Courses in Birmingham

Explore the intricate world of International Relations and Diplomacy with our comprehensive course. Gain practical insights into diplomatic practices, strategic approaches, and global issues, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of contemporary international affairs. From theories and legal frameworks to regional dynamics and emerging trends, this course is your key to understanding, contributing to, and shaping the future of global relations.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has full accreditation from OfQual as a Level 2 Vocational Qualification. Through a combination of tasting and theory you will explore the factors that impact the style and quality of wine and learn how to describe wines with confidence. Course Schedule: The 8 x 2-hour online sessions on -  What the course covers Wine tasting: You will learn how to taste and describe wines using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) Food and wine pairing: You will learn the principles of food and wine pairing Wine service and storage: You will learn the correct way to store and serve wine and how to recognise common faults found in wine Labelling: You will learn how to decode and understand wine labels Factors influencing the style of wine: You will explore how environmental factors, grape-growing, vineyard and maturation options influence the style and quality of the wines made all over the world Grape varieties: You'll learn about the styles of wines produced by the key international red and white grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah/Shiraz) as well as the styles of wines made with 22 regionally important grape varieties grown in 70 wine regions (GI's) around the world Sparkling and Fortified wines: You will be taught how grape varieties and winemaking processes influence the style of wines in these two key wine categories. No prior wine knowledge is required however the course builds upon the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines course. It is not essential to complete Level 1 to join the Level 2 course but if you are a complete begineer you may wish to consider this option. We recommend you read the course specification document HERE for full details of the content, structure and assesment criteria. Any questions please get in touch. Course delivery The Level 2 Award in Wines online course covers the same syllabus as the classroom course and is delivered in LIVE interactive online lessons by one of our certified wine educators This course includes 16 hours online tuition in 8 x 2hr sessions and we recommend a minimum of 12 hours additional study Your tutor will give you a guided tasting of 12 wines on this course (for details of how to order the wines see below) You will receive access to practice multiple-choice revision questions specific to this course - FREE OF CHARGE Please note a reliable broadband connection is essential for the completion of this online course as are basic computer skills. Examination To obtain the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Qualification, you will need to successfully pass the exam. The exam is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour. A mark of 55% is required to pass the exam. The exam is taken online via a Remote Invigilation service giving you the flexibility to take the exam at a time and date of your choice. More details will be sent upon registration. Please ensure you read the information HERE if you wish to take the exam online.  Whats included All WSET course materials posted to you at no extra charge including: Looking Behind the Label course manual, Study Guide, specification and SAT Tasting Card LIVE virtual interactive sessions taught by a Local Wine School WSET Certified Tutor Exclusive access to practice multiple choice questions provided FREE OF CHARGE WSET exam fee Remote Invigilation service Internationally recognised WSET qualification, certificate and pin for those who pass the exam VAT at 20% (VAT receipt can be provided on request) Course Wines It is recommended that at least 12 wines are tasted as part of this course, although this is optional and the cost of wines is not included in the course fee above. Our wine experts have specially selected wines for this course designed to demonstrate specific learning outcomes. We have negotiated a discounted price only available to our online students. Details of how to order your case of wines will be provided when you book your place. The cost is approx £150 including VAT and delivery.  Wine preservation advice is give so that after each tasting exercise you can reseal and return to the wines over the coming days. Special Educational Needs Please make the school aware if you have a condition which may mean that you will qualify for additional help during the exam such as dyslexia. Important dates Registration deadline: please book at least 5 days before the start of the course, to allow time to send materials and order the tasting wines.

Has the Computer System Validation Engineer left and you’ve been handed their responsibilities? Do the thoughts of your next audit fill you with dread? CSV can be frustrating but this program will show you how to manage electronic data in a regulated manufacturing/laboratory/clinical environment using the GAMP framework and ensure compliance with FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11 or other regulatory guidelines.

