768 Courses in Cardiff delivered Live Online

The main subject areas of the course are: Good practice in asbestos removal or remediation Asbestos Removal Control Plans Air sampling for asbestos Enclosures, clearance air monitoring and reporting

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for The primary audience for this course is an IT, facilities or data centre operations professional working in and around the data centre and having the responsibility to achieve and improve high-availability and manageability of the data centre. Overview After completion of the course the participant will be able to:? Understand the design life cycle of data centres and the stages involved? Discuss the data centre requirements in great level of detail with vendors, suppliers and contractors to ensure that these requirements are met? Validate design plans, quotes and offers proposed by vendors/contractors? Understand redundancy levels for both the data centre design/setup and maintenance? Understand the various building considerations such as bullet proofing, mitigation of seismic activity, fire ratings and thermal stability? Understand how to install a raised floor that meets requirements, avoiding misalignment, level differences and leakage? Understand how to read a Single Line Electrical Diagram to identify and avoid the most common design issues? Choose the correct UPS and parallel configuration, learn and avoid classic parallel installation mistakes? Understand how to calculate battery banks, validate offered configurations to ensure they meet requirements? Understand what distance to keep to avoid EMF issues for human safety and equipment disturbances? Understand the fundamental cooling setup, CFM, Delta-T and other important factors? Understand contamination factors and limitations? Understand full details of fire suppression options, how to calculate gas content and verify installations? Understand how to measure data centre energy efficiency and how to improve it The course will bring participants to the level of a suitable sparring partner with suppliers. They will be able to verify offers provided by vendors for correctness, effectiveness and efficiency. Data Centre Design/Life Cycle Overview Overview of the phases of a data centre life cycle Planning, re-alignment and continuous improvement Standards and Rating Level Definitions Rating level history Difference between Uptime and TIA-942 Rating level definitions Redundancy options (N+1), 2N, 2(N+1) Concurrent Maintainability/Compartmentalisation Example configurations Substation and feed requirements Maintenance options Operational processes guidelines/standards Skill development Building Considerations Building location considerations Floor and hanging loads requirements Fire rating for walls and glass Blast protection Bullet proofing Forced entry protection Advanced Raised Floor & Suspended Ceiling Raised floor installation guidelines Techniques to install a proper and leveled raised access floor Common mistakes Choosing the right tiles and their locations Seismic-mitigating floor constructions Choosing the correct suspended ceiling Advanced Power Power infrastructure layout; Formulas which you should know for the data centre Single Line Electrical diagrams; how to read to ensure key components are present for protection Over current protection devices (MCB/MCCB/VCB/ACB/Fuses) definitions and what to use where Earth Leakage devices (RCB/RCD/ELCB/GFCI/ALCI/RCBO), definitions and what to use where Sizing of protective components Lightning strikes and surge protection devices (TVSS/SPD), how they operate, where to use and how to install Power cabling and cable run considerations PDU/DB setup and minimum requirements Generators; Generator types: Standy/Prime/Continuous Component make up and functions Fuel storage and calculation Paralleling of gen-sets Generator room/area requirements UPS Systems; Required specifications for UPS systems How to read data sheets and select the correct UPS Requirements for parallel configurations and avoid pitfalls such as single point of failures How parallel installation should be done, classic mistakes made by installers and how to avoid these Harmonic Filters; Active/Passive filters and their application Battery Banks; Battery bank terminology Designing battery banks, how to calculate, and double check the battery bank to be installed Battery charging pitfalls and ensuring the right charger is being installed and used Using parallel battery banks; how to properly install them, limitations and risks when using batteries in parallel How to test batteries correctly and make decisions on cell/block or string replacement Battery casing choices; ABS, V0, V1, V2 Alternative energy storage; flywheel, re-usable cell, compressed air UPS, etc. Advanced Electro Magnetic Fields Sources of EMF Difference between single, three phase and bus-bar EMF Options available to measure EMF and how to interpret the results from single-axes and composite measurements Guidance on safe distance for equipment and humans Calculation of EMF attenuation factor for shielding material permeability and saturation factors Advanced Cooling Important definitions; dry-bulb, wet-bulb, dew-point, RH, sensible and latent heat Psychometric chart and ASHRAE recommendations Environmental class definitions and thermal specifications Temperature/humidity measurements guideline Heat dissipation methods Altitude impact on temperature intake to ICT equipment Floor plan setup for effective cooling Differences in tile surface and supporting structure and the air-flow performance impact Rack door construction and the flow performance impact Equipment Delta-T and its impact Optimising air flow Thermal units conversions Calculations for air volume displacement (CFM/CMH) Cooling capacity calculations Air-conditioning selection De- / humidifying options