Meetings are a traditional and essential component of local government. For both elected members and officers, meetings serve as a forum for discussion and agreement, planning and monitoring, communication and leadership, and decision-making. Used appropriately, meetings can challenge, inspire, illuminate and inform. And while they are not the only meetings that elected members will be asked to attend, committee meetings, in particular, are a mainstay of the political management process. Effective chairing is important because it can provide clear leadership and direction, ensure that debates are focused and balanced, enable decisions to be reached and ensure that resources are used to best effect. This two-hour 'masterclass'-style workshop will help elected members to understand their role, offer some approaches and ideas that will help to tackle typical challenges, and help to generally improve their effectiveness as a chair. To understand the skills and qualities of a good chair To learn ideas and approaches for chairing a successful meeting that is on time and achieves its outcomes To understand the protocols and boundaries for appropriate meeting etiquette and the chair's role in managing this effectively To appreciate how to manage yourself and others appropriately To take away personal actions to apply to your role 1 Welcome and introductions Objectives What's the challenge for you? 2 We can't go on meeting like this Common meeting challenges for chairs and why they succeed or fail Consequences and impact for the Council What's the context? 3 Roles and responsibilities of an effective chair Activities and input that explore the role, skills and qualities needed Role of the chair: what is it and how to do it well 4 Chairing for success - ideas and approaches to meet the challenges Managing time and boundaries Preparation and planning Creating the right environment Self-management Challenging personalities and good meeting behaviour 5 Final plenary session What's your plan? Take away actions
Qualification Number Level 1: 603/5291/7 Qualification Number Level 2: 600/3423/3 Minimum entry age 19 Guided Learning Hours Level 1: 30 Guided Learning Hours Level 2: 115 What does this qualification cover? Level 1: • Know how to deliver good customer service • Know different communication methods • Know how to provide good customer service in line with organisational procedures • Know how to effectively deal with customer queries, problems and complaints. Level 2: • The principles of customer service • How customer needs and expectations are formed • The principles of responding to customers' problems or complaints • Interpersonal and team working skills • How to meet customer needs and expectations • Communicating effectively with customers • Legislation which supports the customer service process Who is it suitable for? This qualification is aimed at learners who are new to the customer service sector and wish to improve their knowledge of this area resulting in the achievement of a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge and understanding in customer service for learners who deal, or intend to deal, with customers on a daily basis as part of their job role and is applicable to a variety of work environments. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 19 and above. What are the entry requirements? There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification. How is this qualification structured? Level 1: The qualification is made up of one mandatory unit: • Unit 1 Customer Service Principles Level 2: The qualification is made up of two mandatory units: • Unit 1 Supporting the customer service environment • Unit 2 Delivery of effective customer service How is it assessed? This qualification is assessed via an internally assessed and externally verified portfolio of evidence. Funding for our qualifications This qualification is available fully funded under the Adult Education Budget funding stream and is free to the candidate.
Business Management Course Overview This Business Management course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of key management concepts and practices. Covering essential topics such as operations, business analysis, strategic planning, and risk management, the course equips learners with the necessary tools to handle various aspects of business management effectively. Through a blend of theoretical insights and applied learning, learners will develop the confidence to manage business operations, drive strategic growth, and navigate organisational challenges. The course is designed to provide value to individuals seeking to advance their management skills and progress in their careers. Course Description This course delves deeply into the core aspects of business management, providing a structured approach to understanding business operations, leadership, and decision-making. Learners will explore modules on business analysis, strategic management, and project development, as well as gain valuable skills in managing risk, performance, and human resources. The course covers critical areas including planning, forecasting, communication, and conflict management. By the end of the course, learners will have a broad understanding of how businesses operate and will be able to apply their learning to various management scenarios. Designed for those looking to enhance their management skills, the course ensures that learners gain a solid foundation in business management principles. Business Management Curriculum Module 01: Introduction to Business Management Module 02: Operations Management Module 03: Introduction to Business Analysis Module 04: Strategic Analysis and Product Scope Module 05: Project Management Module 06: Business Development and Succession Planning Module 07: Business Process Management Module 08: Planning & Forecasting Operations Module 09: Performance Management Module 10: Management of Cash and Credit Module 11: Managing Risk and Recovery Module 12: Quality Management Module 13: Communication Skills Module 14: Business Environment Module 15: Organisational Skills Module 16: Negotiation Techniques Module 17: Human Resource Management Module 18: Motivation and Counselling Module 19: Customer Service Module 20: Time Management Module 21: Conflict Management (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to build a career in business management. Professionals aiming to enhance their management and leadership skills. Beginners with an interest in business operations and management. Those looking to progress in roles related to business analysis, human resources, or strategic planning. Career Path Business Manager Operations Manager Project Manager HR Manager Strategic Planner Financial Analyst Customer Service Manager Risk Manager Organisational Development Specialist Performance Manager
Acrylic Nail Extension Course Course Overview: This Acrylic Nail Extension course is designed to equip learners with the essential skills to master acrylic nail extension techniques. From understanding nail anatomy and product chemistry to advanced nail art, this course covers everything you need to know about acrylic nails. Learners will develop proficiency in applying acrylic nail extensions, performing maintenance, and ensuring client care and safety. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and expertise to apply various nail techniques, making them confident in offering professional services. Whether you are a beginner or seeking to refine your skills, this course provides all the necessary knowledge to build a successful career in the beauty industry. Course Description: This comprehensive course offers a detailed exploration of acrylic nail extensions, starting with the basics of nail anatomy and product chemistry. Learners will delve into essential techniques such as applying tips, overlays, and creating nail art. With modules focusing on nail diseases, disorders, and proper maintenance, the course ensures learners can safely and professionally care for their clients' nails. The course also includes in-depth modules on client communication and salon safety, making sure that students can provide excellent customer service while following industry best practices. Upon completion, learners will have a complete understanding of acrylic nail extensions, from application to removal, and will be equipped to confidently enter the beauty industry with practical skills and a professional approach. Acrylic Nail Extension Course Curriculum: Module 01: Nail Extension Techniques: An Introduction Module 02: Nail Anatomy Module 03: Nail Diseases and Disorders Module 04: Nail Product Chemistry Simplified Module 05: Nail Extension Techniques Module 06: Acrylic Nail Extension: Part-1 (Applying Tips to the Nails) Module 07: Acrylic Nail Extension: Part-2 (Applying Overlays) Module 08: Art in Acrylic Nails: Basic to Advance Module 09: Hands-on Nail Art Training Module 10: Maintaining Artificial Nails Module 11: Acrylic Nail Removal Module 12: Health and Safety in Beauty Salon Module 13: Client Care and Communication (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to master acrylic nail extension techniques. Professionals aiming to expand their beauty industry skills. Beginners with an interest in nail care and beauty treatments. Beauty enthusiasts looking to enter the nail extension field. Career Path Nail Technician Beauty Salon Specialist Freelance Nail Artist Nail Care Educator Beauty Consultant Spa and Salon Owner
Birth Doula Course Overview This Birth Doula course is designed to provide learners with comprehensive knowledge and skills to support expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Participants will gain a solid understanding of antenatal, labour, and postnatal care, along with key aspects of emotional support for both mothers and families. The course prepares learners to support women in their journey through pregnancy, offering valuable insight into maternal health, newborn care, and mental wellbeing. Upon completion, learners will be equipped to offer invaluable assistance to women during this critical time, ensuring a supportive and compassionate birth experience. Course Description The Birth Doula course covers essential aspects of maternity care, including a detailed understanding of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Learners will explore various topics such as antenatal care, the clinical examination of pregnant women, and management of common pregnancy symptoms. They will also learn about the care of women during labour, including postpartum support and infant care. Mental health considerations for mothers, grief, bereavement, and family planning are all crucial aspects addressed in this course. Learners will gain knowledge of effective communication, empathy, and ethics, which are essential when supporting women through this journey. By completing this course, learners will acquire skills to become a trusted companion for women during one of the most important times in their lives. Birth Doula Curriculum Module 01: Introduction to Birth Doula Module 02: A Woman’s Body in Pregnancy Module 03: Antenatal Care during Pregnancy Module 04: Management of Common Symptoms of Pregnancy Module 05: Clinical Examination of Pregnant Women Module 06: Care of a Woman during Labour Module 07: Postpartum Care Module 08: Screening Newborn Baby Module 09: Infant Care Module 10: Mental Health of the Mother Module 11: Grief and Bereavement Module 12: Contraception and Family Planning Module 13: Effective Communication Module 14: Empathy and Comfort Skills Module 15: Ethics in Doula (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to support pregnant women and families. Professionals aiming to enhance their maternity care practice. Beginners with an interest in childbirth and women's health. Aspiring doulas wishing to enter the field of maternal care. Those interested in developing expertise in supporting emotional wellbeing during pregnancy. Career Path Birth Doula Maternity Support Worker Labour and Delivery Assistant Postpartum Care Specialist Women's Health Educator Family Support Worker
ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support: Virtual In-House Training The ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support module is part of the Managing Professional stream for ITIL® 4. Candidates need to pass the related certification exam for working towards the Managing Professional (MP) designation. This course is based on the ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support exam specifications from AXELOS. With the help of ITIL® 4 concepts and terminology, exercises, and examples included in the course, candidates acquire the relevant knowledge required to pass the certification exam. What You Will Learn The learning objectives of the course are based on the following learning outcomes of the ITIL® 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver, and Support exam specification: Understand how to plan and build a service value stream to create, deliver, and support services Know how relevant ITIL® practices contribute to the creation, delivery, and support across the SVS and value streams Know how to create, deliver, and support services Organization and Culture Organizational Structures Team Culture Continuous Improvement Collaborative Culture Customer-Oriented Mindset Positive Communication Effective Teams Capabilities, Roles, and Competencies Workforce Planning Employee Satisfaction Management Results-Based Measuring and Reporting Information Technology to Create, Deliver, and Support Service Integration and Data Sharing Reporting and Advanced Analytics Collaboration and Workflow Robotic Process Automation Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning CI / CD Information Model Value Stream Anatomy of a Value Stream Designing a Value Stream Value Stream Mapping Value Stream to Create, Deliver, and Support Services Value Stream for Creation of a New Service Value Stream for User Support Value Stream Model for Restoration of a Live Service Prioritize and Manage Work Managing Queues and Backlogs Shift-Left Approach Prioritizing Work Commercial and Sourcing Considerations Build or Buy Sourcing Models Service Integration and Management
Develop more advanced training skills such as expert presentation, facilitation and coaching skills. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This workshop is for people who want to take their personal skills as a trainer to the next level. It builds on the Underscore Level 1 Train the Trainer course. In this Level 2 course delegates will develop more advanced training skills such as expert presentation, facilitation and coaching skills. In the modern world learning is often delivered in blended learning formats and this course will introduce delegates to the challenges of blended learning and how to introduce a range of delivery methods into programmes. Attendees will learn how to write more complex learning plans and integrate different methods and media into their plans. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe your Personal Training Style Explain how personality affects communication styles Use techniques to read delegates and adapt communications for greater impact Recognise the ‘games people play’ and how to deal with difficult behaviour Use techniques to establish credibility and enhance your reputation Identify the right approach to take when faced with a range of challenges Use advanced Presentation Skills Use facilitation and coaching skills for experiential workshops Use modern Training Methods and Media Deliver memorable training Note: Delegates attending this programme will be asked to complete an online psychometric in advance of attending the programme in order to help understand personal training styles Content Understanding your Personal Training Style Receive feedback from online Psychometric Understand personal training styles Understand personal communication and working style Understand the impact this has on audience Learn how to adapt your style for greater impact Growing your reputation as a trainer Your Training Persona Training Confidence Training Reputation Trainer Brand Understand the ‘Games People Play’ An introduction to Transactional Analysis (TA) for Trainers Using TA to:Contract for learningUnderstand Trainee AudienceUnderstand interpersonal stylesUnderstand working and thinking stylesWorking in groupsCreativity and innovation Developing deeper Trainer Skills Presentation Magic – making your presentations more effective Facilitation skills for workshops Coaching skills for classrooms and virtual training Delivering experiential workshops Modern Training Methods and Media Incorporating blended learning into your programmes Using Social Learning Using Videos Using Virtual Tools Using CBT and e-learning Pre-course work 1: Complete and online Psychometric Pre-course work 2: Deliver and record a 5-10-minute training session in your workplace on your phone and bring it with you Note: there is an option to have addition 1 hour coaching for delegates to support workplace learning after the course.
It's a fact of life that costs generally increase and as a result prices must go up too. Implementing an increase without losing customers is challenging. Talking about a price increase with customers never makes for an easy conversation. Your customers will generally decide whether to accept the increase based upon value, as well as the hassle cost of switching and going elsewhere. Even the most experienced salesperson who has implemented price increases before will be fighting back the nerves when faced with the task of 'selling' the increase. In this flexible programme, we will support your internal preparations at whichever stage you and your colleagues are at. From making the decision to increase prices, right through to those on the frontline already dealing with any push-back. This programme will help participants: Understand the business case for increasing prices Take steps to research the market Consider their customers' motivations Use the six principles of influence Identify and adapt for different personality styles Assess their level of trust with customers Build rapport rapidly with their customers and prospects 1 Raising prices - keys to success Understanding the business case Researching the market Assessing the value of your offering 2 Understanding your customer base Assessing your key accounts What is your 'target' customer range? Creating consistency in pricing approach 3 Planning the increase Timing your implementation Communication strategy Elements of a good price increase letter 4 Developing influencing skills The Trust Equation The six principles of influence Discovering your customer's buying decisions 5 Emotional intelligence and price increases The part emotion plays Developing strategies for keeping calm Handling your customer's responses 6 Understanding different customer styles Discover your own style Recognising behaviour traits in others Adapting your approach to their style 7 Preparing for customer contact Preparing for specific customers Anticipating their response Dealing with challenging customers 8 Following through Maintaining a consistent approach Resisting requests for discounts Confirming the increase in writing
This very practical and focused one-day workshop enables end-users, technical experts, proponents, internal customers and other key stakeholders to work with procurement and contracting to develop effective specifications and scopes of work, to ensure fit-for-purpose outcomes. The programme empowers participants to collaborate with all key stakeholders. This workshop will help participants: Understand the importance and value of clear and effective specifications Differentiate between the different methods of creating specifications and when to apply them Develop robust specification templates to ensure consistency Understand the use of appropriate language (critical to creating effective specifications) Appreciate the need to develop specifications in cooperation with stakeholders Make use of techniques such as value analysis and value engineering to define 'fit for purpose' in the context of creating effective specifications Embed key KPIs into the specification to ensure delivery Manage and mitigate legal and contractual risks in the specification 1 Introduction Learning outcomes Learning styles Plan for the day 2 The importance of effective specifications Scopes of work Impact of poor scopes of work Examples of costly errors 3 The critical role of language Terminology in creating effective specifications and scopes of work Problems of communication Lack of detail or too prescriptive 4 Encouraging cooperation Technical and commercial experts with responsibility for developing robust effective specifications and scopes of work Managing stakeholders' expectations Working with contractors 5 Types of specification Exploring and using the various approaches to the development of appropriate specifications and scopes of work Output Performance Technical Functional Solutions-based 6 The role of value analysis Value engineering in the process of developing scopes of work and specifications 7 Specifications and contracts The legal and contractual impact of poor specifications and scopes of work How to embed scopes of work and specification outputs into tender and quotation documents 8 Specifications as a management tool Developing KPIs and SLAs framed around robust effective specifications and scopes of work Negotiating with contractors Negotiating with stakeholders
Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for The primary audience for this course is as follows: Network Video Engineer Voice/UC/Collaboration/Communications Engineer Collaboration Tools Engineer Collaboration Sales/Systems Engineer Overview Cisco Meeting Server Overview Cisco Meeting Server Deployment Cisco Meeting Server User Licensing Cisco Meeting Server Configuration Cisco Meeting Server Configuration with Cisco Unified Communication Manager (CUCM) Cisco Meeting Server Integration VCS/Expressway Cisco Meeting Server Integration with TMS Cisco Meeting Server Configuration with Lync/Skype for Business Cisco Meeting Server Recording and Streaming Cisco Meeting Manager (CMM) Deployment Cisco Meeting Server WebRTC using Expressway Proxy Cisco Meeting Server Customization Cisco Meeting Server Troubleshooting In this course, students will install and configure a Cisco Meeting Server version 2.x. Students will configure a multimode CMS Cluster and implement all the different components of a clustered solution. Student will also integrate CMS with Unified Communications Manager and VCS/Expressway. Students will also integrate Recording and Skype/Lync. Students will use the TMS and new Cisco Meeting Manager Schedule and monitor CMS. Cisco Meeting Server Overview What is Cisco Meeting Server Cisco Meeting Server Benefits Cisco Meeting Server vs Telepresence