Taking minutes is a much under-rated skill. It can be challenging at the best of times. So how do you do it for virtual meetings? This trainer-led session will help. It's a very practical programme which explores the issues specific to minuting on-line meetings and gives solutions to some of the trickier problems. Full of useful tips, the session will enable participants to: Identify how to adapt their current minute-taking skills to on-line meetings Plan and prepare for a meeting Follow a line of discussion Work in partnership with a remote Chair Deal confidently with minute-taking challenges. 1 Welcome Programme objectives Personal introductions 2 Adapting minute-taking to virtual meetings How is it different? What changes in approach are needed? 3 Preparation Preparing for the meeting Technology and equipment Dress and personal presentation Liaising with the Chair Practical preparation tips 4 Minuting tips Managing the 'techie' elements, eg. poor sound/visual quality Knowing who is speaking Following a line of discussion What if I don't hear or understand? Tips for producing a set of minutes 5 Session review Summary, key learning points, feedback and close
This is an essential programme for managers or members of staff (or students) who need to be able to read and summarise information on screen faster and more effectively. The session focuses on the different types of reading style and encourages better retention of written material through the use of specific speed-reading techniques. By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain the principles of speed reading Understand the barriers to reading Use different reading styles according to the information being read Read more effectively from tablet and computer screens Co-ordinate eye movements better Minimise any poor reading habits Increase reading speed by over 50%, without losing comprehension Improve retention of information using specific techniques The programme focuses on how to maximise reading from electronic devices by exploring techniques which will reduce eyestrain and improve reading effectiveness. The session also explains different types of reading styles and how to learn new, positive reading habits. 1 An introduction to speed reading The history of speed reading Assumptions about reading The process of reading Schema and its influence on interpretation Eye/brain relationship How our brain processes written information 2 Minimising barriers to reading Understanding eye tics Mouthing The influence of different light sources Body clocks and making use of natural patterns 3 Reading styles Importance of choosing the right reading style Speeds and their influence on retention Reading for pleasure Proof reading Scanning Skimming Reading for retention SQRW principles 4 Reading from electronic devices The challenge of reading from screens Importance of breaks and proper display screen evaluation Calibrating screens and background colours Formatting documents Using eye guides
Empty Spaces, Expressionless Faces. Supporting colleagues in a hybrid workplace In a world where hybrid working is becoming the norm for many people, staying connected with colleagues can feel challenging. The subtle signals we might notice in face-to-face interactions can easily be missed when working remotely. This interactive two-hour workshop explores how we can support one another, strengthen team connections, and spot the signs when someone may be struggling. Designed for anyone in a hybrid workplace, this session empowers participants to recognise the behaviours and communication patterns that might indicate a colleague is finding things difficult, and helps them to respond with empathy and support. Through thought-provoking discussions, engaging activities, and practical strategies, participants will discover new ways to foster genuine connection — both online and face-to-face — to build and sustain a supportive team culture. Workshop outline: Noticing subtle shifts in mood and behaviour within a hybrid team. Exploring practical strategies for checking in without feeling intrusive. Encouraging open conversations in both virtual and physical settings. Creating a team culture that prioritises compassion and connection. This is not a lecture — it’s an engaging, interactive experience designed to leave participants feeling more confident in their ability to spot when a colleague might need support and better equipped to take meaningful action. Join us for this impactful session and discover how small moments of connection can inspire a more supportive, resilient hybrid workplace. 2-hour workshop packages At Mindmaps Wellbeing, we know that every business is unique, and no team is the same. That’s why we’ve developed our range of short, specialist wellbeing and mental health themed workshops—a fully flexible approach to workplace training. With our selection of engaging and impactful 2-hour workshops, you can build a programme that truly meets your organisation’s needs. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, challenge stigma, or avoid burnout, you choose the sessions that suit your team best. Our training courses and workshop collection Book multiple workshops on the same day to save Why Mindmaps Wellbeing? Mindmaps Wellbeing is the trusted training provider for businesses looking to enhance workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. Our training is designed and delivered by registered Mental Health Nurses, ensuring credibility, expertise, and real-world application. Focus on culture change – Our training goes beyond theory transfer, aiming to embed lasting behavioural shifts that foster a positive, mentally healthy workplace Flexible delivery options – We offer in-person, online, and hybrid training solutions to fit your organisation’s needs Proven impact and measurable results – Our training leads to improved employee engagement, productivity, and retention Engaging and actionable – All our courses include interactive activities, case studies, and real-world applications for immediate impact Contact us for more information.
Grief unscripted Grief Unscripted; Rebuilding after loss 2-Hour Workshop Grief isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience – it’s messy, unpredictable, and completely unique to each of us. That’s why we call it Grief Unscripted – because, just like life, there’s no script, no right way to grieve, and no timeline to follow. Whether it’s loss, change, or the unexpected twists life throws at us, this workshop provides practical strategies and holistic psychology to help us understand grief and mourning. We’ll dig deep into this messy, poignant and personal journey that affects us all, while breaking down the stigma and opening-up honest conversations. Grief deserves to be seen, heard, and supported – just like any part of the human experience. We’re breaking down the stigma around this natural, yet individual, human response. Workshop outline: Workshop outline: Understand grief as a deeply individual, yet universally shared human experience. Recognise the different forms grief can take, including anticipatory, disenfranchised, and cumulative grief Explore the influences of culture, tradition, and personal beliefs on coping and stigma Challenge misconceptions about grief and mourning, and learn to support yourself and others compassionately. Develop confidence in holding open, stigma-breaking conversations around grief and loss. Join us for Grief Unscripted – because to grieve is to be human. Let’s talk about it with compassion and courage. 2-hour workshop packages Build your own training package At Mindmaps Wellbeing, we know that every business is unique, and no team is the same. That’s why we’ve developed our range of short, specialist wellbeing and mental health themed workshops (combine workshops creating 2,4 or 6-hour sessions)—a fully flexible approach to workplace wellbeing training. Because all of our workshops are short and impactful, you can build a package that truly meets your organisation’s needs. Perhaps you’re looking to manage stress, challenge stigma, or avoid burnout? Maybe your team would benefit from some training on self-care, starting difficult conversations or coping with remote working? Or You choose the sessions that suit your team best. Why Mindmaps Wellbeing? Mindmaps Wellbeing is the trusted training provider for businesses looking to enhance workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. Our training is designed and delivered by registered Mental Health Nurses, ensuring credibility, expertise, and real-world application. Focus on culture change – Our training goes beyond theory transfer, aiming to embed lasting behavioural shifts that foster a positive, mentally healthy workplace Flexible delivery options – We offer in-person, online, and hybrid training solutions to fit your organisation’s needs Proven impact and measurable results – Our training leads to improved employee engagement, productivity, and retention Engaging and actionable – All our courses include interactive activities, case studies, and real-world applications for immediate impact Contact us for more information.
This one-day workshop is designed to give you an awareness of the fundamentals of Microsoft Excel and, in particular, to give you the confidence needed to efficiently create, edit and manage spreadsheets. This course will help participants: Create tables Use functions Manage rows and columns Write formulas Manage sheets Use content formats Handle larger tables Create reports and charts 1 Creating a table Creating an Excel table from scratch Wrapping text in cells Speeding up data entry using AutoFill Sorting columns 2 Inserting function Inserting function calculators Using AutoSum to sum numbers Statistical calculations AVERAGE, MAX and MIN 3 Table rows and columns Inserting and deleting rows and columns Adjusting multiple column widths and row heights Hiding and unhiding rows and columns 4 Formula writing The basics of formula writing Understanding mathematical symbols Using multiple mathematical symbols in a formula When to use brackets Troubleshooting calculation errors 5 Managing sheets Inserting, renaming, moving and deleting sheets Copying a worksheet to another file Copying a table to another sheet 6 Managing content formats Applying data formats Managing number formats Controlling formats with the Format Painter 7 Managing larger tables Applying freeze panes to lock tables when scrolling Sorting on multiple columns Using filters to extract table information 8 Creating and modifying charts Creating a pie chart Creating a column chart Inserting chart titles and data labels Controlling chart formatting Changing chart types 9 Printing Previewing and printing tables and charts Modifying page orientation Adjusting print margins Printing a selection 10 Calculating with absolute reference The difference between a relative and absolute formula Changing a relative formula to an absolute Using $ signs to lock cells when copying formulas 11 Pivot tables Create a pivot table report Insert a pivot chart into a report
Most people only use a fraction of Excel's capabilities. This workshop shows what you've been missing! This course will help participants: Nest formulas Get the most from pivot tables Use conditional formatting Write array formulas Explore the lookup functions Calculate by criteria Use 'goal seek' and 'scenario manager' for what-if analysis Record macros 1 Nesting formulas Principles of nesting formulas together Using IF with AND or OR to answer questions Nesting an AND function in an IF Nesting an OR function in an IF 2 Advanced pivot table reports Grouping dates, numerical and text items Running percentage analyse Running analyses to compare data Inserting Field calculations Finishing off with a user-friendly dashboard 3 Advanced conditional formatting Colour table rows based on criteria in it Applying colour to approaching dates Exploring the different rule types 4 Lookup functions Going beyond the VLOOKUP function Lookups that retrieve data from left or right The versatile INDEX and MATCH functions Retrieving data from columns with duplicates 5 Calculate by criteria Using SUMIFS to sum by criteria Finding an average by criteria with AVERAGEIFS Use SUMPRODUCT to multiply then add different values 6 What-if analysis Use Goal Seek to meet targets Forecast reports with the Scenario Manager 7 Recording Macros Macro security Understanding a Relative References macro Recording, running and editing macros Saving files as Macro Enabled Workbooks Introduction to VBA code Making macros available across workbooks Add a macro button to the Quick Access toolbar
