Change beyond
the moment

We work with you to thoughtfully design inclusive practices and efficient organisational ways of working that take faith, culture and difference seriously

Group of young adults laughing and working together at a table with laptops in a library or study room.
“My first time hearing you speak and your words and insights were like crystal. I was excited by your clarity of thought, sharp observations and impactful questions. A great panel. Thank you.”

We believe that differences make us stronger

Focal Elements works with charities, public bodies, corporates and for-good organisations to help them intentionally engage with faith, culture and inclusion.

We design and deliver training and organisational design that explores and embraces identity, values and culture, focusing on harnessing each individual’s full potential. We listen, we learn, and then we build flexible, people-focused strategy with you, drawing on decades of technical and socio-cultural expertise and lived experience.

Words without action don’t bring change, so we deliver tailored learning and workshops that give your team the confidence to drive the change they want to see.

Our approach is thoughtful but disruptive. We take teams out of their comfort zone whilst maintaining a respectful, safe space that allows them to be curious about faith and culture whilst learning and sharing.

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Logo of Ocean and Coastal Futures with a stylized wave and circle design.
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Our services

Faith & Cultural Inclusion

We deliver a range of in-person training sessions on faith, race and inclusion, carefully designed to be collaborative, challenging, respectful and actionable.

• Faith – The Equality Act & Beyond
• Faith & Cultural Essentials
• Multi-Faith & Quiet Space Development
• Halal Food & Catering Learning

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Organisational Strategy

We work with you to rebuild structures, processes, systems and attitudes around organisational practice and development, embracing differences as a strength.

• Strategic Development
• Facilitation & Convening
• Facilitation & Visual Scribing
• Principles of Inclusion Advisory and Training,
• Inclusion & Access Audits

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Speaking & Events

Our experiences and insights have allowed us to be a trusted and regular face at conferences, events and educational institutions, speaking on leadership & inclusion, placemaking & community engagement and youths & career development.

• Conferences
• Panel Discussions
• Interactive Workshops
• Schools & Educational Institutions

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Our story

Focal Elements was born from one simple belief - we have to focus on the individual and the collective to enable change and long term movements.

Our founder Ismail found himself constantly answering questions about faith, race and how to build organisational cultures that supported every individual. Organisations and teams lacked focus, unable to find solutions that weren’t dry, rigid and prescriptive.

After helping charities and social change organisations with strategic development and working in grant making for over a decade, Ismail shifted his full focus to his passion for faith engagement, inclusion and organisational design, this is where Focal Elements was born.

A conference or panel event in a large auditorium with a speaker preparing on stage. A large screen displays the presentation titled "Panel: An Uncharted Course" about breaking barriers in marine and coastal leadership.
“I’ve worked with Ismail on several projects including as a co-presenter and have seen him present at a number of conferences. He’s brilliant to work with and I always learn something new from him!”

A mindful disruptor

Ismail believes in engaging each individual, encouraging curiosity and awareness of self before diving into designing flexible, dynamic strategies for wider teams and organisations.

His unique blend of humour, directness, simplicity and flexibility has allowed him to deliver transformative training and organisational strategy across large organisations and small start-ups, as well as being a regular and trusted speaker and panel member at conferences up and down the UK.

For him, it’s personal. “When I was younger, I had someone who gave me their time, and that enabled me to become who I am now. The question for me is, ‘How can I give my time to others so they have the foundations they need to succeed?’.

A group of people seated around tables in a meeting room, engaged in discussion, with a projector screen displaying a presentation at the front.
“I’m confident our growth both financially and operationally has been due to Ismail’s input.”
More about us

Our process

It’s temping to dive straight into creating content after an introduction. We like to take more of a thoughtful approach, one that prioritises clarity and alignment, setting the foundation for impactful collaboration.

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  • Discovery is the foundation of any successful project. We focus on getting to know each organisation so we understand the context of the work. We listen, ask questions, and try to understand the bigger picture.

    • Purpose: Understand the client’s goals, audience and unique challenges

    • Activities: Initial consultation, research and gathering insights

    • Outcome: A clear picture of objectives and expectations

  • Detail is where clarity takes center stage. We transform conversations and insights from Discovery into a clear working plan. We establish the scope, outline deliverables, set timelines, and agree on responsibilities. 

    • Purpose: Define the scope and specifics of the project

    • Activities: Create a detailed brief, outlining deliverables, timelines and responsibilities

    • Outcome: A documented plan that includes and aligns everyone

  • Design is where ideas take shape. We transform the detailed plan into creative concepts and practical solutions. This includes developing content frameworks, visual elements, and facilitation methods. Collaboration is at the heart of this stage. We can share drafts, gather feedback, and keep refining until everything feels right. 

    • Purpose: Develop creative concepts and strategic solutions

    • Activities: Draft content frameworks, visual mock-ups and messaging guidelines

    • Outcome: Approved designs and content strategy ready for execution

  • Delivery is where everything comes together. We put the agreed plan into action, producing and implementing the final outputs with trust and care. We coordinate resources and maintain open communication to ensure a smooth process. 

    • Purpose: Execute and implement the agreed plan

    • Activities: Produce content, publish, and monitor performance

    • Outcome: Completed deliverables with measurable results

Work with us

What people are saying

  • Coastal Futures 2026

    Guest speaker

    “Finally faith is being talked about. He's said a lot of things I'm afraid to speak about.”

  • Isle Health

    Organisational Design

    “Working with Focal Elements has genuinely leveraged my business significantly. Through a thorough strategy review and regular consultations with Ismail, I'm confident our growth both financially and operationally has been due to his input. Recommend him and his consultancy highly.”

  • Active Partnerships UK

    Faith & Inclusion Training

    “It was extremely informative and powerful to listen to Ismail's experiences, both from a lived experience perspective and a professional one. Following this, we’ve had some time to reflect and consider what we are already doing in this space and what more we can do.”

  • Sunflower Suicide

    Organisational Design

    “Ismail is incredibly friendly and approachable, always willing to help whenever needed. His experience in strategic planning and development was invaluable in helping us identify ways to improve and develop a comprehensive strategy document.”

  • National Trust

    Faith & Inclusion Training

    “Ismail was a really good listener and delivered information well. The honesty from him was also important – he's a Muslim but that doesn't mean he can speak for every Muslim. I've taken a lot away since that Faith Awareness day, and would highly recommend it to others!”

  • Chispa CIC

    Organisational Design

    “Ismail has been a fundamental support to the setting up and development of Chispa CIC. His knowledge and understanding of strategic development coupled with the development of organisations, programmes and projects which centre inclusion and representation is both unique and powerful.”

  • Protected Landscapes Partnership

    Organisational Design, Speaker

    “Ismail combines his deep expertise in faith, engagement, and strategy with a brilliant energy and sense of humour. His delivery style is engaging, provocative, and energetic. He is able to use humour to tackle what can otherwise feel like intimidating subjects, ensuring that audiences and groups are able to ask difficult questions in a brave and supportive environment. One of his strengths is being a good listener, which he uses well to challenge people, dig deeper, and really help people learn.”

Get in touch

Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.