This is an incredibly practical programme which has been developed to enable participants to improve their memory skills. The session focuses on specific techniques that can be used to improve retention of information. It also introduces the principles of mind-mapping By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain how our brain processes and stores information Describe the difference between short-term and long-term memory Use specific techniques to improve retention Explain the principles of mind mapping Be able to use mind maps to plan and order information Each participant, no matter how poor they believe their memory to be, will by the close of the session have learnt techniques that enable them to memorise 53 items in a prescriptive order - a massive boost to their confidence in their memory skills. 1 An introduction to the brain's functions Introductory brain-training How the brain works Left / right brain function Short-term and long-term memory Barriers to a good memory 2 Memory techniques Tips and techniques for improving memory Basic word association Chaining and linking Touchstone techniques Use of mnemonics Memory hooks Remembering names 3 Maximising memory Minimising barriers The importance of sleep and diet Supplements which may affect memory 4 Mind-mapping Purpose and principles Creating a mind map Use of colour to delight the eye and tickle the brain How to use the output from a map
This workshop is very practical in its nature and aims to give delegates an opportunity to not only learn about the key aspects of successful bid writing, but to also put them into practice. The workshop helps delegates understand what is most important to buyers and how to successfully convey they proposition to them. 1 Welcome and introductions 2 The mindset of successful bid writing The mindset needed for successful bid writing Thinking from the buyer's perspective and not your own 3 Decision making The way buyers make decisions - rational and emotional Understanding buying motives Looking at how to present ideas against those motives The idea of cognitive fluency How to pitch an idea in a way that leads to a positive decision 4 To bid or not to bid? Writing a bid is a big commitment; a clear understanding of the chances of winning is required Understanding of the implications of winning and the impact it will have on the organisation 5 Understanding your value proposition Framework to help identify unique proposition and how that fits in with the requirements of the bid 6 The tender process Understanding the process to enable a successful chance of winning the bid Different types of tender processes Evaluation of criteria and the impact on bid writing 7 Writing skills Different ways of writing and structuring bids to ensure their messages gets across well in a way that will be looked on favourably by the buyer 8 Summarise 9 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
This training day will help managers explore what they need to do to create a motivating environment at work and learn some theory, tools and ideas to inspire motivation at individual and team level. Motivation is a key factor in effective people management and successful team performance. It involves engaging and inspiring your people and developing them in such ways as to improve their effectiveness and thus have a greater benefit to customers. It can also involve having tough conversations with those who do not seem to be motivated. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: Identify key motivating factors at work and learn and create ideas to better engage staff Learn a conversation tool to use for challenging discussions Explain their role in motivating staff and understand a range of techniques and approaches to use in the workplace Review learning and have an action plan to take back and implement at work 1 Welcome, housekeeping, objectives Breaking the ice Setting personal objectives 2 Group work: identifying personal motivators and where they come from 3 Defining motivation The characteristics of a motivated team Input and group discussion 4 Factors impacting on motivation at work Using pre-work to identify challenges, hotspots and obstacles Feedback in plenary Exploring the benefits of motivation that address current challenges and agreeing outcomes for change 5 Commitment vs. compliance - organisational engagement and the manager's approach to buy in 6 Team challenge task using a theory about motivation Trainer input and review in plenary 7 Group task - complete a plan for individuals identified in pre-workshop task 8 Skill / will - a motivation tool: trainer input, followed by tasks that are assessed and discussed in peer groups 1-2-1 feedback task on approaches and plans to be taken back and used at work Feedback and plenary review 9 DEAL - a conversation tool: how to construct a conversation plan about motivation with an individual Peer professional 1-2-1s to practice the discussion planned and gain feedback 10 Review, evaluation and action planning
This course starts with data transformation strategies, exploring capabilities in the Power Query Editor, and data-cleansing practices. It looks at the Advanced Query Editor to view the M language code. This course focuses on advanced DAX measures that include filtering conditions, with a deep dive into time intelligence measures. Like the M query language, DAX is a rich functional language that supports variables and expression references. This course also looks at the creation of dynamic dashboards and incorporates a range of visualisations available in Power BI Desktop and online in the AppSource. The course finishes with a look at setting up end user level security in tables. 1 The query editor Split by row delimiter AddDays to determine deadlines Advanced query editor 2 Fuzzy matching joins Matching inconsistencies by percentage Matching with transformation table 3 Logical column functions Logical functions IF, AND, OR Using multiple conditions Including FIND in functions 4 Editing DAX measures Make DAX easier to read Add comments to a measure Using quick measures 5 The anatomy of CALCULATE Understanding CALCULATE context filters Adding context to CALCULATE with FILTER Using CALCULATE with a threshold 6 The ALL measure Anatomy of ALL Create an ALL measure Using ALL as a filter Use ALL for percentage 7 DAX iterators Anatomy of iterators A closer look at SUMX Using RELATED in SUMX Create a RANKX RANKX with ALL 8 Date and time functions Overview of functions Create a DATEDIFF function 9 Time intelligent measures Compare historical monthly data Create a DATEADD measure Creating cumulative totals Creating cumulative measures Visualising cumulative totals 10 Visualisations in-depth Utilising report themes Create a heatmap Comparing proportions View trends with sparklines Group numbers using bins Setting up a histogram 11 Comparing variables Visualising trendlines as KPI Forecasting with trendlines Creating a scatter plot Creating dynamic labels Customised visualisation tooltips Export reports to SharePoint 12 User level security Setting up row level security Testing user security
