Agile is not what you do, Agile is what you become! An introduction to the essentials of Agile Scrum as a delivery method. The same learning objectives as used in central government & public sector digital delivery projects. Agile is not what you do, Agile is what you become! Since 2012, all government departments have been required to use the Agile approach to project management, to build and run new digital services. As you begin your Agile journey, one of your first challenges will be understanding the rules and roles that support Agile delivery, some of the most frequently asked questions are "Which Agile framework is applicable to our business operating model?" or, "Is the Project Manager role equivalent to that of theProduct Owner?" and, "What does a Scrum Master do?" A strong corporate culture not accustomed to the Agile mindset can also be a difficult environment in which to implement Agile methods. In some cases, the company’s culture and practices may reward non-Agile milestones while inadvertently discouraging Agile success. This intensive two-day training course combines PowerPoint presentations, informal discussions and practical exercises to introduce you to Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method, without the impending pressure of having to pass a formal certification examination. Previous experience of Agile delivery is not a pre-requisite to attending this course, although it is assumed delegates have previously attended the Primer course, or have some understanding of Agile Scrum terms and practices. This course, designed by Agile Scrum practitioners and coaches with specialist experience of working on GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Standards compliant government and public sector projects has been accredited by The CPD Certification Service and is now available outside its usual central government and public sector digital delivery setting. Who this course is for Service and Programme Managers If you are a Service Manager or Programm Manager who wants to explore the benefits of transitioning to Agile ways of working and want to understand how your existing business processes and resource landscape will fit into an Agile delivery model, then this course aims to provide you with enough information to enable you to make an informed decision. Career ambitions If you are new to Agile and your intention is to pursue a career either as an Agile Scrum Master or Agile Product Owner, you will hopefully be provided with enough knowledge to enable you to determine which role best suits your Agile career ambitions. Frequently Asked Questions How this course differs from other Agile courses Delegates will learn the 'How', not just the 'What'! This course has been designed by highly experienced Agile practitioners and coaches with specialist real-life experience of working on GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Design Standard projects. Delegates will find that the learning objectives are significantly more detailed than with other Agile courses which only focus on teaching the learning objectives of The Scrum Guide. Delegates must take the certification assessment. No! During enrolment, delegates can opt out of taking the C-ASDM certification assessment. The online Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method – Essentials course quiz is optional Absolutely! Delegates are provided access to the online Agile knowledge quiz which accompanies the Agile Scrum as a Delivery Method – Essentials course. The quiz helps delegates gauge their level of attainment but is entirely optional. Delegates can take the certification assessment without enrolling on the course. Yes! Delegates with existing Agile project delivery experience can choose to take the certification assessment without enrolling on the course. I will receive my certificate as soon as I have completed the course You will initially receive an Assessment Completion report after completing the assessment. The report details the certification status: 'Pass' or 'Fail', and includes information on which questions were answered incorrectly. Your certificate is issued by the CPD Certification Service approximately four-to six-weeks after successfully completing and passing the C-ASDM Certification Assessment. A CPD certification is recognised by employers Yes! CPD certification is recognised by private and public sector employers, and in central government departments as a valuable way to evaluate the skills of an individual, and the quality of the learning activities. Listing your CPD certification as well as the number of CPD Points you have achieved on your CV is essentially showcasing your achievements in continuing your professional development. One CPD Point is equivalent to an hour of training CPD points are units that quantify time, and the quality of learning and development activities. Delegates will earn 3 CPD Points upon successful completion of the C-ASDM Certification Assessment or 13 CPD Points after completing the two-day course. My CPD certificate will expire after three years Your certificate will not expire however, best practice suggests a renewal after three years. You can do this by enrolling on the C-ASDM course to ensure your knowledge of Agile as a Delivery Method is up to date. Service features Two-day Agile Scrum training course The course uses eCommerce and other Business Case examples for context Optional online CPD certification assessment Optional Agile knowledge quiz to help delegates gauge level of attainment Online Retrospective feedback to enable continuous course improvements. Service benefits Delegates will understand the concepts and benefits of Agile Scrum development Scrum team roles and role accountabilities INVEST-compliant User Stories and BDD formatted Acceptance Criteria Agile approach to incremental project delivery Agile artefacts and Agile reports (burn-down & burn-up charts) Agile Events & Scrum rules Comparison: Agile methodologies (Lean, XP, SAFe & Scrum) Use of Kanban for workflow management Government Digital Service (GDS) Service Standards and Service Assessment Be able to communicate the ideals of Agile to stakeholders Service Agenda General knowledge Agile Delivery 101 Scrum process and sprints Applicability of Scrum Agile Manifesto Scrum roles and accountabilities Overview of Scrum roles (Core & Ancillary) Scrum Master role and role responsibilities Scrum Product Owner role and role responsibilities Scrum team Scrum events Sprint Planning Daily Scrums Sprint Reviews Sprint Retrospectives Scrum artefacts Product Backlog Sprint Backlog Increments Scrum Reports Burn-down and Burn-up Charts Scaling Scrum Working with multiple Scrum teams Working with distributed Scrum teams GDS (Government Digital Service) Service Standards Service Assessments Risks and challenges Risks and challenges of transitioning to Agile delivery Frequently asked questions Discussion on frequently asked Agile questions Agile knowledge quiz Examples of the multiple-choice questions in the optional online quiz On-going support Email support No Telephone support No Webchat support No Online support No Community Support Yes! Delegates are offered access to our private online 'Community of Agile Scrum Practitioners'. Delegates who achieve the pass mark for CPD certification are additionally offered access to our private 'Certified Scrum Practitioners’ Guild', a private Slack community of like-minded Agile professionals.
