Making universal equity & inclusion the cornerstone of every organisation
About Just Horizons
Our Vision
At Just Horizons, our vision is to cultivate equitable environments that enable individuals, teams, and organisations to excel and succeed.
Operating with a clear emphasis on equity, enterprise, and empowerment as powerful catalysts for transformation, Just Horizons aspires to make universal inclusion and equity the cornerstone of every organisation.
Our Approach
At Just Horizons, Design Thinking is central to our approach, driving our commitment to foster Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) for all. Through a broad range of services, we empower organisations to not only embrace IDEA principles but integrate them at their core.
We believe lasting transformation requires a holistic approach—one that respects both individual experiences and collective growth. By creating environments that value each person’s unique contributions, we help dismantle barriers to success, fostering spaces where everyone can thrive.
Our Values & Behaviours
We are:
- Equitable – addressing systemic biases across all aspects of our work
- Inclusive – embedding and embracing diverse perspectives and experiences
- Compassionate – showing empathy and understanding in every interaction
- Curious – driven by a "what if?" mindset, always seeking growth and improvement
- Courageous – challenging the status quo, speaking up even when it’s difficult and uncomfortable
- Candid – communicating openly, honestly, and with respect, even on challenging topics
- Trustworthy – acting with integrity, consistency, and respect for privacy
Our Training & Support Services
Design Thinking for Inclusive Innovation and Growth
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
At Just Horizons, we believe that Design Thinking is a powerful tool for creating real solutions that drive innovation and growth while prioritising equity and inclusion.
This human-centred approach enables us to deeply understand the diverse needs and perspectives of all stakeholders, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective. By fostering collaboration and encouraging diverse voices throughout the design process, we can identify and dismantle barriers that hinder access and representation.
As a result, we develop strategies and initiatives that not only spark innovation but also create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and positive social impact.
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
In these workshops, we aim to create a psychologically safe and brave space for personal growth and reflection. It draws on my own journey towards being an effective ally and anti-racist.
By engaging in group discussions, sharing stories, and connecting with others, we create an inclusive environment that fosters awareness. Together, we explore the complexities of racism and equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to challenge it in our daily lives, workplaces, and communities. It’s a deeply personal process, but one that’s essential for making real change.
Key components include,
· The concepts of race and racism
· Individual, institutional, and systemic racism
· Non-racist vs anti-racist practice
· How anti-racist practice benefits everyone
· Implicit / Unconscious bias
· Privilege and Advantage
· Language and terminology
· Self-reflection and personal awareness
· Tools and strategies to help you take action against racism
· Having difficult and uncomfortable conversations about racism
Anti-Racism & Allyship - Beyond the Optics
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
As a white woman, I’ve often found myself feeling unsure about how to take meaningful action against racism. That’s why I’ve developed this anti-racism allyship workshop.
It invites us to explore our personal journeys in becoming active allies. It’s a reminder that simply being “nice” or non-racist isn’t enough; in fact, it often inadvertently supports the very systems we’re trying to change. Together, we can learn how to truly engage in dismantling racism and make a real difference.
Topics covered will include,
· Definitions and Principles of Allyship
· Recognising Systemic Racism
· Self-Awareness and Personal Reflection
· Understanding Privilege & Advantage
· Implicit and Unconscious Bias
· Empathy and Active Listening
· Language and Terminology
· Cultivating skills for effective Allyship and Advocacy
· Allyship in Action – non-racist vs anti-racist practice
· Implementing Personal and Professional Change
· Addressing Mistakes and Accountability
· Self-Care and Boundaries
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
From my own experience, White Affinity Groups (WAGs) have been transformative on my anti-racism journey. They offer a supportive space for white people to discuss race and racism, confront personal biases, and explore our identity without causing further harm to our colleagues, friends, and family members of colour.
This 8-12 week programme, co-delivered with an expert WAG facilitator, engages us in deep conversations about privilege and systemic racism, fostering our growth as allies and anti-racist activists. Through reflection and collective action, WAGs help us face uncomfortable truths about our whiteness and understand our roles in dismantling systemic racism.