Air conditioning efficiency SHR impact on cost saving Efficiency indicator New cooling principle and techniques (Submerged, VSD/VRF/ECF/water- and air side economisers) Redundancy guidelines for air-conditioners avoiding classic misconceptions and mistakes for meeting ANSI/TIA-942 compliant designs Installation requirements Connections to fire panel and EPO Commissioning of air conditioners Set points and calibration CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Advanced Fire Protection The fire triangle and elements to stop a fire Detection systems in detail (VESDA, VIEW, smoke sensors) Considerations for installation of sensors Proper testing of smoke sensors Water based systems i.e. deluge, wet-pipe, dry-pipe, pre-action and why most of them don't work and how to detect this Details on Inert and Halocarbon systems and how to select the correct system for your data centre How to calculate the gas content ensuring the appropriate level is installed to suppress the fire including safety considerations Other requirements for gas systems such as release times, hold times, pipe install requirements and other important factors Requirements for the fire detection panel Installation verification, methods, what to check and how New advanced fire suppression technologies Design and Install Scalable Networking Cabling System ANSI/TIA942 cabling structure topology ToR, EoR Design Intelligent patching systems Installation best practice such as routing, bending radius, separation from power, containment fill ratio, fiber link loss calculator, bonding and grounding requirement Standard for telecommunications labeling and administration Environmental Specifications and Contamination Control Acoustic noise effects, regulations, specifications and limits Data centre contaminations and classifications Measurements, standards and limits Preventive measures and avoidance Data Centre Efficiency Business drivers to go Green High-availability or Green? Green guidelines and standards How to measure it and what are acceptable numbers compared to the general industry PUE classes defined by Green Grid and issues with PUE Techniques for saving energy in all parts of the data centre i.e. application/system level, cooling, power distribution Mock ExamEXAM: Certified Data Centre Specialist

About this Training The expanding human population and industrialisation are increasing the demand for energy worldwide. This has resulted in numerous challenges such as environmental pollution, reliable supply of fossil fuels, and increased demand of electricity supply, which must be overcome. To fulfil the energy demands and overcome these challenges, numerous projects and funds are involved in finding an adequate solution. Transport accounts for around one-fifth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and road travel accounts for three-quarters of transport emissions. Most of this comes from passenger vehicles. Emission limits are increasingly stringent, and the fuel industry must change its approach to product formulation to meet the challenge. Training Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Get a clear overview of the different types of bio and alternative fuels Understand how different bio and alternative fuels are produced Have an overview of feedstock utilised for biofuels production Realize how the biofuels production could be integrated in modern refinery Understand how bio and alternative fuels function as single and blended fuels Understand what impact bio and alternative fuels have on car engine Get an overview of the environmental impact of bio and alternative fuels Get the overview of regulation related to bio and alternative fuel Target Audience The course is intended for individuals who are interested in or developing in the field of bio and alternative fuels. The following personnel will benefit from the knowledge shared in this course: Refinery Technical Personnel Trading and blending personnel Sales, marketing, and product trading personnel Laboratory supervisors and technical personnel Policymakers Professionals who are interested in or developing in the field of bio and alternative fuels Process, project, and consultant engineers involved in bioenergy, petrochemical and chemical industries Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader is an experienced manager with more than 25 years of operational experience in the downstream Oil & Gas industry. She is a recognised expert in conventional, biofuels and alternative fuels with extensive experience in the crude selection process and formulation of finished products including product portfolio strategy, product quality road mapping and benchmarking. She is a long-time laboratory manager with comprehensive experience in laboratory processes, including financing, benchmarking, efficiency improvement and total quality management processes. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations

This accredited qualification is ideal for anyone who requires training in conflict management. It is appropriate for a wide range of sectors and is suitable for anyone who has a customer facing role, dealing with service users or the public. It is also a useful qualification for individuals who would like a better understanding of how to prevent conflict situations from arising and feel more confident in being able to deal with situations if they arise. Subjects covered include the role of communication and the assessment of risks in conflict situations and follow up practices after such events. How long will it take me to achieve this qualification? This qualification is usually achieved by taking a 2 day course. How is the qualification assessed? The qualification is assessed through a 1 hour, 30-question, multiple-choice question examination. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 20 out of 30 in order to pass.

Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – How do People Learn? Learn at your own pace… with text and videos to support your learning experience. Inclusive Education: Neurodiversity Course Presented by Inclusive Solutions  About This Course: Designed for educators, psychologists, and teachers, this course offers an immersive experience in inclusive education strategies specifically for neurodivergent children. Two leading experts—Dennis Rollins MBE, celebrated trombonist and teacher, and Colin Newton, an experienced inclusive educational psychologist—will guide you through practical approaches and proven techniques to improve inclusive education.  Key Benefits of the Course:  Understand learning processes tailored to neurodivergent students with learning differences. Explore dominant psychological models of learning and their practical, real-world applications. Participate in engaging, hands-on activities to reinforce inclusive teaching strategies. Gain strategies to foster motivation, confidence, and a sense of autonomy in learners Meet the Instructors: Dennis Rollins MBE Dennis Rollins MBE is a renowned trombone player and award-winning educator with over three decades of experience. Known for his unique approach, Dennis has collaborated with top artists worldwide and has received prestigious awards for both performance and jazz education.   Some of Dennis’ recognised lifetime achievements are as follows:  Worked with artists such as Jamiroquai, Courtney Pine, Maceo Parker, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, US3 and Monty Alexander. Won BBC Best Band with Badbone & Co, 2006. Trombonist of the Year, British Jazz Awards and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Awards, 2007. X2 nominated in the 2008 Parliamentary Jazz Awards: Musician of the Year and Jazz Education, winning the latter category. JazzYorkshire Award Best Band for his band Velocity Trio, 2012. British Trombone Society (BTS) Player of the year Award, 2013. Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, 2022. Recently honoured with an MBE, Dennis brings a creative, real-world perspective to teaching music, particularly for learners with complex needs.  Learn more about Dennis Rollins: Dennis Rollins Website   Colin Newton Colin Newton is a seasoned educational psychologist and passionate advocate for inclusive education. With over 40 years in the field, working across the UK and internationally. Colin is known for his passion for promoting the inclusion of all children in mainstream schools, and for his practical applied work around person-centred planning, restorative justice and in-depth problem-solving. His work has inspired a shift toward inclusive practices across the UK, as he brings both experience and innovative thinking to the world of education.  Colin says: ‘Instinctively from an early age I was against children being sent away to boarding schools and later to special schools and settings. Later I was inspired by disabled activists and Canadian and North American inclusionists who were working to change the world of education with radical innovative thinking and approaches - the work was political, social and spiritual - I was in and never looked back!’  Colin’s career has been values-driven, but also practical using applied psychology in training and real-life problem-solving with schools, families and individual children and young people.     Learning Objectives: By participating in this course, you’ll be able to:  Gain a deeper understanding of inclusive learning processes for all children and adults Differentiate approaches to address the emotional complexities of teaching and learning Master techniques to support effective teaching and meaningful learning Explore the role of relationships and engagement in successful learning Analyse psychological models and identify their real-world applications in education Reflect on the practices of outstanding teachers to inspire deeper learning   Course Topics: Learning Through Imitation Learn how social learning theory (Bandura) highlights the power of imitation. Discover how learners naturally gravitate toward peers and key adults as role models, absorbing skills and behaviours. Contextual Learning Explore Jerome Bruner’s view on context in learning. Understand how learning is always connected to a broader context, which makes it meaningful and applicable. Motivation and Structured Steps Discover techniques to ignite motivation in learners. We’ll discuss how structured, step-by-step support and person-centred encouragement can make a profound difference, particularly for those with learning barriers. Building Self-Efficacy in Learners Understand how educators can nurture self-efficacy, encouraging learners to set their own goals and take charge of their learning journey. Who Should Attend? This course is ideal for:  Educators and psychologists aiming to enhance their understanding of learning processes Teachers who want to develop inclusive teaching strategies for neurodivergent and learning-different students Format A dynamic, hands-on workshop blending lectures, real-world insights, and practical exercises. 