Today, everyone is a publisher. Whether you're filling your company blog with compelling ideas, producing newsletters to engage your customers, packing your social media feeds with engagin content, or crafting insightful posts to push your personal professional profile – you need to use storytelling to engage your audience. In this workshop we'll break down the key ingredients that make content engaging. We'll go through a proven framework for taking ideas from initial spark, through developing a unique angle, to idenitfying the ideal format for execution. We'll discuss the purpose of the content you have in mind, and look at how your can plan a strategy to publish regularly and measure the results. This is a fully interactive online workshop, so be prepared to join discussions and develop your own content ideas. Takeaways Understanding the needs of your target audience. Identifying the Subject, Angle and Format. Cheap (or free!) tools to create professional content. Useful systmes for publishing regularly, and keeping the work manageable. Knowing where to publish on the web, social media and other platforms. Promoting your content, and getting feedback. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “The EMpower Network commissioned the content creation workshop to understand how to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. In light of covid-19, it’s more important than ever to communicate clearly especially as we’ve moved to remote meetings. The workshop was very insightful and Alan was a very engaging speaker making sure all attendees contributed and worked through real-life examples. Attendees praised the usefulness of the workshop and especially liked the content generation framework with one saying 'It has changed the way I think about communicating and given me a toolkit that I will use in both my work and personal projects'.” Shade Nathaniel-Ayodele | EMpower Network, Southwark Council
Data Data Everywhere – For what purpose? Which data is crucial to driving your organisation? How do we Analyse data to drive improvements? Course Overview Organisations generally collect enormous amounts of data. However, what data or information is really needed? How do we present the data that we have collected so that it is openly available and can be understood and used to drive the business? Is the data collected driving change? Structure of the Course This one-day workshop will enable participants to gain the necessary skills to collect, analyse and present data in an understanding and meaningful way and assist the decision-making process. It looks at how to translate data into useful and meaningful information that can contribute towards real problem solving, effective performance indicators, leading to the development of effective KPI’s, among others. Alternatively, if an organisation is in the process of selecting data collection methods and appropriate analysis, then this workshop will also help. Data analysis skills are essential to providing honest and accurate analysis, determining statistical significance, reliability, and validity on which to base their decisions, whether it is to improve quality, profitability, efficiency, or competitiveness. Improper statistical analyses distort findings and can mislead or negatively influence decision-making and the perception of the data collected. The correct analysis of data is a process of systematically applying statistical and / or logical techniques to describe and illustrate, condense, and recap, and evaluate data so that it can be used effectively. This workshop provides essential learning for staff at all levels of the organisation. Course content: 1. Data Types Discrete data Continuous data 2. Data Collection Sheet design Testing, prior to full-scale data collection 3. Data Input into Spreadsheet 4. Determination of Basic Descriptive Statistics Mean Median Mode Minimum and maximum values Range Standard deviation 5. Graphical Analysis Bar charts Line graphs Pie charts Scatter diagrams 6. Determination of Relationships between Factors Relationship between discrete factors Relationship between continuous factors 7. Use of Data in Decision Making 8. Establishment of Key Performance Indicators 9. Determination of Data Reliability 10. Summary Who would benefit from this Approach? Anyone who collects, manages, analyses and uses data to drive business performance. Delivery The course is delivered through virtual, tutor-led classes as structured above. The platform used is Adobe Connect which utilizes e-work rooms, video and streamed trainers. Cost £200 + VAT If you are not yet a member but are already thinking about joining CforC, you can find more information on how to become a member and the benefits by clicking here.