Please note that participants should complete anti-racism training prior to joining a WAG programme.
Facilitation of IDEA focused networks
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
The Big IDEA Leadership & Management Programme
This is an offer of complete management and
co-ordination of your organisation’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Networks or Working Groups. It involves the provision of comprehensive support in effectively delivering your (IDEA) strategies and plans.
Support might typically encompass the following areas,
· Strategic Planning & Consultation
· Leadership Support & Governance
· Administrative & Logistical Support
· Resource Development & Training
· Monitoring & Evaluation
· Inclusivity & Accessibility in Operations
The Big IDEA Leadership & Management Programme
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
The Big IDEA Leadership & Management Programme
The Big IDEA Leadership and Management Programme focuses on the fundamental importance of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) across your organisation by building empowering, empathetic and effective leadership and management skills.
Topics covered include,
- The importance of IDEA in leadership and management
- Effective Leadership & Management and its impact
- Authentic Leadership Styles
- Positive & productive communication
- Emotionally agile leadership
- Cultivating effective teams
- Coaching Skills
- The importance of self care for leaders and managers
Professional & Personal Development
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
This suite of workshops focus on personal and professional development, mental health, wellbeing & inclusivity.
Ultimately, a happy and inclusive workforce will ensure optimum retention levels whilst also creating a more cohesive and collaborative workplace.
Workshops include,
- The 6C’s Communication Model
- Career Planning and Progression
- Confident, Resilient You!
- Your ‘Standing Out’ Inventory
- Your Personal Brand
- The Enterprising Mindset
- The Happy, Healthy Workplace
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Just Horizons delivers impactful programme and project management, along with strategic Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) support for the education, social economy, and public sectors.
Also, with a proven track record in dynamic facilitation, we design and lead sessions that inspire innovation and inclusivity, all whilst delivering lasting impact for diverse groups.
Whatever we do our aim is to empower organisations to actively engage employees, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and communities, driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive, equitable environments.
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Private Sector
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Private Sector
Whether a SME or large corporation, Just Horizons provides impactful programme and project management solutions, alongside targeted Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) support, for the private sector.
Also, with a proven track record in dynamic facilitation, we design and lead sessions that inspire innovation and inclusivity, all whilst delivering lasting impact for diverse groups.
Wherever your organisation is on its IDEA journey, we can help you engage your workforce, enhance stakeholder relationships, and strengthen community connections, driving impactful change and fostering a truly inclusive culture.
Design Thinking: Driving Inclusive Innovation
Creating Solutions with Empathy, Equity, and Impact
Using the Design Thinking methodology enables us to have open, meaningful conversations about the challenges we face with individuals, teams, and organisations. At Just Horizons, we use this human-centred approach to drive impactful action, especially in addressing inequalities affecting marginalised groups. By focusing on human needs and emphasizing empathy, we work to uncover and dismantle barriers that create discrimination and inequality. This approach empowers us to collaborate with organisations in building inclusive, equitable solutions that drive positive change.
A Design Thinking workshop will be developed to meet the very specific requirements of your organisation, however will typically include,
- The Discovery Phase - Understanding the Challenge / Preparing Research / Gathering Inspiration
- The Interpretation Phase - Telling Stories / Searching for Meaning / Framing Opportunities
- The Ideation Phase - Generating Ideas / Refining Ideas
- The Experimentation Phase - Making Prototypes / Gathering Feedback
- The Evolution Phase - Implementation / Tracking Learning / Moving Forward
Design Thinking in Action at BMet College
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Carolyn recently delivered an outstanding Design Thinking session to twenty-six of our executive and senior leaders, focusing on innovation, intrapreneurship, and inclusion. The overwhelmingly positive response from participants—evidenced by glowing survey feedback—highlighted the immense value of this dynamic and solutions-oriented experience.
