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The Single Collective The Single Collective – Relational Culture Work for MAT CEOs

Strategic Consultancy for Charities and Funders

Evidence-based, cross-system thinking on SEND
inclusion and relational culture.

Intro

Alongside my coaching work, I offer strategic consultancy to charities and funders seeking to understand and strengthen complex systems. This work sits at the intersection of SEND inclusion, relational culture and organisational change, drawing on deep sector knowledge and a commitment to evidence-based practice.

I bring lived leadership experience and rigorous research to every engagement. As co-founder of a special school and MBE recipient for services to SEND, I understand how systems shape outcomes for young people, and what it takes to shift them. My consultancy goes beyond analysis – it listens carefully, surfaces what is working, names what is holding people back, and helps communities and organisations move towards something more coherent and equitable.

Meaningful change begins with people, their relationships and their collective sense of purpose.

What this work involves

  • Strategic mapping and research – researching and authoring evidence-based mapping work commissioned by funders and philanthropic organisations. Her report Changing the Narrative, commissioned by Wohl Legacy, mapped the SEND inclusion landscape across a community of schools, charities and employers, identifying five systemic themes and practical opportunities for collaboration. The work drew on semi-structured interviews, policy analysis and a cross-system view of what was working and where the gaps lay.
  • SEND inclusion strategy – working with charities and funders to develop a clearer understanding of the SEND landscape, identify gaps in provision and shape more effective, inclusive approaches that move from compliance to coherence.
  • Relational culture consultancy – supporting organisations to examine the relationships and dynamics that shape their culture, helping teams move from fragmentation to genuine collaboration and contribution.
  • Cross-system thinking – working across organisational and sector boundaries, helping funders and charities understand how different parts of a system connect, and where strategic investment can have the most meaningful impact.

Who is this for?

  • Charitable foundations and funders seeking an experienced consultant to research, map or evaluate SEND provision and inclusion strategy.
  • Charities working with young people with SEND that want to strengthen their strategic direction or understand their place within a wider ecosystem.
  • Organisations looking to examine and improve the relational culture that shapes how their teams work together and how they serve their communities.
  • Funders wanting to commission evidence-based work that goes beyond surface-level analysis to explore the deeper systemic factors at play.

About Ali

Ali Durban is an AoEC-accredited executive coach and strategic consultant with a career rooted in education and inclusion. She co-founded a special school, was awarded an MBE for her services to SEND, and has since worked as a researcher, author, and consultant across the charity and funder landscape.

Her consultancy is grounded in the belief that lasting change requires both systemic understanding and relational awareness. She brings intellectual rigour, calm thinking and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people and the communities around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of consultancy does Ali offer? Ali’s consultancy focuses on two areas: SEND inclusion strategy and relational culture. She works with charities and funders to research, map, and think strategically about complex systems, and to examine the relationships and culture within organisations that shape their effectiveness.

Has Ali done this kind of work before? Yes. In 2025, Ali authored Changing the Narrative, commissioned by Wohl Legacy. The report mapped provision, partnerships and gaps across a network of schools, charities and employment organisations supporting young people with SEND. It identified five key themes, ranging from the timing of work-related learning to the disconnects within a rich but fragmented ecosystem, and set out practical directions for a more inclusive, collaborative future. It is available to read on The Single Collective website.

Can funders commission Ali directly? Yes. Ali works directly with philanthropic foundations and funders who want to commission research, evaluation or strategic thinking on SEND inclusion or relational culture. If you are unsure whether your project is a good fit, an initial conversation is the best place to start.

How is this different from a standard research or evaluation service? Ali brings something beyond methodology. Her experience as a school co-founder, MBE recipient and coach means she understands the human and relational dimensions of the systems she is examining. Her work does not just describe what is happening, it helps organisations understand why, and what might change.

How does a consultancy engagement typically work? Every engagement is scoped to the specific needs of the commissioning organisation. Ali will begin with a conversation to understand your goals, the questions you are trying to answer and the context you are working in. From there, she will propose an approach that fits your timeline and budget.

Can Ali work with smaller charities as well as large funders? Yes. Ali is interested in the quality and purpose of the work rather than the size of the organisation. If your charity is grappling with questions about SEND inclusion or how your culture and relationships shape your impact, she is happy to explore whether there is a good fit.

If your foundation, charity or funder is commissioning research, mapping or evaluation work on SEND inclusion or relational culture

Book a strategic conversation →

I would welcome a conversation about whether this work is the right fit for what you’re trying to do.