About this Training Course Reservoir engineering methods, data and models are used in the E&P business to describe and optimise hydrocarbon recovery. This 5 full-day course addresses reservoir engineering concepts and methods to enable cross-disciplinary team work and the smooth exchange of ideas and experience. In this course, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of reservoir engineering and a broad range of modern reservoir engineering principles and practices for reservoir development and production, including the estimation of oil and gas reserves. The topics covered in this course will be illustrated with practical and actual field cases. Some self-study or reading will be required from participants. Training Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Describe use of permeability and fluid saturation in reservoir engineering. Explain the assessment of hydrocarbon resources and recoverable reserves estimation. Understand analysis and modelling of fluid behaviour. Explain oil and gas reservoir performance. Describe material balance methods in oil and gas reservoirs. Understand design and analysis of well tests. Understand analysis and production of producing wells and forecasting methods. Describe fluid displacement at the pore and reservoir scale. Explain reservoir simulation approaches. Describe tools for handling the uncertainty in reservoir analysis. Describe various recovery methods from primary to enhanced recovery. Target Audience This course is intended for professionals with prior technical or engineering exposure to exploration and production activities. Targeted participants include geoscientists, production engineers, petrophysicists and petroleum engineers involved with exploration and development of oil & gas reservoirs. The course will also benefit petroleum engineering team leaders as well as IT staff and support staff who work with reservoir engineering, development and production departments. Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader is an independent Reservoir Engineering Consultant, providing project consultancy and reservoir engineering training for global customers. He retired from Shell in 2012 and during the last years of his Shell career, he held the Senior Reserves Consultant for the Middle East and Reservoir Engineering Discipline Lead positions. He is a seasoned Petroleum Engineering professional, with global experience in Shell companies and joint ventures (NAM, SSB, SCL, PDO, SKDBV). His technical expertise is in reserves and resource management, reservoir engineering quality assurance, and staff development as well as carbonate reservoirs, modelling and reservoir simulation.  PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2012 to date Independent Reservoir Engineering Consultant Petroleum and reservoir engineering advice, training and services. Reservoir engineering training for major oil companies, engineering firms and other global customers. Assurance of SPE and SEC reserves compliance. Participation in SPE reserves and resources estimation Advanced Technology Workshops both as an organising committee member and as session speaker.   2008 - 2012 Shell International E&P, the Hague, the Netherlands Senior Reserves Consultant for Shell business units and joint ventures in the Middle East Region Assurance of SEC and SPE compliance of reserves and resources. Industry publications and conference contributions a.o. SPE guidelines on probabilistic reserves estimation.   2006 - 2008 Shell E&P Technology Solutions, Rijswijk, the Netherlands Reservoir Engineering Discipline Lead Responsible for Reservoir Engineering in global projects and for staff planning and development (over 60 international Reservoir Engineers).   2001 - 2005 Centre for Carbonate Studies, SQU, Oman / Shell International E&P Applications and Research / Shell Representative Office Oman   Petroleum Engineering Manager PE Manager in the Carbonate Research Centre, a joint venture between Sultan Qaboos University in Oman and Shell International. Industrial research projects and teaching on recovery aspects of carbonate reservoir development.   1997 - 2000 Shell International E&P, Rijswijk, the Netherlands Principal Reservoir Engineer Coordination of the NOV subsurface team in Shell Kazakhstan Development BV in 2000. Leading role in Shell Gamechanger project on natural gas hydrates. Acting Shell Group Reserves Co-ordinator in 1997-1998. Facilitation of workshops with government shareholders, including discussions on sensitive reserves issues (BSP Petroleum Unit Brunei, PDO Oman, SPDC government Nigeria).   1992 - 1996 Shell Training Centre, Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands Reservoir Engineering Programme Training Director Advanced PE training events, QA/QC, design and delivery of courses to Shell staff.   1985 - 1992 Shell International, SIPM, the Hague, The Netherlands Senior Reservoir Engineer Reservoir simulation, integrated reservoir modelling and gas field development and major contributor to the Shell internal Gas Field Planning Tool development. Full field reservoir simulation projects supporting Field Development Plans, operational strategies and unitisation negotiations for Shell Group Operating Companies in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Egypt.   1984 - 1985 Geological Survey of the Netherlands, Ministry of Economic Affairs Reservoir Engineering Section Head Responsible for Petroleum Engineering advice on oil and gas licences to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. First-hand experience with a government view on resource management.   1976 - 1984 NAM, Assen, The Netherlands and SSB/SSPC, Miri, Malaysia Wellsite Operations Engineer / Operational Reservoir Engineer 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