Women in Banking Leadership Workshop Workshop Overview: Unleash your potential - The Banking and Financial Services industry is a constantly changing sphere that calls for emerging leaders to adapt and grow in order to thrive and succeed. Often those wanting to take the next step in the field find it hard to see their full value and potential, slowing their progress in a world full of opportunities. Emerging leaders will need to understand their professional values and know how to cultivate a growth mindset to stand out and fulfil their career desires. This interactive virtual workshop will provide emerging leaders within the field the skills to understand the strengths that they are able to bring to the corporate table to confidently unleash their potential. It will particularly benefit those who aspire to move beyond early management to broader leadership roles. Kat will guide attendees to unlock their potential through releasing self-doubt, connecting to their unique contribution and forming a confident, strategic leader that will drive an organisation to success. Our Aims for the Workshop: Navigate key challenges and change in fast-paced work-places Understand the value of embracing complexity, uncertainty and diversity Negotiate diversity and inclusion biases, enablers and blocker Topic 1 Define your leadership style What are the capabilities, attributes and skills of an influential leader? What is your unique contribution? Is this congruent with your personal brand? Align your leadership strengths and values with the expectations and culture of your organisation. Topic 2 Leading with Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Understand your EQ and its impact on the way you are perceived as a leader Leverage your EQ in the workplace both in person and online Embrace qualities of empathy and authenticity to become a better leader Topic 3 Interactive Panel Q&A Discussion: Open Q&A with Senior Female leaders within the banking sector. Please see below the panel and biographies of each panellist. Topic 4 How to be known as a strategic leader Understand the uplevel from management to leadership and how to articulate your strategy How to translate broad leadership tools and tactics into practical, personalised results Move from transactional to transformational leadership Topic 5 Strengthen your resilience and resolve What is stress and how do you “show-up” on a bad day? Bounce back from challenging situations and predicaments Effectively manage conflict and turn negativity into an opportunity Who will attend? Emerging Leaders looking to step into management roles Current Leaders looking to progress into senior management roles This workshop is open to any woman who works in the banking sector that wants to take her next step in their career; women include trans women and non-binary people who are comfortable in a female-centred group. Group Rate Discounts 2-3 people, 7% discount 4+ people, 20% discount We have two group rates which you can take advantage of depending on the size of the group you wish to book: Option 1️⃣ Groups between 2 & 3 are eligible for the 7% Discount. Please use this code at checkout: GROUP 2+ Option 2️⃣ For groups of over 4+ attendees, the eligible discount is 20%. Please use this code at checkout: GROUP 4+ Where do I add the discount code? Your Facilitator Kat Hutchings Kat coaches Executives and senior leaders in scale businesses to develop their leadership capability, build high-performing teams and create a culture that motivates and delivers. She works with them to identify their unique contribution and lead in a way that's aligned with who they are. Clients that work with Kat connect to their sense of purpose and how they contribute to the organisation. This creates a ripple effect through their team as they step into more powerful and impactful leadership. Kat coaches for insight - because a single insight can inspire action that changes everything. Client outcomes include improved sales performance, successful delivery of change & transformation programmes and greater employee engagement & wellbeing. Kat is an accredited Professional Executive Coach with the Association for Coaching and a Master NLP Practitioner. She has studied neuroscience, mindfulness and resilience, often bringing these insights to her coaching and training. Combined with her experience as a leader in Financial Services, Kat’s clients find her to be commercially minded, knowledgeable and positively challenging. Her background as a corporate banker means Kat is quickly able to understand the context, including a firm’s strategy, vision and drivers. As a former Head of Coaching for the London & South East region of a FTSE 100 organisation, Kat is also well versed in leadership development programmes – their design, delivery and embedding through coaching. Outside of her coaching work, Kat spends lots of time with her husband and 2 young children. She enjoys trying different wines, talking to interesting people, having new experiences and buying flowers. THE PANEL The final panel is coming soon ⏳
Aftereffects face to face training customised and bespoke.
Experimental knitting workshop, combining neon yarns with simple geometric designs to create a bold statement!
Why choose SketchUp Basic to Intermediate Training Course? Click for more info SketchUp offers a user-friendly experience with its intuitive interface, enabling beginners to start smoothly and professionals to work efficiently. The software provides straightforward tools and shortcuts, ensuring precise and speedy creation of 3D models. Duration: 5 hrs Method: 1-on-1, Personalized attention Schedule: Tailor your own schedule by pre-booking a convenient hour of your choice, available from Mon to Sat between 9 am and 7 pm SketchUp is a popular and robust CAD solution designed for engineers, designers, architects, and more. Its powerful suite of tools includes customizable palettes, lighting effects, animations, textures, and access to the Trimble 3D warehouse. SketchUp Basic Training Course. 1 on 1 Training. 5 hours Understanding the Basics of SketchUpIntroduction to SketchUpNavigating the SketchUp EnvironmentExploring Zoom, Pan, and Rotate FunctionsFamiliarizing Yourself with the XYZ Axis Mastering SketchUp ToolsEfficient Toolbar SelectionsUtilizing Templates for ProjectsDrawing with Precision Using the Pencil ToolWorking with Fundamental Geometric ShapesTaking Accurate Measurements Advanced SketchUp TechniquesCreating Circles and ArcsHarnessing Sticky Geometry SolutionsUnveiling the Power of Tags (Formerly Layers)Streamlining Workflow with Keyboard ShortcutsAccurate Object Measurement within SketchUpInformation Management and Database UsageMoving and Copying ObjectsSimple Array TechniquesMastering Rotational ManipulationsEffortless Rotational CopyingFractional and Relative Scaling Component and Group CreationConstructing Components for ReusabilityCreating Efficient GroupsComparing the Advantages of Components and GroupsSaving and Reusing ComponentsImporting Components from Digital Repositories Advanced Modeling and GeometryLeveraging Push-Pull OperationsCreating Complex Shapes with the Follow Me ToolExploring Geometry IntersectionsDuplicating and Offsetting Faces, Edges, and PolygonsIncorporating 2D Polygons into Your DrawingsSkillful Use of the Paint Bucket Tool Materials and TexturesProficiency with the Materials EditorApplying High-Quality TexturesSourcing and Positioning TexturesGraphics and Bitmap ConsiderationsCrafting Scenes and StylesGenerating and Customizing ScenesManaging Scenes and Styles Introduction to Animation and PresentationAnimation ConceptsAdding Dimensions to Your SketchUp ModelsAnnotating Designs for ClarityPreparing Models for PrintingExporting Images and PDFs in 2D Formats
