2002 Courses

The 2-day Coaching and Mentoring for Managers course is designed for organisations that want their managers and team leaders to apply practical coaching and mentoring skills in everyday work situations in order to develop the performance of those they are responsible for, as well as improving communication within the business. Previous attendees have included chief executives, general managers, and HR managers, right through to production line supervisors and office staff. In fact, anybody that has to work as part of a team and relies on other people's efforts will benefit from this programme. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Coaching and Mentoring for Managers course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module One Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring Exploding the myths surrounding coaching Benefits of coaching and mentoring The role of a coach and mentor How to avoid everyday interference that takes your time away from coaching people to achieve results How motivation works The difference between mentoring, coaching, directing, supporting & delegating, and learning when it is necessary to apply them Why coaching is an action orientated partnership purely focused on measurable results Coaching and mentoring outcomes Module Two Managing a Coaching Session The most important skills of a business coach The key characteristics of a good coach How to ask powerful coaching questions Opportunity to role-play using the STAR/GROW model Module Three Mentoring in Action Mentoring suggestions The first meeting Between first and second meetings The second meeting The Experiential learning cycle Model discussions Frequent questions asked by Mentors Duration of mentoring End of relationships Module Four Putting Learning into Practice Building a bank of great coaching questions Demonstration of what has been taught in a live coaching/mentoring meeting Individual feedback from a professional coach Creating SMART action plans Getting started as a work coach/mentor Group review and feedback on new learning Action steps for new coaches 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.

Many organisations find that project teams struggle to create and maintain effective plans. Estimates are often overly optimistic and risks go unmanaged until the inevitable happens. Resource managers also find it hard to forecast the likely loading on their departments and requests for support are not provided in a consistent format. This programme has been developed to address these needs in a very practical, hands-on format. Case study work can be based on simulations or on the organisation's current projects for maximum benefit to participants. The aim of this training is to develop and enhance participants' planning and risk management skills in order to maximise the success of project work undertaken by the organisation. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Provide a structured, integrated approach to planning and risk management Demonstrate practical tools and techniques for each stage of planning Show how to organise and involve relevant people in the planning process Explain how to use the plan for forecasting and pro-active project control Identify ways to improve planning, both individually and corporately The course will emphasise the importance of participative planning techniques that improve the quality of plans whilst reducing overall time and cost of planning. The course will encourage discussion of internal procedures and practices and may be customised to include them if required. DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Projects and planning Why plan? The benefits of good planning / penalties of poor planning Planning in the project lifecycle; the need for a 'living' plan The interaction between target setting and the planning process Team exercise: planning the project 3 Planning the plan Defining the application and structure of the plan Impact of planning decisions during the project lifecycle Using available time to create an effective plan 4 Defining deliverables Assessing the context; reviewing the goals and stakeholders Developing the scope and defining deliverables; scope mapping Understanding customer priorities; delivering value for money Case study: defining the project deliverables 5 Creating the work breakdown Building the work breakdown structure Detailing the tasks and sub-tasks; structured brainstorming Defining task ownership; the task responsibility matrix 6 Creating and using a logical network Developing the logical network; task boarding Determining the critical path and calculating float Accelerating the plan; concurrent programming and risk Individual and group exercises DAY TWO 7 Developing resource schedules Deriving the Gantt chart from the network Developing the detailed resource schedules Calculating the expenditure profile ('S' curve) 8 Estimating task durations and costs Understanding estimates: effort, availability and duration Estimating tools and techniques Application of estimating techniques during the project lifecycle 9 Case study Developing the project plan Refining the project plan Team presentations and discussion 10 Managing risks and refining the plan Awareness of contractual issues associated with risk Identifying and evaluating risks; deciding ownership Managing risks: determining levels of provision and contingency Controlling risks: maintaining an up-to date risk register 11 Planning for pro-active control The earned value analysis (EVA) concept and its predictive value Deriving the measures needed for cost and delivery performance Practical issues associated with implementing EVA 12 Using and maintaining the plan Tracking progress and updating the plan Publishing and controlling the plan 13 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify ways of implementing the techniques learnt Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion

Every Wednesday at 18:15 – 18:55 The violin is a versatile and expressive instrument, perfect for players of all ages. At M&L School of Performing Arts, we equip our beginner violinists with essential techniques to play a range of styles, from classical to contemporary. Whether you’re new to the violin or have some experience, we offer a supportive and structured learning environment. Our group violin lessons foster skill development and a love for music. The lessons focus on bowing technique, finger positioning, reading music, rhythm exercises, and playing both solo and ensemble pieces. Playing in a group helps improve performance skills, builds confidence, and encourages collaboration. We welcome students of all ages and abilities, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for families to learn and grow together through music. Book first lesson here: https://mandlschoolofperformingarts.com/book-first-lesson/

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/

This workshop has been designed to help managers understand their responsibilities and what they need to do to ensure compliance with current workplace legislation - including the fire safety and CDM regulations. The day will cover the legal background - including an appreciation of how safety legislation has evolved and why; the logic behind recent developments and the implications for staff and employers; key areas of current legislation; roles and responsibilities in health and safety management, including monitoring contractors and suppliers effectively; implementing sound health and safety policies and procedures; getting staff on board, and implementing effective systems. Also, recognising potential risks and hazards and developing strategies to minimise their impact in the workplace. This course will give participants an understanding of: The broader context of the key areas of health and safety regulation which apply to your organisation Existing health and safety practice and guide them in how to shape and implement an effective health and safety policy What they should do and the procedures to support it Potential areas of risk in the workplace - and how to take action to minimise the threat to staff safety How sound health and safety processes can contribute to business performance 1 Understanding the workplace legislation Overview of health and safety and workplace legislation Compliance, the role of the facilities manager, and who is accountable? Breakout session to discuss where we are now and to highlight issues of concern Applying required policies and procedures Developing and implementation/review of the safety policy Communicating with users, clients and contractors Health and safety manual 'Selling' health and safety 2 Key legislation - a practical working guide Asbestos Regulations Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 / 2015 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Fire Precautions (Workplace ) Regulations 2006 Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 REACH - Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2006 Work Equipment Regulations 3 Controlling contractors Understanding the Regulations Selecting and assessing contractors Understanding and setting accountability Why a method statement? How to apply a permit to work system Safe systems of work Round-table discussion to bring out issues from participants' own experience 4 Risk assessment Understanding your hazards Identifying specialist areas How to undertake these assessments Implementation of sound systems and processes Syndicate exercise identifying where assessments are needed and carrying out assessments 5 Keeping the work environment safe Sick building syndrome and legionella Asbestos Waste management Pest control Provisions for first aid Accident reporting and investigation At-work driver safety Security 6 Fire safety Understanding the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Fire certificates The fire risk assessment Testing fire-fighting equipment? Emergency procedures Workshop to examine the procedures for dealing with different types of emergencies 7 Ergonomics programme Ergonomics - important or irrelevant? Are you complying with HSE regulations? Furniture and equipment Display screen equipment assessments Homeworking - your concern or not? Syndicate exercise to review what to do when relocating or refurbishing an office 8 Inspecting and auditing Role of Health and Safety Executive Inspectors - 'be prepared' FM role Staff/trade union involvement Independent audits Records and reports Communicating the results 9 Action plan Participants to list actions they need to take after the course

This workshop equips participants with essential tools for business planning, strategic partnerships, team building, and securing financial support, all crucial for successful business growth and development.