About this Training Course This five-day training course will cover aspects of FPSO operations with an emphasis on management of safety. A background of the methodology used to generate the various safety plans and codes used in the operational safety case will be covered. The course will also review general operational guidelines in the offshore environment to ensure that the operations are completed as designed. This will include offtake operations and maintenance processes for the plant and vessel as well as a session on subsea. Training Objectives To enable participants to obtain an in-depth understanding of FPSO operations, safety and maintenance: Provide a broad overview of how an FPSO operation is set up and established in the field Grasp the various methods used to moor the production units Analyse information and methods required to establish the operation according to local and international regulations. Assess the methods used to calculate the safety parameters and requirements to construct an approved valid safety case Explore conditions to monitor during operations with regards to safety and structure Inspect various types of hazards associated with production and produced materials Review regular and emergency operational maintenance requirements Examine cyclones and weather events causing disconnection Comprehend manning, training requirements and operations including cargo Case studies and Exercises: The training course uses real life examples and case studies to explain the setup, preparation, implementation and operational activities required to successfully complete FPSO operations from a safety and maintenance perspective. This will allow the application of participants' newly-acquired knowledge. Case studies also stimulate independent thinking and discussion among the participants. Case Studies The case studies proposed for this course will include: A group exercise to consider what is the minimum requirement for the production of a safety case Generic plan for the development of a maintenance management system using computer software systems (e.g. Amos) Construction of a UWILD plan to include scope and potential tendering requirements Quizzes The various quizzes can be expanded or arranged to suit the group/interests and topics covered but will generally include the following topics: Mooring types and location where they are primarily used Safety cases Safety management systems Process hazards and mitigation UWILD components and regulations Operations management Offtake operations Target Audience The course is generally aimed at personnel who are involved in FPSO operations as either offshore crew or onshore support team members. This course will also greatly benefit the following groups but not limited to: Process engineers Surveyors Facility engineers Naval architects Operations engineer Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) specialists and managers Maintenance engineers Course Level Intermediate Training Methods The training course is presented in an interactive workshop format that allows for discussion. The course will be delivered through analysis of case studies and running examples of problems. Course Duration: 5 days in total (35 hours) The training instructor relies on a highly interactive training method to enhance the learning process. This method ensures that all participants gain a complete understanding of all the topics covered. The training comprises of information supplemented by visual activities including photographs from various operations and videos of operational and safety activities. Interaction verbally will be necessary to achieve the best learning outcome from the materials. Course timings and breaks  0830 - Registration 0900 - Start of training 1030 - Morning break 1045 - Training recommences 1230 - Lunch break 1330 - Training recommences 1515 - Afternoon break 1530 - Training recommences 1700 - End of training Trainer Your expert course leader has been involved in the Oil and Gas industry for over 28 years in several different roles commencing as a second deck officer on FPSO's and moving through the industry from deck officer to Master, OIM and Field Superintendent. He has also been in charge of semisubmersible and fixed production platforms as field superintendent before moving ashore into senior management roles. On completion of industry specific activities, he moved to teaching roles at South Tyneside Maritime College in the department of marine and simulation and presented live courses to maritime students from cadet to Master.  Prior to returning to Perth in March 2019, he was training manager for a subsidiary of Gaz Transport and Technigaz of France. He has a Master Class 1 certificate with endorsements for hazardous cargoes and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration as well as multiple course certificates required to operate FPSO's, platforms and semisubmersible facilities. He has been involved in the preparation of national standards for Safety Cases (Australia); Designing and structural setup of competency-based training systems in South East Asia. He was also involved in the development of minimum standards, competency profiles position based and preparation and implementation of training plans to ensure competency in the local staff in Asian operations. He was part of the development team for minimum standards of offshore safety in Australian offshore operations including the implementation of the Common Safety Training Program (CSTP). He was also involved in implementing training plans for both simulator and classroom based courses in LNG operations and cargo tank design and construction. Highlighted work experience: Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd Petronas Carigali Newfield Australia (Cartier) Pty Ltd: FPSO Jabiru Venture FPSO Challis Venture Onshore OIM Australian FPSO Management Pty. Ltd. 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