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for Anyone whose position requires CCSP certificationIndividuals whose responsibilities involve procuring, securing, and managing cloud environments or purchased cloud services Overview In-depth coverage of the six domains required to pass the CCSP exam:Architectural concepts and design requirementsCloud data securityCloud platform and infrastructure securityCloud application securityOperationsLegal and compliance This course is the most comprehensive review of cloud security concepts and industry best practices covering the six domains of the CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). You will gain knowledge in identifying the types of controls necessary to administer various levels of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with regard to securing data in the cloud. You will identify the virtual and physical components of the cloud infrastructure with regard to risk management analysis, including tools and techniques necessary for maintaining a secure cloud infrastructure. You will gain an understanding in cloud software assurance and validation, utilizing secure software, and the controls necessary for developing secure cloud environments. You will identify privacy issues and audit processes utilized within a cloud environment, including auditing controls, assurance issues, and the specific reporting attributes. Architectural Concepts and Design Requirements Cloud Data SecurityCloud Platform and Infrastucture Security Cloud Application SecurityOperations Legal and compliance

This training gives an opportunity to focus on how to embed effective approaches to meeting emotional needs in schools. We explore a range of ways into meeting emotional needs of pupils across a school. We focus on including pupils with extreme emotional needs. Course Category Meeting emotional needs Description This training gives an opportunity to focus on how to embed relevant ideas and materials in schools. We explore how to make these materials really come to life as we explore a range of ways into meeting emotional needs of pupils across a school. We focus on including pupils with extreme emotional needs. There are lots of opportunities for personal and professional reflection on engagement with challenging pupils as we provide processes to support reflection, visioning and problem solving. Testimonials ‘Thank you so much for the work you did with us yesterday – I have since been in 2 schools today and have spoken to an number of other colleagues who were present – all were totally overwhelmed by the session – they loved it.”NOTTINGHAM SEAL COORDINATOR “I was totally blown away, when I realised how passionate people were about SEAL” “So nice to reflect and realise what a long way we have come” “That was so powerful and motivational”.’ Learning Objectives Shared vision of a school that is truly meeting all social and emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of how to embed positive Mental Health approaches in a school Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards children with emotional challenge Who Is It For? All practitioners who are leading on Mental Health work in schools or on behalf of a Local Authority Full range of agencies committed to meeting social and emotional needs in schools Course Content The training explores the questions: What would a school look like when Mental Health was truly part of everything that was happening, a shared vision? How can we truly embed Mental Health approaches and materials in our school? What can we do to meet complex and challenging emotional needs in schools? Can we learn a process to understand at a deeper level highly complex social and emotional needs? This training will cover: Bringing positive Mental Health approaches to life in schools: creating a shared vision and a set of grounded goals together Circle of Adults process for self-reflection and understanding emotional needs of high profile pupils. We will model and teach how this process links in and strengthens PSHE work in schools. If you liked this try: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS or: RESTORATIVE INTERVENTIONS

Inclusion Facilitation (IF) is an approach to enhancing the inclusion, in a mainstream community of any child or young person who is experiencing difficulties in the world because of disability, personal crisis or because of their challenging behaviour towards others. The IF approach works by mobilising the young person’s natural supports to provide support and engage with the person in difficulty. Inclusion Facilitation is designed to create a better life for an individual by the provision of an intense input designed to being about social change. This usually entails a series of visits focused on getting the person out and about to increase confidence, social skills and presence in their local community and to pursue goals and dreams. Uniquely, the work is carried out under the close clinical supervision of a practicing psychologist. What is Inclusion Facilitation Work? ‘We do whatever it takes!’ Usually a Person Centred Planning event would be carried out using the PATHor MAP process – majoring on dreams and goal setting leading to precise action planning.  An experienced psychologist alongside the inclusion facilitator would carry out a PATH. A large graphic will be one of the outcomes of the meetings this is a great visual record and a shared memory of the event. This will also inform the priorities for the inclusion facilitation work Optionally following the PATH event a ‘scoping report’ is created outlining what Inclusion Facilitation could offer and highlighting what dreams and goals the individual has. The PATH is also provides a good opportunity for the Facilitator to meet the focus person in a comfortable positive environment. 12 weekly visits from the Inclusion Facilitator followed by 5 monthly visits is our preferred model but we can be flexible with the delivery of this input. This is just a guideline, however we have received good results using this time frame. After this intensive input the Inclusion Facilitator will hand over to the existing family, carers and PA team to carry on where he or she has left off. This transition time is planned from the outset. An experienced psychologist is there to support the facilitator at all times and will guide all work done by the inclusion facilitator.  Is this just Support work? No! This is proactive engagement – doing whatever is required. We are not just passively or reactively providing what is asked for – we are actively pursuing a good life for the individual. Our work is built on careful research around a person’s interests and what opportunities exist locally. We carry out community mapping.  We actively work to tackle an individual’s own resistance and reluctance to engage more socially. We actively engage with people in social settings that the individual attends to build bridges and connections – we are bridge builders. We build circles around a person. We create the conditions in which friendships can flourish. We have direct psychological supervision and support throughout. This work is short term and intense. Enjoy participating in a multimedia workshop that will challenge, entertain and reach for your emotions. Learning Objectives 1.To be able to understand the values and wider context of inclusion. 2.To be able to set up and run an ‘Inclusion Facilitation project to improve the life chances and connections of a child or young person. 3.To understand and be able to maximise the power of the peer group in supporting relationships, achievement and behaviour. Course Content The course answers the questions: What do you do with the child who is isolated by their aggression and anger, through being different, disabled or new to the school or community? Practically how do we go about including high profile children or young people? How can we help some children be friends? We will cover:  Inclusion values underpinning this work The Intentional Building of Relationships –‘Inclusion Facilitation’ work as an example Not doing it alone – The Importance of Teams in developing inclusive practice Practical setting up and running of IF work Lessons learned Stories of IF work

Person centred rehabilitation is designed to create a better life for an individual by the provision of an intense input designed to being about social change. This usually entails a series of visits focused on getting the person out and about to increase confidence, social skills and presence in their local community and to pursue goals and dreams. Usually, the work is carried out under the close clinical supervision of a practicing psychologist. Course Category Inclusion Person Centred Planning Visioning and Problem Solving Peer Support Description Person Centred Rehabilitation Person centred rehabilitation is designed to create a better life for an individual by the provision of an intense input designed to being about social change. This usually entails a series of visits focused on getting the person out and about to increase confidence, social skills and presence in their local community and to pursue goals and dreams. Usually, the work is carried out under the close clinical supervision of a practicing psychologist. PERSON CENTRED PLANNING A Person Centred Planning event would be carried out using the PATH or MAP process – majoring on dreams and goal setting leading to precise action planning. Facilitators would carry out the PATH or other person centred process. A large graphic will be one of the outcomes of the meetings this is a great visual record and a shared memory of the event. This will also inform the priorities for the later follow up inclusion facilitation work. Following the PATH event a ‘scoping report’ is created outlining what Inclusion Facilitation could offer and highlighting what dreams and goals the individual has. INCLUSION FACILITATION The PATH is also provides a good opportunity for the Facilitator to meet the focus person in a comfortable positive environment. Agreed visits from the Inclusion Facilitator are then carried out over a 3 month period. After this intensive input the Inclusion Facilitator will hand over to the existing