Click here for more info Duration: 5 hrs Method: 1-2-1, Personalized attention, Tailored content, Flexible pace, Individual support. Schedule: Personalized training experience with our flexible 1-2-1 sessions. Choose your convenient hour from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 7 pm. After Effects CC Training: From Novices to Experts Immerse yourself in the world of motion graphics and VFX with our Adobe Certified After Effects Courses, suitable for total novices and experts alike. Learn to create captivating motion graphics, smooth animations, and stunning special effects in a professional environment. Choose from four learning options: London Classroom: Attend in-person sessions 1-2-1 in our dynamic studio. Live Online Classes: Join interactive classes from the comfort of your home or office. Bespoke Training: Tailor the course to your specific needs and preferences. Whichever path you select, all options cover the same lesson plan delivered by our Certified Professional Trainers. Rest assured, your learning experience is fully supported by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Adobe After Effects Essentials (5-hour course) Session 1: Introduction to After Effects (1 hour) Overview of After Effects and its applications in motion graphics and visual effects. Understanding the workspace and interface. Importing and organizing assets for seamless workflow. Creating projects and compositions. Session 2: Animation Basics (1.5 hours) Working with layers: Adding, editing, and arranging layers in the timeline. Keyframe animation: Introduction to keyframes and creating simple animations. Motion paths: Manipulating motion paths for dynamic animations. Easing motion: Applying ease in and ease out to smoothen animations. Animation presets: Utilizing built-in presets for efficient animation. Session 3: Effects and Compositing (1.5 hours) Applying effects: Adding visual effects to layers and compositions. Compositing techniques: Understanding blending modes and layer styles. Masking and track mattes: Using masks to control the visibility of layers and apply effects. Motion tracking: Applying tracking data to objects in a scene. Session 4: Text and Shape Animation (1 hour) Text animation: Creating and animating text layers with different styles. Shape layers: Introduction to shape layers and their applications. Animating shapes: Using shape layers to create dynamic animations. Session 5: Final Project and Exporting (1 hour) Applying all the learned techniques to create a final motion graphics project. Refining the project and adding finishing touches. Understanding export settings and rendering the final output. By the end of this 5-hour Adobe After Effects Essentials course, participants will achieve the following learning outcomes: Introduction to After Effects: Understand the fundamentals of After Effects, its interface, and workspace. Animation Basics: Master keyframe animation and motion path manipulation for smooth and dynamic animations. Effects and Compositing: Apply visual effects, utilize blending modes, and work with masks and track mattes for creative compositing. Text and Shape Animation: Create and animate text layers with various styles and explore the versatility of shape layers in animations. Final Project and Exporting: Apply all learned techniques to create a final motion graphics project and export the finished output.
Live online course with study materials and certificate of completion included Adobe After Effects is recognised as an essential tool for motion graphics and visual effects. Our introductory Adobe After Effects course is designed for those new to post-production techniques, and would like to get the most from this immensely powerful application. Whether you are a motion graphics designer, a web designer, rich media artist or broadcast video editor, this course covers all the techniques you need to successfully start using, or significantly improve your command over, Adobe After Effects. Description Completing this course will enable you to do the following and more: Become familiar with the After Effects workspace Create animations using keyframes Understand keyframe interpolation and velocity Work with the graph editor to fine tune animations Work with Solid, Text and Null layers Work with masks, mattes and track mattes Create Compositions Incorporate video with Photoshop and Illustrator. Use video layering with transfer and blending modes Use Motion Tracker and 3D Camera Tracker Apply and animate Effects Use Colour Correction / Glows + Curves Use filters for special effects Render your final project For the full course content please download the course information pdf listed above. Who is this course for? This workshop is suitable for anyone who wishes to learn Adobe Afer Effects from scratch or wants to improve their existing knowledge of the program. Requirements Attendees should have basic PC or Mac skills. You will need a broadband internet connection to participate in this live online course. Certificates Certificate of completion Digital certificate - Included
The prevalence of ill health is real. Become an expert practitioner in treating individuals using a truly holistic approach. A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR The great need for practitioners is emphasised today, not only by the prevalence of well-established diseases, but also by the appearance of quite new conditions which are not necessarily regarded as being nutritional illnesses. In fact many students come to Nutritional Therapy after experiencing and their own health problems and seek to help others with similar difficulties. We know that nutrition lies at the very heart of these problems and it is our absolute intention to share that knowledge with you. Every person's nutritional needs differ and our courses teach students to recognise this at the outset - there is no haphazard approach. We are absolutely certain that you will find this a fascinating course as you train to become a practitioner of the highest degree. DR. LAWRENCE PLASKETT Course Duration 3 years Study Hours 3,000 hours Course Content 14 folders Course Fee £1,995 Course Overview The Plaskett Professional Diploma in Nutritional Therapy is the most scientific and advanced practitioner level course that we offer. Nutritional Therapy is a form of therapy that uses food, supplementary nutrients and cleansing procedures to alleviate or prevent chronic