About us

Facilitation 101 is a leading provider of facilitation training. We help people transform the way they run meetings, workshops and group sessions.

What we do

A group of 20+ people sit on chairs in a circle, looking at a presenter who is out of view.

Our mission is simple: we want to help groups work better together.

We believe that with the right tools and mindset, facilitators can lead sessions that are engaging, focused and enjoyable. They can create spaces of connection, rather than confusion. Help people feel valued and heard, not frustrated and bored.

We run a range of facilitation courses, and partner with specialist trainers to organise events on specific topics. We deliver bespoke training for teams, plus coaching, mentoring and skills development sessions. And we offer a self-paced online course, so people can learn anytime, anywhere. 

Not sure where to start? Explore our courses or join a free taster session.

A woman in a headscarf and colourful scarf gestures while speaking to someone off camera.
A group of five people sit on the floor outside, having a conversation. Another group is on a bench in the background.

Who we are

Facilitation 101 was founded by Julia Slay, a freelance consultant and facilitator who has led over 1,000 group sessions. 

Julia has over 15 years’ experience designing and leading workshops, strategy sessions and learning programmes. She’s facilitated everything from away days and team development workshops to strategy retreats and international events. 

Facilitation 101 began in 2023, when a request for a two-hour training session led Julia to sketch out enough content for a three-day course. This became the Facilitation 101 Intensive, which covers everything Julia wishes she’d known when she began facilitating and the core skills she draws on every day.

Julia previously held senior roles in the charity and public sectors, leading work on policy, research and systems change.

Facilitation 101 director Julia Slat, a woman with shoulder length light brown hair, leads a group discussion around a table.

Who we work with

We’ve trained thousands of people across the UK and internationally through our open courses and tailored in-house training. 

Our participants come from every sector and a range of roles. They include charity leaders, change managers, NHS teams, L&D leads, local government staff, researchers, consultants, community organisers and product managers. 

Our training is equally relevant for people who facilitate internally - across their teams and wider organisation – and those who facilitate external events with clients or communities.

Two women sit having a conversation, with post-its in their hands.

How we work

Our training is participatory, inclusive and grounded in the realities of group dynamics – not abstract theory. 

We believe anyone can learn to facilitate with care, clarity and purpose. Participants say that our training is up there with the best they’ve done, and it has fundamentally changed how they work with groups. 

Don’t just take our word for it: take a look below and read in their words about how big an impact training with Facilitation 101 has had on them.

What do people say about our courses?

  • "I feel much more confident about how to design and facilitate sessions, pre-empt challenges, and where to turn to for support and ideas. Its definitely been a gamechanger for me. Thank you.”

    Training participant

  • "I found the course to be extremely well-thought out, dynamic, and interesting. I feel it has boosted my confidence to try out new and different methods when facilitating."

    Training participant

  • "Julia’s wealth of experience in facilitation and the way she creates a welcoming, positive space for learning is incredibly valuable. The course covers a lot of ground. I highly recommend it."

    Training participant

  • “As a novice this space has given me a chance to really build up my skills and build connections with experienced professionals.”

    Training participant

  • "If I can be half the facilitator that Julia is, I will be proud and the people I work with will have a vastly better colleague."

    Training participant

  • Such a valuable opportunity to step back and reflect and try things out with an expert facilitator and a great bunch of people.

    Training participant

  • "It was informative and enjoyable. You created such a warm space, with opportunities for real connection as well as for learning which was remarkable in so short a time.”

    Taster session participant

  • “Julia’s facilitation 101 training is relevant to all. Whether you’ve been a facilitator for years or never done it before.”

    Training participant

  • "Julia is an immensely skilful trainer. She shared her skill and knowledge with humility, empowering everyone in the room as she did so. I left with more knowledge andconfidence - not an easy outcome from six hours of work!"

    Masterclass participant

  • "Julia quickly created a warm, welcoming environment where we could learn from one another in practical and applied ways. It has felt like an energising boost to my facilitation practice."

    Masterclass participant

  • “Brilliant training which I highly recommend... Julia is generous in her knowledge and spirit, calm and professional - and very attentive to the needs of all participants."

    Masterclass participant

  • "A brilliant day... Julia's expert facilitation and willingness to share her experiences and techniques was key to me taking so much from the day. The additional resources and materials were a big added bonus!"

    Masterclass participant

  • "It's given me fresh confidence to try new things and I've had brilliant feedback from workshops I've led since... it was a transformative few days and I know the impact will reverberate for a long while yet."

    Intensive participant

  • " It is not hyperbole to say it was a transformative few days and I know the impact will reverberate for a long while yet. Thank you Julia!

    Training participant

Have a question?

We’re always happy to answer.

Email us at: hello@facilitation101.co.uk

Sign up for emails

Get emails about the latest Facilitation 101 course dates and discounts, plus ideas and resources to support your work as a facilitator.

You can unsubscribe any time. We’re committed to ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information. See our privacy notice.