My story
Early in my career I spent six months volunteering in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. That experience led me to want to understand more about inequality at home in the UK, and how I could contribute to addressing it. I took a year out to study social policy as a postgraduate and for the next few years worked in UK-based non-profit organisations, always choosing those with a clear purpose around reducing workplace inequality.
From a career in the non-profit sector, I then pivoted to the for-profit sector, holding onto my mission around addressing inequality as I did so. I spent several very happy years as European Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Employee Engagement for global accounting firm KPMG before setting up my own consulting practice in 2012, initially to advise UK and global organisations on DEI strategy and implementation.
My subsequent discovery of the world of organisational development was a game-changer for me. Through OD I delved into topics such as use of self, group dynamics, complexity and resistance, and acquired experience, skills and accreditation around consulting, coaching and facilitation. I continued to expand the scope of my work beyond the UK, and beyond DEI, whilst all the time holding the values of diversity equity and inclusion close to my heart, and my practice.
Something shifted for me again in 2019, when I encountered Gestalt OD for the first time. Since then I’ve been exploring the integration of Gestalt principles and practices into my work and life, which means – amongst other things – that I bring to my clients a focus on relationship as much as on task. My passion – and my privilege – now is to work more deeply with individuals and groups in the moment, to help groups and teams co-create solutions, and to support the personal, interpersonal and relational side of change.
Outside work, my first love is my family. I’m proud to be a trustee of Arnolfini, Bristol’s international centre for contemporary arts. I’m also a big fan of fresh air, cold water swimming, walking, running, gardening, art, music, reading, cooking and eating.
Qualifications and training
- Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Skills and Studies, Metanoia Institute (2025)
- International Gestalt Organisation and Leadership Development Programme, iGOLD (2024)
- Certificate in Systemic Team Coaching, Academy of Executive Coaches (2022)
- Accredited as facilitator of Action Learning Groups, Action Learning Associates (2022)
- An Introduction to Gestalt in Organisations: Theory, Practice, Pragmatics, iGOLD (2019)
- Certificate in Human Systems Dynamics, HSD Institute (2017)
- The Art of Facilitation, Roffey Park Institute (2014)
- Practitioner Certificate in Consulting and Change, The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations (2012)
- MSc (Masters) in Gender and Social Policy, University of Bristol (1992)
- MA Philosophy, University of Cambridge (1988)
Sarah Bond | co-creating change 