health problems and this course will train you to practise as a Nutritional Therapist of the highest degree. You will: Receive a training which is truly holistic in nature Be presented with the unique teachings of Dr. Lawrence Plaskett whose long experience working in the borderlands between nutrition and medicine enables him to offer a synthesis between many fields that are not often brought together: nutrition, pathology, biochemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, naturopathy and homoeopathy Develop the professional skills and specific diagnostic insight to be able to apply nutrition to health effectively, a training for successful practice that should be applicable anywhere in the world Be trained to offer help with a wide range of conditions, the majority of which are not necessarily regarded in conventional medicine as being nutritional illnesses. These encompass an extremely wide range of chronic conditions, including most diseases and a vast array of symptoms - physical, emotional, mental - which can frequently be experienced outside the range of conventional medical diagnostic 'labels'. Develop the necessary expertise in nutrition which is often lacking in other fields of complementary or alternative medicine. Any programme of nutritional supplements and diet needs to be matched exactly to individual needs by a well-trained practitioner BREAKDOWN OF THE COURSE SECTIONS The Nutritional Therapy Diploma includes the following 14 folders: FOLDER 1 THE HOLISTIC MODEL OF HEALTH CARE This Folder starts with a suggested programme of study and some simple hints on how to make best use of your study time. It then teaches an understanding of basic principles that underpin your entire grasp of nutrition as a biological process. The naturopathic emphasis is upon freeing the body tissues of toxins and the damaged cell components that drag them down to the chronic level. The Folder looks closely at the nature of toxins and their sources. It looks at their behaviour and effects when they enter the body, the character and mechanisms of the damage they do and, above all, the mechanisms by which they can be removed and the damage repaired. These are no flights of fancy, as orthodoxy would often have us believe. Rather they are strongly supported by medical science, as the course material will demonstrate. In order to develop a grasp of these processes they have to be visualized as they really happen, on the cellular level. A Side Book is included covering the structure and life of the cell. Areas Covered Study skills Looking after the body The Life Force Stopping the rot and starting to recover Movements of toxins within and around the body Our relationship to medical orthodoxy The nature of natural and unnatural chemical toxins The concept of toxin-free food Organic growing and water purification Free radicals and anti-oxidants Routes of toxin entry and elimination Damage caused by toxins lying in the tissues Detoxification The relationship between toxic burden and toxic damage The energy reserve role of fat The lipoproteins of the blood FOLDER 2 MINERALS AT WORK IN NUTRITION - PART 1 The minerals come forward as the strongest contenders for pride of place among the nutrient classes because they are so critically vulnerable to deficiency and imbalance in today’s western world. “Get the minerals right before anything else” is a penetrating summary of their necessary priority. You will learn how the bulk minerals (those we need in greatest amount) depend upon each other and how the micro minerals cannot fulfil their function correctly without a correct balance of the bulk ones. This Folder takes “first things first” by laying the soundest possible foundation for the study and management of the bulk metals – sodium, potassium, calcium, with magnesium to follow in Folder 5. We believe that few course providers deal as thoroughly with this absolute cornerstone of nutrition as we do. The effects of these mineral balances permeate the entire subject of nutrition. You will look at many aspects of the subject that affect health. Areas Covered Composition of the human body Overview of macro minerals Sources of nutritional minerals Biological concentration of minerals Micro minerals as catalysts Toxic minerals Digestion, absorption and storage Mineral/mineral antagonisms Sodium and potassium balance Symptoms of sodium and potassium excess or deficiency The sodium pump Sodium and potassium in foods Potassium administration in therapy Calcium in the human skeleton and teeth Calcium in body fluids Hormonal control of calcium Osteoporosis and disputes over calcium requirements Calcium in foods Calcium “mishandling” Calcium in supplement Side Book: The Chemistry of Nutrition Whilst it is possible to teach nutrition to some degree without studying the chemical nature of the nutrients, it is much better that you have at least a superficial understanding. Folder Two therefore includes a side book on Chemistry for those who are new to the subject. However, no one expects you to become highly informed on chemical structures. Access to the facts and to an explanation is what is important. This side-book will free you, as a future practitioner, from the need to manipulate the nutrients without understanding them as many others try to do. Elements, compounds and molecules Valency Ions, acids and salts Combining proportions and moles Carbon compounds and functional groups Oxidation and reduction Calculating the vitamin or mineral content of supplements FOLDER 3 THE BULK NUTRIENTS – PROTEIN, CARBOHYDRATE, LIPIDS AND ENERGY These nutrients provide both the fuel and the building materials for the body. Orthodox nutrition teaches these topics very thoroughly. As to the structures of the compounds, we teach the same things they do. However, all three main classes of bulk nutrients have their distinctive “wrinkles” when examined from an alternative viewpoint. With the proteins this has to do with avoiding excesses and, to some degree eschewing animal sources for naturopathic and other reasons. With the carbohydrates it involves recognizing at a sensitive level the long-term harm that can be done by free sugars and the crucial importance of blood sugar maintenance and control. Orthodox treatments may claim to do these things but there is a vast difference of emphasis and effect. Among the lipids the “wrinkles” have to do with intricate management of the balance among the essential fatty acids and the importance of the phospholipids in the diet. You will also learn about the propensity of fats to form toxins and the need to moderate fat intake. All of these so-called alternative “wrinkles” have weighty scientific support, which you will have explained for you. The chemical nature of these bulk nutrients is fully presented for those who wish it, with a “faster track” through for those who do not. Areas covered Different kinds of proteins The amino acids in proteins The structure of proteins Proteins in foods The essential amino acids and protein quality Nitrogen balance and protein metabolism Proteins in therapeutic policy The simple sugars