family, carers and PA team to carry on where he or she has left off. This transition time is planned from the outset. An experienced psychologist needs to be there to support the facilitator at all times and will guide all work done by the inclusion facilitator. Is this just Support work? No! This is proactive engagement – doing whatever is required. This is not passively or reactively providing what is asked for – we are actively pursuing a good life for the individual. The work is built on careful research around a person’s interests and what opportunities exist locally There is community mapping There is work to tackle an individual’s own resistance and reluctance to engage more socially There is a need to engage with people in social settings that the individual attends to build bridges and connections – we are bridge builders You will need to build circles around a person There is a need to create the conditions in which friendships can flourish There is a need for direct psychological supervision and support throughout This work is short term and intense. The facilitator’s main aims will vary depending on the dreams and goals of the focus person. The basic aim of the inclusion facilitator is to better the focus person’s quality of life. Learning Objectives 1 To create a better life for the Individual. 2 Give Individual and family a clear vision of a good life and to support first steps towards this 3 To maximise individuals inclusion and connection with the wider community. 4 To help with friendship, social connection and education 5 To increase confidence, social skills and presence in their local community and to pursue goals and dreams. Who Is It For? Anyone who is involved in the rehabilitation of children or adults who have become disabled through accident or trauma and who is committed to helping them get their life back on track. Course Content Understanding ordinary needs – the dimensions of social inclusion Pursuing the dreams and goals of the individual Improving social skills Community Mapping Being comfortable in social environments Developing conversational skills Having a positive mindset Staying physically active Building relationships Help in meeting new people Create natural circles of support Creating a community circle Having positive body language Employment of support staff Pursuing personal interests   If you like this you will almost certainly enjoy: Person Centred Planning using PATH and MAPs

Click to read more about this training, in which we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. Course Category Inclusion Parents and Carers Behaviour and relationships Problem Solving Description In this training we demonstrate a live problem solving approach which is based on the active participation of family members. ‘Family Circles’ is an evolving new approach to problem solving with families and is based on our years of family work and the development and use of the Circle of Adults process. Inspired by our own Parent Solutions work and the Circle of Adults process as well as Family Group Conferencing and other Restorative Interventions we bring you Family Circles. Essentially the approach involves gathering a family together for a process that is facilitated but majors on the family members offering each other their wisdom and ideas. The approach is capacity focused, person centred approach to working with families rather than the dominant deficit oriented and ‘medical model’ of viewing and planning for or doing things to families. This training can be modelled with a group of professionals or better still with a family. In our work with families we develop the importance of naming stories or theories and seeking linkages and synthesis between what is found out and explored about the family situation and its history. We like participants to sit with the uncertainty, to reflect on the question ‘why’ but without judgement of each other. Deeper reflections may span a whole range of perspectives from ‘within person’ considerations, to situational or systemic possibilities. Health or emotional issues can be reflected on alongside organisational or transactional aspects of what is going on for the family. The better the shared understanding the better the strategy or actions which emerge from these meetings. Quality hypotheses with a close fit to reality lead to more effective implementation in the real world. We encourage ‘loose’ thinking, a search for connections, deeper listening, an ‘open mind’, speculation and exploration without moral judgements. From this stance self-reflection as well as reflection on the situation can produce remarkable insights. The quality of theories or new stories generated is directly influenced by family members’ experiences and the models of learning, behaviour and emotion, systems, educational development, change and so on that they have been exposed to.  