Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, I support charities, CICs, social enterprises, SMEs and founder-led organisations across the North East and the UK.
My background is in senior leadership and governance rather than traditional management consultancy, and I bring that hands-on experience directly into organisations navigating growth, leadership transitions, governance challenges and organisational complexity.
I am often brought in when organisations sense something needs attention but are not yet sure what.
Sometimes that is governance.
Sometimes it is leadership capacity.
Sometimes it is organisational structure, decision-making or culture.
My role is to help CEOs, leaders, boards and teams see clearly what matters most, identify practical priorities and put proportionate solutions in place that will stand up over time.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes alongside leaders, boards and founders who need a trusted partner to help them think clearly, make decisions and turn plans into action.
Whether the challenge is governance, organisational structure, leadership capacity, strategic planning, decision-making, organisational development or fractional leadership support, I bring clarity, structure and steady support when there are no simple answers.
If this feels familiar, you're very welcome to start a conversation.
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"We've worked with Kay for many years at Nourish Food School and will continue to do so for many more. Kay has the perfect blend of professionalism alongside a personable, friendly approach. She brings such a wealth of experience and insight that has always supported us to make well thought through decisions and new ways of working that allow us to grow, improve and work well together as a team. 100% recommend."
My recent work has included:
Leadership, governance and strategy
• First Chief Executive recruitment support for a growing charity
• Interim fractional CEO leadership during a charity leadership transition
• Board governance review and support for stronger decision-making
• Strategic planning workshops and organisational priority setting
• Roles, responsibilities and decision-making clarity using RACI frameworks
Organisational development and infrastructure
• Organisational development support for growing charities and social enterprises
• Risk register development and governance assurance
• IT contract review and supplier management support
• CRM implementation readiness and process improvement
• Policy, process and operational framework development
People and teams
• Leadership team development and ways-of-working reviews
• Senior recruitment and maternity cover support
• Job description review and role clarity programmes
• HR policy review and organisational change support
• Stakeholder engagement and communications planning

I focus on what will make the most meaningful, practical difference to the way your organisation works day to day.
I can help you with:
In some circumstances, organisations I work with may be able to access fully or partially funded consultancy through regional business support programmes, making it easier to get the right help at the point it’s most needed.
I’m an Expert in Residence with the North East Business & Innovation Centre (BIC), supporting charities, CICs, social enterprises and other purpose‑led organisations to strengthen the foundations that help them run safely, clearly and sustainably.
I am a Registered Provider for NBSL’s Sunderland Business Support Fund and the North of Tyne Business Support Fund, helping businesses to improve their competitiveness.
Eligibility varies, and not all work is funded – I’m always happy to talk this through and help you understand what options might be available.



Registered charities with committed teams who need a bit of help to run the organisation.
Small, mission‑focused teams doing big things with limited resources who need clarity, structure and practical support to keep moving forward.
Organisations that have grown quickly and need clearer roles, better handovers or more robust ways of working.
People carrying a lot of responsibility who need a calm, experienced partner to bring clarity, structure and steady support.
Governance groups wanting clearer decision‑making, better oversight and confidence in their responsibilities, especially during change.
My approach is practical, collaborative and rooted in real organisational life. I take time to understand what's happening beneath the surface, helping leaders and boards make sense of complexity and focus on what matters most.
I work alongside you rather than imposing solutions. Together, we'll identify priorities, bring clarity to decision-making and develop practical actions that fit the reality of your organisation.
Drawing on many years of senior leadership and governance experience, I understand organisational challenges from operational, executive and board perspectives. This means I can provide both thoughtful challenge and steady support when situations feel complex, uncertain or under pressure.
I focus on what will make the most meaningful difference, helping organisations move forward with greater clarity, confidence and purpose.
Projects vary from a focused piece of work over a few days to longer-term support over several months.
You might come to me when...
Your organisation is growing quickly and the structures that worked before no longer feel sufficient.
A new CEO or senior leader is joining and you need support through the transition.
Your board needs to step back, clarify priorities and strengthen how it works together.
A difficult workplace issue needs to be addressed with care and independence.
My role is to help organisations step back, see what matters most, and put proportionate foundations in place so the business can be run well – without adding unnecessary complexity.
Sometimes this work highlights the need for individual coaching alongside organisational support — giving leaders space to think clearly while changes are being made.
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Consultancy is shaped around what your organisation needs - whether that’s a focused piece of work, support during a period of change, or a calm, experienced partner to help you make sense of what’s happening and decide on a clearer way forward.
I start by understanding your context, your people and the realities you’re working with. From there, we shape a practical plan together and move at a pace that works for you.
My aim is always the same: to bring clarity, structure and steady leadership support so you can strengthen how your organisation works day to day and make confident, well‑considered decisions about what comes next.
We'll have a short call to understand what you need and what’s going on in your organisation.
We'll develop a clear, realistic outline of purpose, approach, roles and intended outcomes - created collaboratively.
These may involve leaders, trustees or teams depending on the work. Sessions are calm, structured and focused on what will make the biggest difference.
Clear, practical guidance rooted in real organisational experience — not theory. You’ll know what to do next and why it matters.
Check‑ins, coaching or further advice as needed to help embed any changes and keep things moving forward.
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⭐ clarity structure and confident decisions
“Kay brings clarity, calm authority and thoughtful challenge. She helped us strengthen our governance, improve our decision‑making and feel more confident about the future of our organisation.”
Non‑Executive Director, Social Enterprise
⭐ steady support through complex change
“Kay supported us through a complex period of change with steadiness, kindness and clear direction. Her insight into people, leadership and operations was invaluable for helping us move forward.” CEO, Charity Sector
⭐ practical improvements with real impact
“Kay helped us bring structure to the way we work and make practical changes that have had a tangible impact day to day. Her combination of strategic thinking and humanity is rare and incredibly valuable.”
Programme Director, Community Organisation
⭐ calm guidance and organisational clarity
“Kay listens deeply and helps you see issues clearly. Her guidance supported us to make well‑considered decisions and move through uncertainty with confidence.”
Senior Leader, SME
Consultancy is tailored to your organisation, the scope of the work and the outcomes you're aiming for. I’ll always be clear about pricing before we begin, and I’m happy to talk through options to find an approach that feels right for you and the people you’re supporting.
If you’d like to explore how I could support your organisation, you’re welcome to book a short, no‑obligation call.
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
Trustee & Director, Humanists UK | Chair, Eating Distress North East | Humanists UK Funeral Celebrant | BIPC North East Expert in Residence
Connect with me on LinkedIn | Facebook | Forster Jones Consulting (Google) | Kay Jones Humanist Funeral Celebrant (Google)
My work is supported by regular professional supervision and continuing professional development. Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are in place for all professional services.
Serving Newcastle upon Tyne, the wider North East, and national clients
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