A boutique Business Consultancy specialising in Social and Public Interest Causes
Putting People at the Heart of What You Do
NEED TRANSFORMATION OR CHANGE • GROWTH FOR YOUR BUSINESS • IN CRISIS AND NEED HELP • SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR STARTUP
We help you to embed sustainable Change for Positive Transformation, Growth & Impact
1st Life Group is a London based boutique consultancy working with leading organisations in the UK and globally. We specialise in services supporting vulnerable groups, children and young people, criminal justice, specialist education as well as social and public interest causes. As the leader of an organisation tackling social justice, social impact and social mobility or providing crucial services to the public, people are at the heart of what you do. Our core work in organisational development allows us to support board members, C-Suite and executive teams with transformation, change and growth to establish as a market leader and future proof the business. The people you serve and protect are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society and perhaps you run an organisation that:
• provides specialist education and training to those in the criminal justice system
• promotes opportunities to reduce inequalities in the workplace
• builds affordable housing for low-income families
Whichever service you provide that is a social cause, your work has a direct impact on society and makes a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable people. Clients we have worked with include: NHS, Police, Social Services and Government Bodies including MOPAC, Ministry of Justice and The Home Office. We work across the following sectors:
PUBLIC • STATUTORY • VOLUNTARY • CORPORATE • PRIVATE
Unique Challenges
The nature of this work brings with it some unique challenges.
To name a few:
- Recruiting and retaining staff in demanding environments
- Evaluating performance – demonstrating outcomes and impact to secure funding
- Maintaining standards for regulation, inspection and compliance
The pandemic has further magnified the need for organisations to manage risk and build sustainability into their processes, be prepared for any crisis or eventuality, and be able to pivot and adapt accordingly. These challenges are far from easy to navigate or keep up with, and there are a number of ways we can assist.
Organisations
We understand business continuity, contingency planning and providing quality services are all key for future proofing your business. Our commitment is to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and the principles of Compassion throughout our work. Our specialist team has worked with many organisations just like yours to:
- Identify > 1 million pounds in unclaimed fees within 2 weeks
- Secure ‘Good’ inspection rating within 5 months to lift the embargo
- Increase staff retention within 6 months boosting morale, value, continuity and consistency of care
- Evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness outcomes and impact of the business
Our services include consultancy, audit or corporate training.
Are you a social entrepreneur with a business idea?
We work with a selected number of business owners to set up their social enterprise or those trading for less than 2 years. Taking our experience from working at the sharp end in larger organisations, we bring the learning back 360 degrees to help you in your business.
One start-up we helped was failing. Cashflow was sporadic and money management wasn’t great. Our client went from 4 months in arrears, not being able to pay the rent to 110k turnover in only 8 months.
We have developed programmes specifically for start-ups just like you. Find our more about our 1:1 Programme, Group Coaching Membership and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.
Unique Challenges for Start Ups
Many business owners find it difficult to know whether to set up a Ltd Company, CIC (Community Interest Company) or have the intention of starting a charity (CIO). It can be pretty daunting deciding the status of the business. You need to consider how funds will be generated – let us assist you in making the right choice.
The nature of this work brings with it some unique challenges. We can help to:
- Develop your business acumen
- Define your value proposition – how are you bringing value to your clients?
- Cost and price your services – we will show you how as a leader of a good cause you can be financially rewarded for your efforts
- Better position for funding or revenue streams
If you have any questions about any of our services, BOOK a consultation with Toni or a member of our team.
Our MD and founder, Toni McLelland is a formidable force of nature in this space, working with a specialist team and hand-picked associates to complement and add value. She will be your ‘Critical Friend’ and straight-talking business mentor, bringing her 30 years of public sector experiences to the forefront.
Her strategic experience and background in leading multidisciplinary teams and large budgets in criminal justice and specialist education and care, has led Toni to develop her own unique Leadership Change Model and Compassionate Leadership Framework.
Let’s be clear here. What we do will not suit every organisation. We will only invest our time into you and your business if we can add value and get tangible results. As the leader, you will need to be 110% committed to:
- Make sustainable, positive changes within your organisation
- Be committed to DEIB and Compassionate principles
We offer bespoke services and memberships to suit your needs.
Why not share your challenges over a consultation?
020 3504 0250
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"I had the pleasure of working with Toni at a time when I was going through a change management process in a previous role. Having grasped the brief, I was impressed by Toni's initial approach to facilitating an away day for me and my team, and when the away day was delivered Toni engaged the entire team and I saw the morning as a success. Whilst having some fun elements to the day, because of her approach, Toni was able to cut through the tension and identify the underlying issues. It wasn't just me that was impressed with Toni's approach, the team were too and without exception they found the day to be useful. Following the away day Toni provided clear and professional feedback which I was able to utilise to help support change."