and sugar derivatives Di, tri and polysaccharides Transformations of carbohydrate Sugars and starch in diets Blood sugar control Metabolic energy The make-up of fats Different kinds of fatty acids Essentiality of omega 6 and omega 3 Lipids and coronary thrombosis Cholesterol, Inc. blood cholesterol levels Fats in western diets Toxins from fats by chemical damage Lecithin and other phospholipids Quantifying energy – units of measurement Energy content of foods and fuels Human expenditures of energy Basal metabolic rate FOLDER 4 FOODS AND FOOD CLASSES Properties, Composition and Naturopathic Effects The merits and disadvantages of wheat, milk and meat are carefully analysed and exposed from the standpoint of both scientific and also naturopathic considerations. There will be much here to ponder, whilst the scientific evidence leaves little to doubt. You will look rather exhaustively at the merits, nature and composition of vegetables and fruits, not only as groups but also as sub-groups and down to the individual plants. You will find yourself in a position, when it comes to prescribing, to be directive when necessary about which individual fruits and vegetables it will be best to use. The groups of pulses, nuts, seeds, fish, shellfish and other seafood’s, as well as beverages, will be closely examined for their composition and suitability for prescription in treatment diets. Acidity and alkalinity in foods is carefully examined. This Folder is “all about food” but it is also food for thought from beginning to end. Areas covered The wheat grain and its milled fractions Types of bread Nutritional problems of wheat and wheat allergy Sprouted wheat and wheat grass Barley, oats and rye The composition of milks Milk as infant feed The variety of dairy products Nutritional and health problems associated with milk Milk allergy and intolerance Hidden milk in foods Vegetable mineral content and vitality Eliminatory effect of vegetables Composition of 49 different vegetables Potential hazards of plant foods Composition and nature of pulses, nuts and seeds The composition of different meats Naturopathic negatives associated with meat The composition of different fish types Fish as an omega 3 source Shell fish and crustacea Nutritional problems of tea and coffee The composition of fruits Strongly eliminative properties in fruits Acid and alkali-forming foods Using the food composition tables FOLDER 5 MINERALS AT WORK IN NUTRITION - PART 2 Each and every member of the micro minerals group will prove a fascinating area of study and will face you at times almost with disbelief that such minute amounts of substance can exert such extraordinarily powerful effects upon the way the body works and therefore upon health. Each micro mineral displays its own particular pattern of effects arising from either deficiency or excess. This is almost like a personal signature of the mineral. These will be learnt now but employed later in diagnosis to help determine the likely patterns of micro mineral imbalances in your patients. The role of all-important magnesium is examined together with the principles of using magnesium in therapy. This element plays a key macro mineral role and exerts decisive control over naturopathic elimination. Areas covered Iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, molybdenum, iodine, silicon, fluorine, vanadium For each of the microminerals where appropriate: Body content; physiology functions; effects of deficiency or excess; toxicity; factors promoting retention or loss; occurrence in foods; different chemical forms; associated diseases; the use of the appropriate supplements Roles of magnesium in the body Magnesium in foods Effects, diseases and symptoms of magnesium deficiency Naturopathic expectations from magnesium therapy FOLDER 6 THE VITAMINS AT WORK IN NUTRITION The vitamins are mostly micro catalysts just as the micro minerals are. Sixteen of them are the subjects of this Folder. We first explain their known effects in the body and then go on to set out the ways that they may be used, either for direct therapeutic effect, or in support of other components of nutritional therapy. As in the cases of all the other nutrients, there will be both scientific and naturopathic evidence presented. Good reference material will be provided. Areas covered For each of the vitamins and vitamin-like substances where appropriate: Body content; precursors; physiology functions; effects of deficiency or excess; toxicity; factors promoting retention or loss; occurrence in foods; different chemical forms; associated diseases; the use of the appropriate supplements. Vitamin A; beta-carotene; Vitamins B: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, B12, folic acid, choline, inositol; Vitamin C, Vitamins D1 and D2; tocopherols (Vitamin E); Vitamin K. FOLDER 7 BOWEL FLORA AND THE MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH It is possible to manage and manipulate the bowel flora – the bacteria that inhabit the intestines – so as to produce optimal benefits to health. Antibiotics and certain dietary errors appear to work in the opposite direction and encourage a flora that will generate more toxins. This Folder deals with both scientific and naturopathic facts and technique and explains how to harness the potential that resides here for bringing better health or maintaining health. It is a crucially important area of nutritional management. Every case you will treat will need the possible prescription of bowel flora products to be reviewed. The other part of this Folder is about the maintenance of health. We provide a general round-up of this pre-clinical part of the course with an overview of nutritional requirements and wise practice in the design of those diets that may be intended to be “healthy” but not necessarily therapeutic. It includes examination of the special needs of vulnerable groups. You can expect, of course, to meet patients of all ages and conditions and, often enough, you will be asked merely to provide guidance upon what type of diet will best maintain their health. It also reviews the production of toxin-free food and the hazards posed by the industrialization of food. Finally, there is an approach to the use of supplements for health maintenance and a discussion of strategies for on-going cleansing and toxin avoidance so as to assist in maintaining good health. Areas covered The naturopathic view of the benefits of bowel flora Effect of diet on the bowel flora The putrefactive bacteria Balancing lactose fermenters with other types Toxic amines Benefits of the acid producing species Negatives associated with antibiotics Breast feeding and the bowel bacteria Bowel flora products Overview of the British diet Nutrient requirements for the population Higher requirements for the health conscious Special needs of children and the elderly Special needs of vegetarians and vegans The requirements of pregnancy and lactation Organic growing Industrial food processing and food additives Maintenance supplements Maintenance cleansing FOLDER 8 DIAGNOSIS This Folder is divided into two