The session's impact has been significant. Many of the projects initiated during the workshop have been developed further and are now being implemented, driving real change and innovation across the college. Carolyn's use of the proven Design Thinking methodology was truly unique, offering a fast-paced yet highly effective approach to problem-solving that energised the entire team.
What stood out most was Carolyn's facilitation style. Her energy, inclusivity, and ability to create an engaging and collaborative environment made a complex process feel accessible and exciting for everyone involved. This approach perfectly aligns with our college's strategies around equity, inclusion and building high-performing teams, further enhancing its relevance and impact.
I would highly recommend Carolyn at Just Horizons to any organisation looking to foster innovation, develop effective solutions, and inspire their teams. Her expertise, dynamic leadership, and results-driven approach make them a standout choice for driving meaningful transformation.
Pat Carvalho, CEO/Principal at BMet College, Birmingham
Empowering Teams and Driving Large-Scale Innovation
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Following the success of Carolyn's Design Thinking session with our senior leadership team, we were delighted to invite her back to deliver two large-scale workshops in October for 120 of our department and curriculum leads. These sessions were impressive and impactful, providing our staff with the tools and inspiration to drive innovation and develop practical, real-world solutions.
Carolyn demonstrated remarkable expertise in managing and leading such large groups through the Design Thinking process. Despite the scale of the workshops, her dynamic energy, inclusive facilitation style, and ability to engage every participant ensured that the sessions were both impactful and enjoyable.
The outcomes speak for themselves: the innovative ideas generated during these sessions have already led to actionable solutions, many of which are being developed and implemented across the college. Survey feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the value of Carolyn's unique approach and her ability to deliver results.
I highly recommend Carolyn at Just Horizons to any organisation looking to foster innovation, inspire teams, and drive meaningful change. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and proven methodology make Carolyn / Just Horizons an outstanding choice for facilitating large-scale, results-driven workshops.
Anna Jackson, Deputy Principal at BMet College, Birmingham
Our Community of Clients & Collaborators
Case Study - The Social Economy Growth Programme
The Social Economy Growth Programmes at Aston University Centre for Growth
Thank you to Carolyn at Just Horizons for her outstanding work on the Social Economy Growth Programmes at Aston University Centre for Growth. The Grow and Accelerate programmes, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority are designed to champion the Social Economy Sector across the region through a series of expert-led workshops and peer coach support.
Bringing together 56 social entrepreneurs from across the region, the aim of these programmes is to help participants develop strategies to increase their trading income, build beneficiary impact all whilst elevating their business skills and gaining the confidence to create sustainable growth in their social economy organisations.
Carolyn was instrumental in the success of the Social Economy Growth Programmes. Her exceptional skills in programme design, project management, and facilitation elevated this initiative into an impactful and highly engaging experience for participants. From the outset, Carolyn demonstrated remarkable energy and a deep commitment to ensuring every aspect of the programme ran seamlessly. She curated workshops on critical topics like Governance, Leadership, and Strategic Growth that were both insightful and highly practical, equipping participants with the tools they needed to grow their social economy organisations.
What truly set Carolyn apart was her dynamic facilitation style. She created an inclusive and energising environment that encouraged active participation and fostered meaningful discussions. Her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and cultivate a supportive network among attendees added immeasurable value to the programme. Carolyn's meticulous attention to detail, innovative approach, and ability to adapt to the needs of participants made this programme not only a learning journey but also a catalyst for real-world impact.
I wholeheartedly endorse Carolyn and Just Horizons for any project requiring exceptional leadership, facilitation, and the ability to inspire and empower others.
Kate Angel, Head of Business Support Operations, Aston Centre for Growth
Our Team
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
Carolyn Chapman-Lees has over three decades of senior and executive level experience in leadership, management, education, and training.
She is deeply passionate about delivering solutions that enable individuals and organisations to thrive and succeed and where social justice is central to ensuring equity of opportunity, inclusion and belonging for everyone.
Our Team of Associates
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
At Just Horizons we work with a wide range of expert Associates, who are carefully selected according to their aligned IDEA focused values and behaviours.