Testimonials

Gillian Neish is NOT a trainer! She is an educator whose ability to lead people out of the ignorance of bigotry is unquestionable.

Her knowledge of the problem of racism and the ignorance which perpetuates it is more necessary now than it was when she and I worked together several years ago.

I’ve worked with Gillian since 2012, and she is my go-to learning provider for any trade union-led positive action programme that centres on redressing workplace inequalities. Her cross-union courses have been particularly suitable for black workers, women workers, and disabled workers.

Neish Training has worked with PATH Scotland over several years to deliver Developing Leadership and Management Skills. Gillian has a real skill for holding space thoughtfully, facilitating challenging conversations with care, and offering respectful but impactful challenge.

Her approach consistently creates an environment where participants feel both supported and stretched, which is exactly what effective leadership development should do.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), as one of the largest Health Boards in the UK, has been delighted with our working relationship with Gillian Neish over the last three years through the design and delivery of our Leadership Programme for BME staff.

The design and facilitation were highly professional, creating a safe and focused environment for participants to explore complex themes, including the systemic challenges faced by BME staff. Gillian is an expert at getting the balance right between supportive and challenging, helping participants to really reflect on their goals and aspirations as current and future leaders.

I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative work of our EDI practitioner, whose expertise seamlessly integrates trauma‐aware practices, mindfulness, and innovative social justice exercises into a comprehensive approach that fosters meaningful change.

Her work created a safe and validating space where minority group members could share their experiences, and where those newly aware of their own privilege could engage in constructive self-reflection—all without anyone feeling “othered.

Gillian creates a very warm, encouraging and supportive space for people to have time to work through their individual goals. She helps you to step back and reconnect with your objectives and purpose through genuine listening, thoughtful questions and sharing her own personal lived experience and insights.

Trust is very quickly established, which enables you to feel that you can truly open up and explore without any judgment. Goals start to feel very achievable as you gain greater clarity and confidence. It really is a transformative experience.

The session was engaging, thought-provoking, and created a safe space for open discussion. It helped surface issues that often go unspoken and encouraged reflection on how power dynamics show up in the workplace.

Gillian’s overall presence and her method of holding space throughout were great. I found the ability to move around the room and speak to different members of the team really supportive, as this was really playing on my mind before the session started.

I found the course gave me lots to take away and reflect on.

This was an amazing experience and has taken everyone who attended forward in some capacity or another. This course has shown us the importance of networking and how this continues to help growth and learning.

I really enjoyed the video content and the group conversations, coupled with Gillian’s very knowledgeable input. I think the session had a very comfortable atmosphere, which helped facilitate meaningful conversations about difficult issues.