
what my clients have to say
My clients tell me they love working with me as I'm clear, impactful, warm, and safe but not soft.
“Kay helped me take the next step in my career with clarity and confidence.”
Her support improved how I connect with others, present myself and approach my role. I still share her resources with peers because they simply work.
– Manager, Higher Education
“Warm, steady and challenging in the best way.”
Kay helped me navigate difficult management scenarios, remain optimistic and focus on solution‑finding during times of pressure and change.
– Marketing & Events Manager
“My confidence and leadership have come back to life.”
I’m leading projects better than ever and feel ready for my next promotion. Kay’s belief in me — and her ability to ask the right questions — made all the difference.
– Project Director
“I am a significantly better leader than I was a year ago.”
Kay’s calm, reflective style helped me develop leadership, communication and management skills in a holistic way. I always left our sessions clearer and more capable.
– Performance Sports Coach
More coaching testimonials available on request.
“Kay brought clarity and calm to a complex organisational situation. She helped us understand our roles, improve ways of working and make decisions with far greater confidence.”
– Director, Social Enterprise
“Her governance expertise is exceptional. Kay helped us strengthen delegation, decision‑making and board effectiveness in a way that actually works in practice.”
– Chair, Charity Board
“Kay sees patterns quickly and helps teams reset how they work together. Her support made everything feel more manageable and constructive.”
– CEO, CIC
“Kay handled a difficult conflict with incredible calm and clarity. She created a safe space where everyone felt heard and helped us move forward with dignity.”
– Manager, Charity Sector
“Her impartiality and steadiness were invaluable during a tense situation. Kay kept the conversation safe, respectful and constructive from start to finish.”
– Senior Leader, Social Enterprise
“Kay balances empathy with structure. People instantly trust her, and that makes resolution possible.”
– Operations Lead, SME
get in touch to explore my services
Forster Jones Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (14076236)
Our registered address is in Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3BU
kay@forsterjonesconsulting.com
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