About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT)  The Advanced Reservoir Engineering VILT course will address modern practical aspects of reservoir engineering during 5 half-days packed with lectures, virtual exercises, discussions and literature reviews. The participants' understanding of fundamental concepts and modern practical reservoir engineering methods will be deepened and a wide range of topics will be addressed. Topics covered The VILT course will emphasise reservoir engineering applications and include topics such as: Rock properties of clastic and carbonate reservoirs Reservoir characterisation Reservoir fluid behaviour Identification of main production mechanisms Design and analysis of well tests Production forecasting Application of Decline Curve Analysis in mature fields Detailed modeling of wells and reservoirs Water flooding Application of EOR methods Reserves and resource estimation Reservoir simulation approaches, model construction and well, aquifer and fluid modelling Development planning Uncertainty handling and scenario methods Depending on the background and requirements of the participants, some topics may be given more emphasis.   Training Objectives In this VILT course, reservoir engineering methods will be addressed which are of use in the daily reservoir engineering practice. The focus will be on practical applicability. Use is made of practical and actual reservoir engineering problems and examples to illustrate relevant subjects. By attending this VILT course, participants will have a deeper knowledge of modern reservoir engineering practices for reservoir development and production, including the construction and use of reservoir models. Target Audience The VILT course is intended for experienced reservoir engineers with prior technical or engineering exposure to production activities. Petroleum engineers and geoscientists who require more than general knowledge of reservoir engineering will also find this course useful. Participants are invited but not obliged to bring a short presentation (max of 15 minutes) on a practical problem they encountered in their work. This will then be explained and discussed in the VILT class. A short test or quiz will be held at the end the VILT course. Training Methods This VILT course will be delivered online over 5 half-days. There will be 2 blocks of two hours per day, including lectures, discussion, quizzes and short classroom exercises. Additionally, some self-study will be required. Two breaks of 10 minutes will be provided each day. Course Duration: 5 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (20 hours in total). Trainer Your course leader is an independent Reservoir Engineering Consultant. He provides project consultancy, quality assurance and reservoir engineering training for major oil companies, governments, engineering firms and other global customers. Before he retired from Shell in 2012, he held positions as Senior Reserves Consultant for the Middle East and Reservoir Engineering Discipline Lead. He is a petroleum engineering professional, with global experience, mostly in Shell companies and joint ventures (NAM, SSB, SCL, PDO, SKDBV). He has been involved in reserves and resource management, has extensive reservoir modelling and reservoir simulation expertise, and wide experience in the design and delivery of training programmes for employee development. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2012 - 2016 Independent Reservoir Engineering Consultant Project consultancy, quality assurance and reservoir engineering training for major oil companies, governments, engineering firms and other global customers. Delivering specialised and general Reservoir Engineering courses to a multitude of international companies. 2008 - 2012 Shell International E&P, the Hague, the Netherlands Senior Reserves Consultant for the Middle East Region Assurance of SEC and SPE compliance of reserves and resources in Shell Middle East region. Contributor to the 2012 SPE guidelines on reserves and resources assessment. 2006 - 2008 Shell E&P Technology Solutions, Rijswijk, the Netherlands Reservoir Engineering Discipline Lead Responsible for QA/QC of Reservoir Engineering in global E&P projects as well as for staff development. (over 60 international Reservoir Engineers) 2001 - 2005 Centre for Carbonate Studies, SQU, Oman / Shell International E&P Technology Applications and Research /Shell Representative Office Oman Petroleum Engineering Manager PE manager in the Carbonate Research centre, at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. Industrial research projects and support to teaching on recovery aspects of carbonate reservoir development. Design and delivery of industrial courses on carbonate reservoirs 1997- 2000 Shell International E&P, Rijswijk, the Netherlands Principal Reservoir engineer. Acting Shell Group Reserves Co-ordinator in 1997-1998. Facilitation of workshops with government shareholders, including discussions on sensitive reserves issues (BSP Petroleum Unit Brunei, PDO Oman, SPDC government Nigeria). Co-ordination of the NOV subsurface team in Shell Kazakhstan Development BV in 2000. Leading role in Shell Gamechanger project on natural gas hydrates. 1992- 1996 Shell Training Centre, Noordwijkerhout, the Netherlands Reservoir Engineering Programme Training Director Directed Shell Group Reservoir Engineering Training. Introduced advanced PE training events, QA/QC and learning transfer measures, Design and delivery of reservoir engineering and multidiscipline courses to Shell staff from a wide range of nationalities. 1985- 1992 Shell International, SIPM, the Hague, The Netherlands Senior Reservoir Engineer Full field reservoir simulation projects supporting Field Development Plans, operational strategies and unitisation negotiations for Shell Group Operating Companies in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Egypt. Major contributor to the Shell internal Gas Field Planning Tool development. 1984- 1985 Geological Survey of the Netherlands (RGD), Ministry of Economic Affairs Reservoir Engineering Section Head Responsible for Petroleum Engineering advice on oil and gas licences to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. First-hand experience with a government view on resource management. 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 about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations

This is a workshop focused on getting the welcome right for children who are starting for the first time at a new school when we know the welcome will be difficult. Perhaps they have been excluded from elsewhere, they are new to this culture, they have complex needs or they are just very different or highly anxious? Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Now available as an online course Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day or half day workshop or twilight session for front line practitioners working with children and young people that will find starting at a new school or setting difficult.  Drawing from international research and literature, reports from inclusive schools and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like.  We explore: Creating a welcoming team or ‘committee’ of young people Training the team in effective ‘welcoming’ and supporting Building a support circle around a new child and running this circle effectively Auditing what makes for a successful welcome of any new child at the school Facilitating the involvement of young people in successful welcoming activities and preparation Links between this work and building ‘circles of friends’ and peer mediator training Testimonials Belonging and feelings are so important Definitely made me reflect a lot on the go-to behaviour management techniques we use! Excellent! Never thought of it like this before Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for newcomer children in mainstream schools The challenge of a good ‘welcome’ fully understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on settling an individual’s social and behavioural needs on joining a new setting Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on involving children and young people in effectively welcoming and including new students New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion and relationships in school fulfilling and restorative Who Is It For? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : What does it take for a child to: Feel safe and secure as they transition into a new school or setting?Feel supported by their new peer group?Understand how a new setting or school operates and to feel confident there?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?How can we best enlist the involvement of children and young people in the early work of inclusion with a new member of the school or setting? This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults building relationships with individual pupils. This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created. If you liked this course you may well like: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS

This is a practical ‘non medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people with serious attachment issues arising from loss, trauma and abuse. We look at what Psychology may help us in our understanding of children who have faced issues with love and attachment. Splitting, handling projected feelings, constancy and permanence are explored. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Understanding Attachment Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Teaching and Learning Description This is a practical ‘non medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people with serious attachment issues arising from loss, trauma and abuse. Drawing from the international research and literature and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like. We explore the language of attachment and outline very practical classroom strategies. We look at what Psychology may help us in our understanding of children who have faced issues with love and attachment. We explore the feelings of being on a desolate island of relational poverty or to imagine swimming with sharks. We explore the themes of violence, anxiety and experience of being a victim as young people grow older. We look at telling lies and explore how we can respectfully understand this. We reveal the new and innovative compass of vulnerability – the cognitive errors to which some are much more vulnerable. We look at triggers, self regulation and unpack a range of strategies.  Transference and counter transference are examined along with splitting, handling projected feelings, constancy and permanence. We explore what young people with these difficulties really need from us. We also spend time looking at the emotional impact on practitioners working with children with such needs and what helps at an personal and team level. We can all do something – we do not have to wait for expert therapists to arrive!  Testimonials Very moving presentation I will always try and think behind the behaviour now It had a huge impact on all levels We all seem to need it Belonging and feelings are so important Very user friendly Excellent! Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for children with serious attachment needs in mainstream schools Simple understandable explanation of attachment understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on social and behavioural needs Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards parents and pupils with complex emotional needs New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For ? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : How can we start to develop an understanding of children with attachment needs? What is the true impact of loss, trauma and abuse? What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs? What useful psychological constructs can we use to guide us? This course also explores practical strategies and language for key adults rebuilding relationships with individual pupils. This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created.

LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first three chapters (or 5,000 words whichever is longest) of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Wednesday 15th January 2025

This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people who have experienced serious trauma in their life. We work to strengthen understanding of children who have faced issues of trauma emerging from abuse, violence, loss and family breakdown. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Impact of Trauma Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Teaching and Learning Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day for front line practitioners working with children and young people with serious issues arising from trauma. Drawing from the international research and literature and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like. We explore the language and key concepts of trauma and outline very practical classroom strategies. We look at what Psychology may help us in our understanding of children who have faced trauma. We explore the themes of: Hyperarousal Intrusive thoughts Constricted lives We look at triggers, self-regulation and unpack a range of strategies.  We explore what young people with these difficulties really need from us. We also spend time looking at the emotional impact on practitioners working with children with such needs and what helps at a personal and team level. We can all do something – we do not have to wait for expert therapists to arrive!  Testimonials I had no idea… It had a huge impact Belonging and feelings are so important Excellent! Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for traumatised children in mainstream schools Simple understandable explanation trauma understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on social and behavioural needs Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards parents and pupils with complex emotional needs New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion successful Who Is It For? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions:What does it take for a child to:Feel safe and secureMourn the past traumaReconnect with ordinary relationships with children and adults?How can we start to develop an understanding of traumatised children?What is the true impact of trauma?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?What useful psychological constructs can we use to guide us?This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults rebuilding relationships with individual pupils.This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created.If you liked this course you may well like:FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS