A Brilliant Thing CIC.
A Brilliant Thing CIC is a UK-based social enterprise, specialising in learning and development.
We are a social enterprise led by 3 sisters who combine our strengths in strategic leadership, therapeutic practice and partnership development. Meet the team behind A Brilliant Thing and discover how we help organisations strengthen leadership, collaboration and engagement using Human Skills and Healing-Centred Design®.
Working together for positive change.
Kerry Tottingham is a CMI Level 7 leadership coach and author of Healing-Centred Transformation (Practical Inspiration Publishing, 2025), and brings expertise in trauma-informed systems change. Tess Basson contributes deep counselling insight and reflective practice to development work. Faye Bertram enables collaborative, cross-sector partnerships, helping organisations redesign work and build sustainable, measurable impact rooted in real life.
Together with our partners, facilitators and clients we use Healing-Centred Design® an evidence-based, transformation framework and Human Skills like adaptability, trust-building, conflict navigation, compassion and critical thinking. Our work supports collaboration, navigates through change and generates lasting impact.
Our team.
Kerry Tottingham
Strategic Lead + Co-Director
I’m a design-thinker, mother and maker, as well as a Chartered Management Institute certified (Level 7) Leadership Coach and Mentor.
My experience marries skills in facilitation, therapeutic approaches, coaching, organisational and community development, design-thinking and grassroots and system experience across charity, NHS, public and private sectors.
My work recognises the leadership role of governance and of lived experience, and understand the tools and resources needed to support both.
Faye Bertram
Partnerships Lead + Co-Director
I’m committed to building strong relationships through partnerships and am a board member and Co-Director at A Brilliant Thing CIC.
My experience building community and supporting people through digital solutions and background working with HR Consultants means I understand how wellbeing and work come together in on and offline spaces.
Communicating the story of A Brilliant Thing CIC and all of the brilliant people we coach, partner and work with, helps build a supportive and inspiring community that I love being part of!
Tess Basson
Development Lead + Co-Director
I’m a compassionate and motivated change-maker, using my experience in co-production and wellbeing to grow skills and knowledge of Healing-Centred Design within business and communities.
My role draw on my varied background as a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor, Supervisor for Refugee and Asylum Seeker personalised care teams, Lead Social Prescriber, and Wellbeing Event Planner for charities.
I’m driven to support individuals with their mental health to create safe and nurturing practices in the workplace.
Phil Trelease
Board Member
I am a Director of Finance and Operations in the third sector for Action Together CIO which operates in the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside areas to support local charities, voluntary and faith organisations.
I have also operated as a Business Adviser to SMEs as well as an R & D Tax specialist and am committed to using my skills and knowledge to support the development of A Brilliant Thing CIC.
Laura Augustine
Organisation Administrator
I am a self employed Business Admin Virtual Assistant, with 15 years+ experience in finance, admin, and development support, in business and the VCFSE sector.
With A Brilliant Thing CIC I support all aspects of business and project admin, working closely with directors and associates.
Listen to more.
Healing-Centred Transformation – A Brilliant Thing CIC podcast
Meet the Mancunian Podcast – Kerry discusses sustainable ways of working in charities with Deepa Thomas Sutcliffe
Did You Earn It Or Did You Learn It Faye discusses learning and development with Ben Leeder
Building your Brand Kerry and Liz Mosely discuss the benefits of products in the service business
Extraordinary Business Book Club Kerry chats book launching with the publisher Alison Jones, of Practical Inspiration Publishing.
Read with us.
Healing-Centred Transformation: mend, tend and change the futre by Kerry Tottingham (Practical Inspiration Publishing 2025)
Design Transformation: Systems change projects and learning and development articles
Published Articles
Tales to Inspire: Purpose and Leadership
Beyond Profit: Machines or designers?
Charity People: Stop Spinning Plates
NAVCA: Inclusive Messaging
Ideas Alliance: My Best Mistake