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About & our approach

Helping teams think clearly when conversations matter most

Small & Simple Steps is a communication education organisation built on one belief: small, practical changes in how we listen and respond can transform how teams work together.

Our story

Grounded in practice, shaped by experience

Small & Simple Steps was founded by Delia McPhillips, an experienced clinician and educator whose work is grounded in palliative care. Years of supporting people through some of the most difficult conversations of their lives showed her how much communication shapes safe, compassionate care.

She also saw how often stress, pressure and emotion pull those conversations off track, for patients, families and colleagues alike. Small & Simple Steps was created to give teams a clear, practical way back.

The aim is not to provide scripts, but to support clearer thinking in challenging situations.
Our approach

Awareness, reflection and small practical changes

01

No single “right” way

We help people build awareness of themselves and others rather than teaching one fixed way to communicate.

02

A safe space to reflect

People choose what they share. Learning happens through discussion, stories and personal reflection.

03

Building blocks

Each part builds on what came before, so learning is layered and lasting.

04

Small steps, real change

The focus is on small changes people can make tomorrow, not perfect answers.

Core values

What guides our work

01

Clarity

Simple structure. Clear language. No jargon.

02

Emotional awareness

Recognising stress and emotion without judgement, so conversations stay on track.

03

Working together

Supporting teams to think clearly, make decisions and work well together.

How we’re structured

Deliberately small, with light-touch governance

Clear roles keep the work safe, consistent and values-led.

Founder & Lead Educator

An experienced clinician and educator with postgraduate qualifications in professional adult education and communication.

Associate Facilitators

Carefully selected, trained and supported to deliver the work in line with the Small & Simple Steps approach.

Operational & Governance Support

Simple systems support delivery, oversight and continuity without unnecessary complexity.

Next steps

Working together starts with a conversation

Tell us about your team and we’ll explore what fits.