Learning Objectives To provide opportunities for: Shared problem solving in a safe exploratory climate in which the family will find its own solutions. Individuals to reflect on their own actions and strategies An exploration of whole-family processes and their impact Emotional support and shared understandings of issues at a child, parent, family, school and community level. Feed back to each other on issues, ideas and strategies that are agreed to be worth sharing with them. Who Is It For? Anyone interested in working with families in a way that builds and makes use of their capacities rather than focus on their challenges and difficulties. Social Care teams School staff Community organisers Educational Psychologists Course Content True family empowerment Deepening shared stories and understandings Facilitating groups Problem solving process Handling family group communication Allowing direct feedback and challenge between participants in a safe way Building relationships Process: Family members are welcomed: Introductions are carried out, ground rules and aims clarified whilst coffee is drunk. A recap from the last session is carried out: To follow up developments and reflections after the last meeting. One issue is selected for the main focus Issue presentation: The family member who raised the concern is asked questions to tell the ‘story’ of the issue or problem. Additional questions/information from the group about the problem are gathered: Ground rules may need to be observed carefully here. Individual participants need to be kept focused and prevented from leaping to premature conclusions or to making ‘helpful’ suggestions about strategy. Relationship aspects to the problem are explored. Metaphors and analogies are invited. How would a fly on the wall see your relationship? If you were alone together on a desert island, what would it be like? Impact of previous relationships/spillage from one relationship to another are explored. Eg what situation they are reminded of? For instance, does this situation remind you of any of those angry but helpless feelings you had with your other son when he was an adolescent? This provides opportunities to reflect on how emotions rub off on other people. The parent feels really frustrated, and on reflection we can see that so does the child System/Organisation factors (Family system/school and community systems and so on): What aspects help or hinder the problem? For instance, does the pastoral system of the local school provide space, or time and skilled personnel able to counsel this young person and work actively with their parents? Synthesis. At this stage the Graphic facilitator summarises what they have heard. They then go on to describe linkages and patterns in what they have heard. This can be very powerful. The person doing the graphic work has been able to listen throughout the presentation process and will have been struck by strong messages, emotions and images as they have arisen. The story and meaning of what is happening in the situation may become a little clearer at this point. Typical links may be ‘mirrored emotions’ strong themes such as loss and separation issues, or repeated processes such as actions triggering rejection. This step provides an excellent grounding for the next process of deepening understanding. What alternative strategies/interventions are open to be used? Brainstormed and recorded. ’Either/ors’ need to be avoided at this time also. This needs to be a shared session in which the family member who is presenting the concern contributes as much as anyone. Care is needed to ensure that this person is not overloaded with other people’s strategies. The final selection of strategy or strategies from the brainstormed list is the problem presenter’s choice. Strategies might include: a special time for the young person, a meeting with the child’s parents to explore how she is being managed at home and to share tactics, a home-school diary, counselling, or an agreed action plan that all are aware of, agreed sanctions and rewards and so forth. Strategies may productively involve processes of restitution and restoration, when ‘sorry’ is not enough. Making it right, rather than punishments or rewards, may then becomes the focus. First Steps. The problem presenter is finally asked to agree one or two first steps which they can carry out over the next 3-7 days. It can help to assign a ‘coach’ who will check in with them to ensure they have carried out the action they have named. This is a time to be very specific. Steps should be small and achievable. The person is just ‘making a start’. A phone call, or making an agreement with a key other person not present at the meeting would be ideal examples. Final reflections. Sometimes referred to as a ‘round of words’ help with closure for all involved. Reflections are on the process not the problem. In large families this is best done standing in a circle. In smaller groups all can remain sitting. Passing around a ‘listening stick’ or something similar such as a stone or light heighten the significance of the process ending and improve listening. Finally the problem presenter is handed the ‘Graphic’ this is their record of the meeting and can be rolled and presented ceremoniously by the facilitators for maximum effect! If you liked this course you may well like: Parent Solutions