This very practical two-day workshop analyses the content and implications of key MoD terms and conditions of contract. The programme explains the principles and terminology of the contractual aspects of defence procurement as well as considering a number of relevant policies and initiatives. The course covers key components, constructs and methodologies associated with any commercial venture entered into with the UK MoD. Starting at the MoD organisational level the workshop sets the scene by looking at the acquisition process and organisation, detailing the various roles and responsibilities of MoD personnel. The workshop provides an in-depth examination of MoD DEFCONs and many narrative terms, setting them in the context of the organisation and its structures. The workshop helps participants to gain an understanding of the content and purpose of the range of MoD DEFCONs and narrative conditions commonly used throughout the acquisition lifecycle. It includes a review of Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 regarding Single Source Pricing, which comes into effect in 2015 and is already starting to be applied to significant contracts. On completion of this programme the participants will understand the terminology associated with the MoD terms and conditions of contract and will have an accurate view of their relevance, usage and their legal basis and how they can affect contractual and commercial decision-making. They will have gained an insight into defence acquisition contracting and they will be more commercially aware. DAY ONE 1 The commercial environment Key roles and responsibilities of the MoD organisations at the heart of the acquisition process 2 Tendering to MoD An appraisal of some of the obligations placed upon contractors when they are submitting a proposal to the MoD pre-contract 3 Standardised contracting MoD have introduced non-negotiable standardised contracts for certain levels of procurement. This section considers their use and relevance to defence contracting 4 Pricing, profit, post-costing and payment The parameters specific to a costing structure and the differences between competitive and non-competitive bidding The role of the QMAC, the profit formula, the requirements for equality of information and post-costing Different types of pricing and issues surrounding payment 5 Defence Reform Act - Single Source Pricing Single Source Pricing under Part 2 of the new Defence Reform Act Changes from the existing position, how contractors are affected and the compliance regime that accompanies the new requirements 6 Delivery and acceptance Specific requirements and the significance and impact of failing to meet them Acceptance plans Non-performance and the remedies that may be applied by the Customer - breach of contract, liquidated damages and force majeure DAY TWO 7 Protection of information and IPR Contractor's and MoD's rights to own and use information How to identify background and foreground intellectual property Technical information and copyright in documentation and software How to protect IPR at the various stages of the bidding and contracting process 8 Defence Transformation and Defence Commercial Directorate Widening and increasing roles and functions of the Defence Commercial Directorate Background to the Defence Reform Act 2014 9 Legal requirements Terms used in MoD contracts to reflect basic legal requirements Records and materials required for MOD contracts and therefore the obligations, responsibilities and liabilities that a company undertakes when it accepts these conditions Overseas activities 10 Subcontracting and flowdown Understanding the constructs required by the MoD for subcontracting Which terms must be flowed down to the subcontractor and which are discretionary 11 Termination Termination of a contract for default Termination for convenience How to optimise the company's position on termination 12 Warranties and liabilities Obligations and liabilities a company might incur and how they might be mitigated MoD policy on indemnities and limits of liability 13 Electronic contracting environment Electronic forms of contracting Progress toward a fully electronic contracting environment

Businesses that don't control their costs don't stay in business. How well are you doing? Is everyone in your organisation sufficiently aware of costs, managing them effectively and maximising opportunities to reduce them? If there is scope for improvement, this course will help get you back on track. It will demonstrate that cost reduction is so much more than cost control and cost cutting. True cost management is about being aware of costs, seeking to reduce them through good design and efficient operating practices whilst taking continuing action on overspending. This course will develop the participants' skills in: Being aware of costs at all times Seeking cost reduction from the start (including life-cycle costing) Appraising projects / production to identify and take out risk Understanding real budgeting Using techniques such as ZBB and ABC where appropriate Ensuring cost reports lead to action Managing a cost reduction process that delivers Benefits to the organisation will include: Identification of cost reduction and business improvement opportunities Better reporting and ownership of costs Greater awareness and control of everyday costs 1 Introduction - the cost management process The risks of poor cost control Capital and revenue costs The importance of cost awareness The importance of cost reduction Cost management - the key aspects How to build a cost management and control process checklist for your areas of responsibility 2 Cost removal - taking out costs Cost awareness Costs of poor design / poor processes Value engineering Removing redundant costs 3 The need for commercial, technical and financial appraisals Understand the problems before cash is committed and costs incurred Making the effort to identify commercial and technical risk The time value of money - DCF techniques for long term projects Cost models for production processes and projects Costing models - project appraisals The use of spreadsheets to identify sensitivity and risk How to focus on risk management 4 Budgeting - proper budgeting challenges costs The philosophy of the business - are costs an issue? The importance of having the right culture The need for detailed business objectives Budgetary control measures Designing budget reports - for action 5 Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) - the principles Much more than starting with a clean sheet of paper What ZBB can achieve The concept of decision packages - to challenge business methods and costs Only necessary costs should be incurred A review of an operating budget - demonstrating what ZBB challenges and the costs it may lead to being taken out 6 Awareness of overheads and other costs Definitions of cost - direct and indirect Dealing with overheads - what is meant by allocation, absorption or apportionment? The apparent and real problems with overheads Different ways of dealing with overheads Review of overhead allocation methods and accounting and reporting issues 7 Overheads and product costing Activity-based costing (ABC) - the principles Where and how the ABC approach may be helpful Know the 'true' cost of a product or a project Should you be in business? Will you stay in business? Identifying weaknesses in a traditional overhead allocation How ABC will help improve product or service costing Identifying which products and activities should be developed and which abandoned 8 Cost reduction culture The need for cost reports What measures can be used to identify over-spends as early as possible Cost control performance measures and ratios 9 Design of cost control reports Reports should lead to action and deliver Selecting cost control measures which can be acted upon Practice in designing action reports 10 Course summary - developing your own cost action plan Group and individual action plans will be prepared with a view to participants identifying their cost risks areas and the techniques which can be immediately applied to improve costing and reduce costs

