WHAT IS SYSTEMS THINKING?

Systems thinking is an approach that:

Builds on things we all do every day, to develop more tools to help us navigate a complex world
Helps us look at the big picture, understand how different systems interact, and where we sit in the wider picture
Emphasizes solving problems, planning for system change with others to help negotiate and achieve goals and desired outcomes
Promotes flexible and responsive approaches that can adjust to changes and new challenges
Can inspire new and creative thinking about any problem, using tools that make thinking fun and productive

OUR APPROACH

Listening and reflecting back

We practice active listening and explore ideas using frameworks that help with visioning and planning.

Lifelong learning with others

We encourage continuous learning and knowledge-sharing to adapt and grow in an ever- changing world.

Credit: Alexander Milov

Dialogues across boundaries

We foster dialogues across boundaries, enabling empathy, understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.

Hold Assumptions Lightly

Co-creation means learning from each other – we might change our minds!

Curiosity

We cultivate a spirit of inquiry and exploration, driving deeper understanding and innovation.

Credit: Liminal Coaching

Working with the Human System

Taking into account mind, body, subconscious and emotional aspects including trauma-awareness and neurodiversity.

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

We are an independent initiative, based in Wales, and working towards social business status. We offer a sliding scale of charges to help subsidise pro-bono and reduced-fee work. We are currently being hosted by the Schumacher Institute, a registered charity, www.schumacherinstitute.org.uk.

Our People

Dr Jenneth Parker

Jenneth has a background in social movements, Education for Sustainability and research with universities, communities, NGOs, and government organisations. She is a qualified Adult and Community Educator e.g. running courses on Sustainability for the Workers’ Education Association and an online international Masters developed with WWF-UK and Oxfam, working with students from across Commonwealth African countries, and policy work with UNESCO.

She has a particular interest in big-picture thinking and interdisciplinary working, supported by an academic background in philosophy and methodology. At Bristol University, she worked on social science research and on the QUEST Earth Systems Science programme facilitating interdisciplinary work and has published on these topics. She has worked on EU- funded interdisciplinary research on sustainability on global eco-justice and new economy and with the Schumacher Institute for Sustainable Systems in Bristol across different sectors – from community engagement, to professional practitioners, policy makers and complex research. A key concern is spreading awareness and use of systems thinking approaches and tools, through learning by doing – we can all use and understand systems to help work on problems.

She has recently worked with community organisations to bring richer forms of evaluation that capture outcomes across the disciplines and second-order effects. She is also completing research and development work on Water Transition for the Environment Agency. She is an active member of the Political Studies Association (UK), researching and speaking on systems thinking and politics. You can view her ResearchGate Profile.

Jenneth did her first degree in Cardiff, where she raised her daughter. She has worked with Welsh NGOs, learning organisations, and Welsh Government. She now lives in Barry in South Wales.

Sheleagh Llewellyn

Sheleagh has been working in community development for over 40 years. She is experienced in community research, business planning, organisational development, building resources for community action and facilitating inclusive organisational and project work. Her development roles have included South Riverside Community Development Centre, Fairbridge De Cymru, Cardiff Third Sector Council, Safer Wales, Resolve It community interest company, Care & Repair Cymru and Ategi Ltd. She has also worked with a wide range of voluntary organisations as a freelance consultant and advisor, including as a facilitator for the British Council Active Citizens Programme, and as a tutor on BA Community Studies at Newport University. Sheleagh has experience of working with NGOs and voluntary organisations to co-create and gain wider outcomes for systems change and local resilience.

Sheleagh has recently become a Director of Upfront Gardens CIC, which has the twin aims of growing food and increasing biodiversity in highly built up urban areas while at the same time increasing friendships and neighbourliness in urban streets. Sheleagh takes an active interest in organising community events for wellbeing and community development.

Since moving to Llandeilo in March 2021 Sheleagh has co-founded HeARTworks, a community organisation which organises accessible and affordable cultural events and celebrations, she has become a member of the Llandeilo Literature Festival and contributed to organising the festival in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This summer she worked at WOMAD festival with Malarky arts Light Painting workshop. She volunteers with Age Cymru teaching Chi Gong for wellbeing to older people.

Mike Parker

Mike is the founder of Liminal Coaching Ltd and the creator of the Liminal Coaching technique, which fuses a solutions-focused approach with guided relaxation practice. The results are frequently described by clients as transformational. LinkedIn Profile.

Mike is a qualified solutions-focused hypnotherapist who uses a neuroscience-informed approach to individual and organizational change in social and systemic contexts. Drawing on his experience in business, he helps organizations become more informed about cognitive and emotional systems. Mike develops customized programs for groups and individuals focused on their chosen area, such as engaging empathically without being overwhelmed, support for neurodiversity, or enhancing creativity.

He has experience helping to develop trauma-informed organizations, which includes considering the social and systemic causes of trauma. He has piloted work based on this with Pobl, the major Welsh housing association. Mike has also worked with the Wales Wellbeing Economy Alliance, providing a group coaching program to help change-makers keep inspired and avoid burnout.