Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events. Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.
This course will provide all staff with an awareness of food hygiene. It also covers the recommended yearly refresher in Food Hygiene.
This is a full day session that will aim to provide a more in-depth understanding of Food Hygiene. It meets UK and EU legal requirements for food handlers & matches RSPH and CIEH level 2 syllabus
This course is suitable for everybody although it has been specifically designed to help employers to provide a positive mental health culture within their organisation. Learners will gain a comprehensive knowledge of a range of the most common mental health conditions and the skills of how to act.
Tiny toes ballet offers fun inclusive baby, toddler & kids dance classes that nurture confidence & promote development in Cambridge. Book a two-week trial. Offering award-winning pre-school children's ballet and dance classes from 6 months upwards, our ballet classes for toddlers, 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds up to the age of 7, are carefully designed to introduce the wonders of ballet in a playful and age-appropriate way. With our kids ballet classes and kids dance classes, your child will discover the joy of dancing, while also developing important skills such as coordination, balance, and rhythm.
Every Wednesday at 17:30 – 18:30 (The Stable) or Every Saturday at 11:55 – 12:55 (Exning Community Church Hall) Step into our Grade 1 ballet class at M & L School of Performing Arts, where budding ballet enthusiasts aged 7 and older are invited to deepen their dance journey. This class is a vibrant exploration of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet curriculum, meticulously designed to enhance technical skill, musicality, and the pure joy of performance across a spectrum of dance styles. Here, students are welcomed into a world where each plié and pirouette is more than a movement—it’s a step towards mastering the art of ballet. Our expert instructors are committed to cultivating each student’s physical fitness, timing, rhythm, and ability to interpret music through dance. With a focus on technique and performance, we prepare our dancers for the exciting opportunity of optional examinations and class awards, fostering a sense of achievement and growth. Joining our Grade 1 ballet class means your child will not only find a fulfilling physical outlet in ballet but will also engage in artistic expression, building bonds with a community of young dance lovers. Enroll today and watch your child’s passion for ballet blossom in a nurturing, inspiring setting. Why Ballet Lessons Are a Leap Forward for Kids Aged 7+ Years: Refined Motor Skills and Coordination: Ballet’s detailed movements refine motor skills, improving balance and coordination. Discipline and Focus: Learning choreography requires discipline, enhancing focus and attention to detail. Physical Fitness: Ballet is a holistic exercise, promoting flexibility, strength, and a healthy lifestyle. Self-Expression and Confidence: Ballet serves as a creative outlet for emotions, with performance opportunities boosting self-esteem. Artistic Appreciation: Children grow a profound appreciation for the arts, enriching their emotional and cultural understanding. Social Interaction: Classes provide a space for friendship and teamwork, vital for social development. Cultural Awareness: Ballet introduces children to diverse cultures and histories, broadening their worldview. Enhanced Posture and Grace: Essential ballet principles teach poise and elegance in movement. Mental Agility: Memorizing routines and understanding dance terms sharpen cognitive abilities. Goal Setting and Achievement: Working towards exams and performances teaches the value of setting and achieving goals. Life Skills: Ballet encourages perseverance, time management, and a strong work ethic, skills valuable beyond the dance studio. Long-Lasting Passion: Ballet often ignites a lifelong love for the arts, with potential pathways to future careers in dance. Why M&L School of Performing Arts Stands Out: M & L School of Performing Arts isn’t just about learning ballet; it’s about embracing a dream sparked by the pure joy and innate dance passion of a child. Founded by Martin and Lwena, our school’s journey from musical performances to ballet teaching reflects a profound commitment to sharing the magic of ballet with young minds. Lwena, inspired by their daughter and certified by the Royal Academy of Dance, alongside Martin, aims to create a legacy of artistic expression and joy in dance. At our school, your child will dive into a world where ballet lessons are a gateway to self-confidence, discipline, and artistic fulfillment. It’s a place where passion meets dedication, and every dancer’s journey is celebrated. Join us and be part of a story where music and dance continue to inspire generation after generation. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/
Every Saturday at 11:10 – 11:55 Step into the enchanting world of our Pre-Primary syllabi, where the dance floor becomes a canvas for young imaginations to soar. This carefully curated program is designed to sculpt the physical prowess, endurance, creative flair, expressive power, and musical sensitivity of our students, all set to the rhythm of captivating musical styles and sounds. It’s here that the foundational steps of ballet blend with the joy of exploration, creating a nurturing yet exhilarating learning atmosphere. Crafted with love, each exercise is a melody of gentle movements, guiding little dancers through the basics of ballet technique within a realm of creativity and play. Our classrooms are alive with a kaleidoscope of props, each playing its part in enriching the learning experience across all dimensions. From the whisper of a scarf in motion to the soft thud of a rhythmic beanbag, every prop tells a story, unlocking new dimensions of movement and imagination. Beyond the steps and stretches, our class holds a treasure trove of opportunities, including the chance for our young dancers to shine in class awards. It’s an invitation to step into the spotlight, not just to showcase their budding talents but to celebrate their journey in dance, expression, and self-discovery. Join us in this magical adventure, where every plié and pirouette is a step towards creating artful expressions, lifelong memories, and a deep-seated love for the beautiful world of ballet. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/
Developing a network of MHFA Champions is a key step in creating a mentally healthy workplace. The MHFA Champion one-day course will give you all the skills you need to be an MHFA Champion. This one-day course trains you as an MHFA Champion, giving you: An understanding of common mental health issues Knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness Ability to spot signs of mental ill-health Skills to support positive wellbeing 1 Introduction to MHFA and understanding mental health (3 hours 30 mins) About Mental Health First Aid About mental health and stress in the workplace Stigma and discrimination Depression Anxiety disorders Other mental health issues (eating disorders, self-harm, psychosis) Early warning signs of mental ill-health Alcohol, drugs and mental health 2 MHFA Champion in practice (3 hours 30 mins) Applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan Action 1: Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis Suicide Action 2: Listen and communicate non-judgementally Action 3: Give support and information Action 4: Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help Action 5: Encourage other supports Recovery Building a mentally healthy workplace Action planning for using MHFA
This workshop-based bite-size will provide space to explore some practical tools and ideas on how to be more resilient when faced with challenging and tough situations. There is an opportunity to do a self assessment and bring it to the day as a means to identify areas to work on and begin to master skills that will enhance resilient thinking. There will be time to explore what resilience is and understand the range of practical tools and techniques available that can be used beyond the workshop itself. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Discuss and evaluate their personal strengths and areas for development in being more resilient at work Understand what resilience involves and how to identify and challenge their own beliefs that undermine resilience Understand the four aspects of resilience - confidence, adaptability, building support and maintaining a clear perspective Understand how to use resiliency tools to help to cope better with the challenge of change Review and evaluate their learning and have an action plan to take back and implement in the workplace 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives Breaking the ice 2 Identifying current challenges in relation to work How we handle these challenges 3 Defining resilience and how and why it helps our personal effectiveness and thinking 4 Resilience skills and how to develop them 5 Learning a resilience tool that promotes new ways of thinking / working 6 Review and evaluation of learning Action planning
We all tend to have challenges throughout our lives that cause varying levels of pressure. It is healthy and essential that people experience such challenges because up to a certain point an increase in pressure improves performance and quality of life. Too much pressure can be harmful and affect our health and wellbeing. This participative half-day workshop will explore the causes and impact of stress and provide an opportunity to learn some new ideas and techniques to cope with it. Practical tasks and exercises will be used to promote discussion and participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and approaches. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Understand the causes and symptoms of stress and how to spot them Become more aware of personal habitual behaviours and approaches that get in the way of dealing with stress productively Learn ideas and approaches that help you to cope with the thoughts, emotions and physical feelings that happen in stressful and difficult situations Review and evaluate learning and have an action plan to take back and put into practice at work 1 Welcome, introductions and objectives Breaking the ice 2 Stress Its sources and effects on you Defining stress, its signs and symptoms 3 Exploring your 'default' habits Their consequences in stressful situations 4 Dealing with perception Strategies and approaches for coping with stress 5 Setting goals with positive outcomes Review and evaluation of learning Action planning