Develop the essential skills to begin your presentation journey. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Overview When surveyed about their greatest fears, many people cite public speaking as their first. Also, in today’s business world staff and management are expected more and more to present to an audience of some kind. Whether it’s holding a staff meeting, speaking at a business event, training or simply motivating a team, this requires continued development of presentation knowledge and skills. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to deliver confident, meaningful presentations that influence and inspire their audiences. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Design, develop and deliver a confident presentation Control nerves during training sessions Make presentations memorable and relevant for an audience, therefore improving the opportunity for influence Deal with questions and minimise the impact of difficult situations Content Presenting with Power Why presenting with power is important How to present with power How to improve your public speaking Setting up for Successful Presentations Techniques that will help prepare effectively How to anticipate problems with presenting How to apply techniques to prepare for successful presentation Dealing with Nerves Effective preparation techniques to manage stress How performance anxiety affects you How to implement a plan to successfully deliver a presentation

The Quintessential Customer Experience (QCx) Forum is a ‘peer advisory’ community of communications and Cx professionals whose primary objectives are: To help members keep abreast of the latest CX developments To share best practice across different industry sectors. To provide individual support, advice and guidance for members Membership includes quarterly meetings, team coaching, 1:1 mentoring and online resource. Benefits The QCx Forum benefits both the CX professional and the organisations they work for. Employer Benefits include: Benchmarking performance against organisations in different sectors Keeping up to date with latest trends Maintaining competitive advantage through exceptional customer experience. Individual Member Benefits include: Inspiration for new ideas and approaches Guidance and advice to implement new strategies Support and reassurance from peers What’s included: The current membership package* includes: Forum Meetings Quarterly ‘Mastermind Group’ gatherings in person at a London venue. Each meeting features a specialist speaker providing insights about new trends and best practice. Team Coaching Attendees have the opportunity to share and solve key CX-related challenges they face.  1:1 Mentoring Support Members have access expert mentors to develop new strategies, gain valuable new knowledge and enhance their professional growth. Online Resource Members have access to a dedicated portal providing access to useful templates, tools and articles. * The first annual conference is planned for 2024 Membership Fees and options Three options are available: Essentials - quarterly Forum meetings, team coaching and online resources. £1,400.00 (ex VAT) pa Standard annual membership - includes quarterly forum meetings, team coaching, 4 x 1:1 mentoring sessions and online resource.  £3,600.00 (ex VAT) per annum Platinum membership - over and above the standard membership, includes an intensive quarterly programme of bi-weekly coaching sessions  £4,700.00 (ex VAT) per annum Credentials The Chair of the QCx Forum is Quentin Crowe MA, FCIM. His CX consultancy journey began in 2001 working with clients in the fitness and education sectors. Using an adaptation of the SERVQUAL methodology, he and his team have worked with clients in the charity, quality assurance, construction and cutout sectors (including ISG). Quentin also mentors entrepreneurs, senior marketers and corporate executives. He also chairs a number of ‘mastermind’ groups.  Brands represented include Shell, Asahi, Reuters and St James’s Place Welsh Management.