A Social Enterprise Navigating Change with STEP HR Support

evidence-based framework, Talking Mats empowers individuals to express their thoughts, feelings and preferences—whether in health, education or social care settings.

Despite its global reach and reputation, Talking Mats faced a period of financial strain and recognised the need to review and restructure their organisation to secure long-term sustainability. With rising costs and increasing demands on their resources, the Leadership Team identified that strategic support in HR would be critical to their future success.

That’s where STEP HR came in. Through our UKSPF-funded Expert Help programme, Talking Mats received five days of dedicated, bespoke HR consultancy—led by our experienced HR Consultants, Vicky and Kirsty.

STEP HR’s service goes far beyond off-the-shelf contracts or templated advice.

Vicky and Kirsty took time to understand the mission, structure and values of Talking Mats, tailoring their approach to suit the unique needs and sensitivities of a purpose-led social enterprise.

Working closely with the Leadership Team, Vicky helped define clear organisational goals and aligned the team’s structure to better meet them. Her strategic thinking laid the groundwork for effective restructuring, while Kirsty led on implementation—handling sensitive conversations, addressing staff concerns and ensuring the process was both fair and future-focused.

“Kirsty showed real expertise throughout a difficult process, providing excellent support and guidance, while responding clearly and firmly when required” said Margo Mackay, Managing Director, Talking Mats.

The outcome is a more streamlined, strategically aligned team with clearly defined roles, reduced staff costs and renewed clarity on the organisation’s direction. While turnover growth wasn’t anticipated in the short term, the restructuring has laid the foundations for financial sustainability, allowing the business to operate at a surplus instead of a loss.

This collaboration not only stabilised the organisation internally, but also had a positive ripple effect externally. With a clearer internal structure and leaner operations, the team has been able to focus more on innovation and partnership development—ensuring their communication tools reach more vulnerable people worldwide.

For STEP, this project demonstrates the power of deeply tailored support. By offering not just HR expertise but genuine care and strategic foresight, STEP HR has helped preserve a globally impactful social enterprise rooted in Stirling—a reminder that behind every business is a team of people who, with the right guidance, can turn challenges into long-term success.

Talking Mats is now better placed to continue its life-changing work—thanks to HR support that understood the balance between commercial sustainability and social impact.