I work with a team of specialist associates as well as an in-house team where together we make magic happen, these include:
Diversity & Inclusion Lead
Research & Evaluation Lead
Organisational Development & Design Lead
Safeguarding Lead
Corporate Training Facilitator
I’m Aliya and I provide Personal Assistant Services, organising and scheduling, taking care of the back office as well as project administration. We pride ourselves with the many clients we work with and enjoy making a difference to many in this sector.
I am a friendly soul who finds joy in the simple things of life. You’ll often find me with a paintbrush in one hand and a captivating book in the other. When I’m not lost in the world of colours and words, I’m out exploring the world with my amazing family, making cherished memories along the way. I believe, adventures are best when shared.
I’m Sonia and I provide project support in the social care sector. My background is in specialist complex needs providing housing support and delivering enhanced support services through trauma informed approaches for individuals.
My years of experience also stems from working in a person-centred way with individuals from children and adult services, including homelessness. Working with 1st Life Group, we are passionate and interested in making a real difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals.
We achieve this by supporting organisations serving vulnerable individuals and are able to offer support to various services within the social care sector.
In my spare time I love African dancing and the arts, listening to music in my spare time, and enjoy exploring other parts of the world as well as listening to spoken word.
Garry is a ‘Possibility Expander’ someone that operates at the intersections of International Sales, People and Culture, Equity & Inclusion, and Sustainability.
With over 25 years international business experience, 20 years’ experience of the extractive global supply chains, Garry comes with over 9 years of international learning, organisational design, and development experience.
Garry is a chartered member of the CIPD, has led a range of leadership, organisational development or design interventions and will support 1st Life Groups work in these areas.
Garry is a valued associate, an accomplished facilitator, and change-maker, focusing on the inside-out change of people, and organisations. Garry also volunteers locally leading initiatives in support of his green values
I am a skilled facilitator who has been working in the field of diversity and inclusion, and leadership for over 20 years. My passion for leadership and diversity arises from both my own experience and from a belief that improving leadership and diversity practice in organisations is vital to improving people’s lives. I also train facilitators in groupwork and group dynamics.
My clients say that it is less the answers I give that are important to them, and more the questions I ask that get them to think and come up with their own solutions and give them more insight into what is going on in their teams and organisations – and for them personally as well.
Outside of work I am at my happiest on the top of a mountain enjoying the peace and quiet and the view on a clear day, I love reading and films, and I watch a lot fo sport both on TV and, in the case of Cardiff City, live.
Colin as a valued associate will support 1st Life Group clients with groupwork, group dynamics and Inclusive Leadership.
Toni McLelland (MSc FRSA) • Director
Hello, I’m Toni, your Critical Friend, Business Mentor and founder of 1st Life Group.
I thrive off a challenge and enjoy navigating complex situations. However, I like nothing better than getting stuck into a project where I can empower and inspire leaders, who in turn flourish and get results. The way I deliver is unique, engaging and empowering. Most of my clients refer to me as “fairy dust personified” and I relish creating an impact, adding value and making a positive difference to leaders and organisations.
With over 30 years’ experience in criminal justice, specialist education, care and the public sector spanning local authorities, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, I am no stranger to handling large scale situations and programmes, as well as high profile crisis or change situations.
My experience is vast as I’ve consulted on and delivered diversity training to the Metropolitan Police and Prison Service, worked on the London riots, the Stephen Lawrence enquiry, Grenfell, as well as MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime), and multi-million pound feasibility initiatives for the Mayor of London.
Having held leadership and strategic roles since 1994, managing large teams and multi-million pound budgets, my vast experience spans strategic business development, continuity and contingency planning, crisis, change management and compliance. I deliver with DEIB and compassion at the heart empowering as I go. I am keen to share and assist leaders with being great in business requires not only great visions but a combination of great people, leadership and business acumen.
I also am an RSA Fellow, committed to lifelong learning, change and impact.
Practicing what I preach, I am a compassionate leader driven by my 4P’s in business: Purpose, People, Planet, Profit, and I have a reputation of delivering results, so if it’s results you are looking for then look no further.
It’s not all work and business as I’m a netball lover and love music so could think of nothing better than coaching or watching my team play in my spare time whilst listening to the music of winning of course…
Oh and I come with plenty of #TonisFairyDust.
I look forward to working with you.
If you would like to book Toni to host or keynote at an event, or to find out about our services, please enquire here.
Alternatively, book a consultation here.