This one-day course focuses on issues such as writing formulas and accessing help while writing them, and taking formulas to the next level by nesting one inside another for a powerful formula result. It also looks at ways of analysing data with reports, summarised by varying criteria. A range of time-saving tips and tricks are shared. This course will help participants: Calculate with absolute reference Group worksheets Link to tables Use the function library effectively Get to grips with the logical IF function Use conditional formatting Create pivot table reports Use data validation Master the VLOOKUP function 1 Calculating with absolute reference The difference between a relative and absolute formula Changing a relative formula to an absolute Using $ signs to lock cells when copying formulas 2 Grouping worksheets Grouping sheets together Inputting data into multiple sheets Writing a 3D formula to sum tables across sheets 3 Linking to tables Linking to a source table Using paste link to link a table to another file Using edit links to manage linked tables 4 The function library Benefits of writing formulas in the function library Finding the right formula using insert function Outputting statistics with COUNTA and COUNTBLANK Counting criteria in a list with COUNTIFS 5 Logical IF Function Outputting results from tests Running multiple tests for multiple results The concept of outputting results from numbers 6 Conditional formatting Enabling text and numbers to standout Applying colour to data using rules Managing rules Copying rules with the format painter 7 View side by side Comparing two Excel tables together Comparing two sheets together in the same file 8 Pivot table reports Analysing data with pivot tables Managing a pivot table's layout Outputting statistical reports Controlling number formats Visualising reports with pivot charts Inserting slicers for filtering data 9 Data validation Restricting data input with data validation Speeding up data entry with data validation 10 VLOOKUP function Best practices for writing a VLOOKUP A false type lookup A true type lookup Enhance formula results with IFNA 11 Print options Getting the most from print Printing page titles across pages Scaling content for print
This one-day workshop is ideal for those looking to work with existing databases as well as creating a new Access database. You will learn effective ways to enter and extract data and convert data into a well-presented format for reports. This course will help participants: Plan and create a database Sort and filter records Use field data types Work with tables Create and manage a query Create and work with forms, and use the form wizard View, create and print reports 1 Access introduced Planning a database Creating a blank database Opening an existing database Security warnings The navigation pane Previewing database components Closing an Access database 2 Tables introduced Viewing and navigating table data Navigating using keyboard shortcuts Editing table data Adding records to tables Selecting and deleting records Finding and replacing data Filtering tables Summing table data 3 Queries introduced Opening a query in datasheet view Opening a query in design view Adding fields to a query Sorting query results Modifying datasheet view Saving and closing queries 4 Forms introduced Working with form data Sorting records Filtering records Working in design and layout views Changing object attributes 5 Reports introduced Opening and viewing reports Viewing a report in design view Previewing and printing report data Creating reports with auto report Creating reports with the report wizard Changing field attributes 6 Creating a new database Creating database tables Creating table fields Selecting field data types 7 Table relationships Introducing relationships Establishing table relationships The one-to-many relationship type Establishing referential integrity 8 Creating queries Streamline query criteria using wildcards Creating summary queries Creating queries based on criteria Running date queries Formatting field properties Building queries from multiple tables Summing in queries 9 Creating forms Creating a new form Inserting form fields Working with the property sheet The command button wizard The command button wizard Programming without typing Creating forms with embedded sub forms Creating forms with the sub form wizard Creating forms with the form wizard 10 Creating reports What are report bands? Managing report controls Basing reports on multiple tables Basing reports on queries Sorting and grouping records
This one-day workshop focuses on building a professional presentation from scratch, giving you essential hints and tips on how to utilise the key features of PowerPoint, including speaker notes, inserting charts, diagrams and pictures, and utilising slide transitions and animation. You will also learn about PowerPoint templates and themes to ensure your presentations have the best impact. This course will help participants: Using Slide Master Create a presentation using a template Insert slides and change the layout Manage slides and control formats Enhance slides using animation, pictures, charts and graphics Work with tables, rows, cells and columns Create and control paragraph lists Insert titles and labels Effectively use slide show controls and presenter view Print slides, handouts and notes 1 Introduction to PowerPoint Navigating the features Creating a simple presentation Inserting new slides and changing layouts Creating speaker notes 2 Using Layouts in Slide Master Editing templates in slide master Adding a design theme Adding transitions, pictures and logos Using Slide Show View 3 Drawing shapes and SmartArt Using Drawing Tool Formats Creating shapes Aligning shapes and stacking order Creating a cycle graphic Creating an organisation chart 4 Animation Visually enhancing slides with animation Using text and object animation Adding animation to lists Making animation work for you 5 Presenting Confidently running a presentation Using presenter view Using the slide show controls