parts. The first gives a detailed understanding of the basis of diagnosis, while the second gives direct instruction in performing diagnoses. These two parts, taken together, comprise a major step in your induction as a naturopathic nutritionist. The induction into technique and approach is an essential step, but even more than that, the moulding of your thought process is so very important. You have to move into the particular “observer” position, mentally, from which the diagnosis is best carried out. The first part of the Folder both provides the “nuts and bolts” of nutritional diagnosis but it also provides the mental positioning to enable you to carry it out with confidence and expertise. The diagnosis requires understanding of the “constitution”, defined both naturopathically and genetically. An optional side book covers both the miasms and the Chinese 5 elements in respect of their bearing upon diagnosis within nutritional therapy. Fundamental to the practical aspect is the technique for taking case histories and then interpreting them along combined naturopathic and scientific lines. This logically leads onto the next stage – treatment – in a rational sequence. This Folder contains five “demonstration” case histories. FOLDER 9 TREATMENT This is in many ways the crux of the whole course. However, being released into nutritional treatments – with their full power – without having made the most thorough preparation, would be most unwise. Absolutely every topic that has been covered before is required in one way or another at this point. It is here that the interpretation of the case history becomes translated into a prescription of diet and supplements that is honed in a sensitive way to the patient as an individual. We outline a number of “levels” of the diagnosis that feed into the treatment decisions. There is a “whole person” level, a “weak organ” level, a “metabolic imbalances” level, a “nutritional deficiencies” level and, finally, the lowest in the hierarchy, a “named diseases” level. We also introduce here the profound concepts of intensity, direction and level as they apply to the very basis of Nutritional Therapy prescriptions. All these contributions must converge to provide the best overall treatment. The focus at this point is on defining the dietary guidelines and the careful orchestration of the essential minerals and vitamins that are to be used. However, this is also the point at which various named treatments are considered, including bowel cleansing procedures, bowel flora treatment and some of the contributions towards Candida treatment. These options are set out here and then developed more in the later Folders of Part Two. Special approaches such as the liver cleanse are also considered here along with amino acid therapy, antioxidant therapy and the anti-inflammatory prescription. We also provide guidelines on how detailed analysis of the composition of diets, and the design of special diets based on such analysis, can contribute to treatment. This Folder provides the “core” of all this, with various modulations and variations being available from the subsequent Folders for “fine tuning”. FOLDER 10 STUDY OF CASE HISTORIES There is nothing quite like practice where case histories are concerned. To be able to study them with great facility and insight and then discern the routes by which they lead towards exact treatment – that is to be your aim here. The Folder provides the challenge of “interpreting” a number of case histories, with help and with feedback. This is an approach that can lead you towards confidence and competence in this task, which is at the centre of practitioners’ daily work. Approaches and solutions are presented. This Folder gives 11 abridged case histories and 20 fully detailed case histories for analysis by the student, 31 case histories in all. These are selected to provide a variety of different types of treatment situation including some that are special or unusual. FOLDER 11 ADDED OR SPECIAL NUTRIENTS AND HERBS In covering the prescribing of supplement programmes in Folder 9, you will have been focused primarily upon those that rank in orthodox nutrition as “essential nutrients”, particularly minerals and vitamins. However, Nutritional Therapy is enormously enriched by a wide range of other biochemicals that cannot be classified as “essential”. Life does not stop without them, yet they can be extremely helpful, especially to individuals with compromised health. These are more often metabolic intermediates than recognised nutrients, but they can be extraordinarily valuable for organ-directed therapy. Many of these involve up-to-the minute discoveries. We teach about phytonutrients in foods (eg carotenoids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, isothiocyanates, organic sulphides and curcuminoids) and about the possibilities, when necessary, to provide them in supplement form. Herbs are covered too in their special role of support-therapy to Nutritional Therapy, usually in an organ-directed or system-directed role. Echinacea, silymarin, aloe, ginkgo, bromelain and St John’s Wort are just examples of these herbs. We also teach the use of herbal combinations for specific purposes. This wide choice of “extra” items is the subject of specific instruction in this Folder. FOLDER 12 TREATING NAMED MEDICAL CONDITIONS - PART 1 Folder 9 makes it plain that, because this is a holistic discipline, the named medical condition is generally low on the hierarchy of treatment criteria. Although that is generally the case, the extent to which it holds good may depend upon how advanced is the particular disease condition. At all events, the practitioner does need a degree of disease-related training, which is provided in this Folder and the next. Some 180 different medical conditions or classes of conditions, mostly chronic, are addressed. Special space is provided to cover fully selected topics that are of key importance in an alternative medicine practice, such as obesity, alcoholism, allergies and the menopause. We also provide you with specific treatment guidance with the proviso that whole-person treatments and organ-system related treatments either take priority or are provided alongside. Where appropriate some insights are given into the prior allopathic treatments and environmental and social conditions that may cause or exacerbate the listed conditions. This provides for the patient’s circumstances and lifestyle to be adjusted in rather specifically apt directions. The main categories in this Folder are: circulatory, rheumatic and digestive diseases, along with obesity, alcoholism and immunity states including autoimmunity and allergies. All the disease conditions addressed are closely studied from the standpoint of orthodox pathology as well as their Nutritional Therapy treatment. Hence Folders 12 and 13 in their own right amount to a course in the medical science of pathology and this represents a substantial expansion over earlier versions of the course. These Folders will constitute invaluable reference material for use when you have set up in practice. FOLDER 