Server vs MCU Cisco Meeting Server Functions? Cisco Meeting Server Components Cisco Meeting Server Call Bridge Cisco Meeting Server Web Bridge Cisco Meeting Server Turn Server Cisco Meeting Server XMPP Server Cisco Meeting Server Database Cisco Meeting Server Scalability On-premises and Cloud Conferencing API Integration Cisco Meeting Server Deployment MMP CLI Cisco Meeting Server Prerequisites Cisco Meeting Server 2000 Deployments Installing the server Configuring the Fabric Interconnect modules Configuring the Cisco Meeting Server 2000 through the MMP Checking the installed software Configuring the Web Admin Interface Applying a License File Cisco Meeting Server 1000/VM Deployments Installing CMM via VMware Configuring VMware Network Management Configuring the VMware Instance using vSphere client Retrieving and activating VMware Licenses Accessing the Cisco Meeting Server 1000 Console Installing CMM via Hyper-V Single combined server deployment Single Split Server Deployment Deploying a Core Server Deploying an Edge Server Certificate Guidelines for Single Split Server Deployment Scalable and Resilient Server Deployments Cisco Meeting Server User Licensing Obtaining and Entering a License File Cisco Meeting Server Licenses Cisco User Licenses Personal Multiparty Plus Licensing Shared Multiparty Plus Licensing Cisco Meeting Server Capacity Units XMPP Licensing for Cisco Meeting Apps Cisco Meeting Server Capacity Units Cisco Meeting Server Configuration Transferring the License File to the Cisco Meeting Sever Creating a Cisco Meeting Server Administrator Account Setting up the Network Interface for IPv4 Adding additional Network Interfaces Configuring the Web Admin Interface Creating the certificate for the Web Admin Interface Configuring the Web Admin Interface for HTTS Access Configuring the Web Bridge Configuring the TURN server Configuring the Databases Deploying Web Bridges Deploying multiple Web Bridges Setting up the Web Bridges? certificates Setting up the Web Bridges via the API Web Bridge call flow Cisco Meeting App and WebRTC Client Enabling HTTP redirect and the Web Bridge Deploying the TURN Servers Dial plan configuration ? Overview Dial plan rules for incoming calls and outbound calls Outbound Dial Plan Rules Inbound Dial Plan Rules Forwarding Dial Plan Rules Dial plan configuration?SIP endpoints Cisco Meeting Server (CMS) Configuration with Cisco Unified Communication Manager (CUCM) CUCM and CMS Integration Setting up Escalated ad hoc calls Configuring the Meeting Server Setup Incoming Dial Plan Setup Administrator Account with API Permission Adding the Cisco Meeting Server as a Conference Bridge Creating a Media Resource Group Creating a Media Resource List Adding the Media Resource Group to a Device Pool or Device Setting up Scheduled and Rendezvous Calls Configure Outbound Dial Plan Dial Plan Configuring Cisco Unified Communications Server Configure Route Groups Configure Route Lists Configure Route Pattern Support for Active Control Participant List Indicators Selecting Layout Limitations Overview of ActiveControl and the iX protocol CUCM 8.x and earlier Third-party networks VCS-centric deployments Load Balancing Calls Configuring Call Bridges for Load Balancing Incoming Calls Creating Call Bridge Groups Enabling Load Balancing Fine Tuning Load Balancing Enable Load Balancing of Outbound SIP Calls Setup Outbound Dial Plan Rule for Load Balancing SIP Calls Supply the Call Bridge Group or Specific Call Bridge to Use for Outbound SIP Calls Cisco Meeting Server Integration VCS/Expressway Gateway Configuration Call Testing Inbound call from an endpoint registered to a VCS/Expressway Outbound call to an endpoint registered to a VCS/Expressway Calling non Cisco Meeting App users from H.323 endpoint Troubleshooting Cisco Meeting Server Integration with TMS TMS Integration Cisco Meeting Server Configuration with Lync/Skype for Business Configuring Cisco Meeting Server with SKYPE Dial plan configuration ? integrating Lync/Skype for Business Lync clients dialing into a call on clustered Meeting Servers Integrating SIP endpoints and Lync clients Adding calls between Lync clients and SIP video endpoints Lync Front End server configuration VCS configuration Meeting Server configuration Integrating Cisco Meeting App with SIP and Lync clients Integrating Lync using Lync Edge service Controlling the bandwidth for sharing content on Microsoft Lync and Skype for Business calls Direct Lync federation Calling into scheduled Lync meetings directly and via IVR Office 365 Dual Homed Experience with OBTP Scheduling Cisco Meeting Server Recording and Streaming Recording Meetings Recorder licensing Recording with Vbrick Prerequisites for the Meeting Server Configuring the Meeting Server to work with Vbrick Steps to configuring the Streamer Deploying streaming Streamer licensing Recording meetings Cisco Meeting Manager (CMM) Deployment Deploy Cisco Meeting Manager Cisco Meeting Manager Meetings Navigation List Meetings Edit Meetings Layout Recording Streaming Participants Find meetings Find participants Change layout for all participants in a meeting Start and stop recording Start and stop streaming Add participants Change layout for an individual participant Turn audio or video on or off View participant details Call statistics Cisco Meeting Server WebRTC using Expressway Proxy Configure Cisco Meeting Server for WebRTC Proxy Configure Cisco Expressway C Configure Turn on Cisco Expressway E Cisco Meeting Server Customization WebRTC App Customization Call Customization IVR Message Customization SIP/LYNC Call Message Customization Invitation Customization Cisco Meeting Server Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Cisco Meeting Server Connectivity Troubleshooting Web Bridge connectivity Troubleshooting Call Server issues Troubleshooting Conferencing issues