13 TREATING NAMED MEDICAL CONDITIONS - PART 2 This Folder continues the work started in Folder 12. Here included are diseases of the nervous system and brain, skin, reproductive system, urinary system, endocrine system, liver/gallbladder, respiratory system, eye, ear, mouth, nose and bone. Also included are psychological and systemic diseases (including ME), infectious diseases and some directly nutritional diseases. The detailed attention to pathology is maintained throughout. During the course of Folders 10-14 inclusive, students undertake no less than 12 cases on their own, covering full data-collection, analysis and interpretation, with prescription of diet and supplements. Together with the 36 case histories studied in earlier Folders this gives 48 case histories studied FOLDER 14 MONITORING TREATMENT, THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Having got the treatment going, there is a need for specific instruction in the on-going task of monitoring the patient’s condition and reacting accordingly with adjustments to the therapy. Patient and practitioner alike have to be aware that the first prescription is likely to be just the start of a process. Reading the signs of change looms large in this instruction and familiarization. Responding to them is the second part. Here there is a need to understand the terms “intensity” and “direction” in therapy. “Intensity” refers to the degree of healing and naturopathic pressure being applied and “direction” refers to the aims of the particular choice of treatment being applied. You will learn to distinguish between situations that call only for a change of “level” and those that call upon you to rethink and change “direction” when the patient’s progress levels off as this may then initiate a new burst of healing changes. Another way to break out from the “plateau” situation is to assess the exact nutrient composition of the whole diet – an action that is too detailed and time-consuming to do with every patient and usually not needed. A part of the Folder is about drugs, when and when not to encourage their use, and how to manage the drug-dependent patient. You need to acquire at least a passing familiarity with the main classes of prescription drugs, which are explained in this Folder. This Folder also provides information on Laboratory testing procedures that may be recommended to patients. Finally we offer subjects of crucial importance to working practitioners, namely a study of “The Therapeutic Relationship” and “Practice Management – Running The Practice as a Business”. TESTIMONIALS Here's what students have to say about the course Grace Kingswell, Nutritional Therapist UK "I was recommended Plaskett by my own functional medicine practitioner. I knew that if she was recommending it, it would be worthwhile. I wanted a full body overview and not a “match the supplement to the symptom” approach, and that is certainly what the Plaskett Dip;oma in Nutritional Medicine course delivered. I wanted to be qualified to run my own business as a practitioner afterwards, and it is the most complete and highest level course that the Plaskett College offer. My knowledge of naturopathy and nutritional medicine was pretty solid before I started due to personal experience, but I’ve really built on this now and feel confident that I know how to help others. I’ve also learnt a lot more of the biochemistry behind the science too. The study experience was really good, but it’s a lot of self-motivation, and if you don’t have that then it might be touch to finish it, as it’s completely self-driven". Ben C Alberts, Director South African Institute of Behavioural Nutrition South Africa The Plaskett Nutritional Therapy Diploma was one of the most rewarding programmes of my life. Apart from the media hype around healthy living it is only after the completion of a proper programme that one truly start to understand the intricacy of the human body and what healthy living really is. Within the Plaskett programme the combination of nutrition, pure science and a naturopathic view provided me with a completely new perspective on health management. Against a fairly orthodox background it took me some time within the programme to understand the true principles, and once realized fundamentally changed the way I view personal health management. Throughout the programme the support from my tutor was phenomenal with concise and very valued feedback, and certainly at exceptional detail. The course content was of a high standard and must not be underestimated in both volume and complexity. For me personally, the programme delivered immense value and I will recommend it to any of my peers and clients. Diane Brough, Nutritional Therapist Canada When I first started thinking about taking a course in nutrition, I was living in Botswana, in Africa. I was looking for a college that would offer me the support and guidance that is so important for long distance learning. I’m probably one of the college’s longest registered students because my family moved to five different countries during my studies! I am very thankful for the college’s patience and continued support. Plaskett College impressed me with their personal approach to the course and the fact that all modules were composed by Dr. Lawrence Plaskett, a medical research biochemist and the college’s Founder and Principal. I studied the Diploma in Nutritional Medicine because my plan was to have my own practice. I practised at a herbal clinic as a Nutritional Therapist and Iridologist after I completed my diploma, but then decided to study massage therapy, so put my practice aside while at school. I recently established Revitalife Therapeutics and offer massage therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, nutritional therapy and iridology. Vittoria Viglietti, Nutritional Therapist & Founder of Nutriwild Namibia I chose Plaskett College because I really wanted to make a difference where natural medicine was concerned. After losing my father to Cancer, and experiencing malpractice with all the orthodox medicine we followed, this pushed me even more to pursue an in-depth education in nutritional medicine. I chose Plaskett College’s, Nutritional Medicine Course, because I found this to be very informative for anyone interested in perusing a future in the field of Natural medicine and Nutritional Therapy. My studies have been such a memorable journey for me. I started studying just over 2 months, after losing my father. A very difficult time in my life. The course I chose to do with Plaskett would take me 4 years to complete. I am in my 5th year (nearly my 6th year), doing this particular course and I have only experienced encouragement, understanding of my situation and support from the college to continue to complete the course in my time. I could not show more gratitude towards them for this. I did not expect that after losing my father my life would hit lots unforeseen hurdles, causing my study time to suffer greatly. Yet, through all this, Plaskett College only showed me more support and encouragement to persist with my studies.