The ability to influence others is a life skill but also one that has never been so critically useful at work. This one day workshop will set you on the road to discover what you need to be able to think and do that will help you take people with you. This involves learning some new tools and strategies that fit the situation you are in and making sure you use the right skills and behaviours to influence well, whether it is a single person or a room full of cynical expectant people! This workshop will enable you to: Learn about and understand influencing styles and strategies available and formulate plans and ideas on how to use them in influencing situations Understand which skills and behaviours to use to be the most effective influencer Have greater confidence in situations where they need to influence someone Use thinking, speaking and behavioural techniques that enable influencing to be effective and positive Review and evaluate learning and have an action plan to take back and implement in the workplace 1 Welcome, introductions & getting to know you and why you are here Course objectives 2 Personal objectives Introducing a learning diary 3 Gallery exercise - using images of exemplars brought by participants Plenary discussion The skills and behaviours of an exemplar influencer 4 Group task - what does your self-evaluation say? Discussion and conclusions 5 Influencing - what is it? - why do we need it? The current organisational landscape including values and behaviours the influencer operates in 6 Pit Stop - 'pull / push', 'the lost horse' and 'talking at' 7 Direct / support / delegate / coach: the different choices and approaches to choose from 8 Updating the learning diary 9 Power and types of power - its impact on influencing ability and approach and what is within your control Group task and discussion 10 The 5 influencing styles tool Series of tasks and exercises Drilling down to a personal action plan for maximising influence 11 'The person with the most flexibility has the most influence' Skills and behaviours for effective influencing Exercises and techniques that develop skills for influencing 12 Review and evaluation Action planning
Mental Health First Aid (MHFAider) is an internationally recognised training course that teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. We don't teach people to be therapists, but we do teach people how to respond in a crisis, and how to reach out before a crisis happens. The training gives people tools to support themselves and each other, so everyone can talk about mental health and seek help when needed. As an MHFAider you will be able to: Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other support Practise active listening and empathy Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma Discuss the role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality Practise self-care This course is ideal for those who would like to become an MHFAider to: Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support Alongside the best evidence-based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, MHFAiders are also provided with three-year access to ongoing learning and support through the MHFAider Support App 1 Introduction to MHFAider (3 hours 30 mins) MHFA and the MHFAider role Introduction to the MHFAider Action Plan 'ALGEE' What is Mental Health? Helpful and unhelpful language Undersign our Frame of Reference, understanding how we make sense of the world Understanding stress & the Stress Container 2 Understanding Mental Health (4 hours) What influences mental health? The Mental Health Continuum What is anxiety? What is a traumatic event? Active listening and empathy What are eating disorders? What is self-harm? What is substance misuse? MHFA conversation practice 3 MHFAider in practice (4 hours) Applying ALGEE What is depression? What is suicide? What is psychosis? MHFA conversation practice 4 Next steps (3 hours) Recovery and lived experience Applying ALGEE Boundaries in the MHFAider role MHFA conversation practice Moving forward in the MHFAider role and your MHFA action plan Self-care
It is important for Officers to understand the roles and responsibilities, processes and procedures involved when working with Elected Members. They also need to appreciate the significance of Elected Members as the decision-makers in local government. Officers have a responsibility to work and communicate with Elected Members effectively. This very successful course is designed to help Officers with this. Note: this is very much an indicative outline. The programme is tailored to the needs of each particular organisation. To provide managers with the knowledge and understanding they need to have productive working relationships with Elected Members and provide appropriate support. By the end of the course participants will: Understand the roles, responsibilities, processes and procedures in place for working with Elected Members Be able to identify the best way to approach potentially sensitive issues Understand the skills and behaviours required for working effectively with Members Be able to deploy their influencing skills more successfully Review their learning and have an action plan to take back and implement at work Note: this is very much an indicative outline. The programme is tailored to the needs of each particular organisation. 1 Introduction Welcome and introductions Objectives and programme overview 2 Working in a political environment What is political awareness? Contact and experience with Members Importance of the role of Members 3 Why be an Elected Member? Perceptions of what Elected Members are and do Values of Members and their motivations for doing what they do 4 Political decision-making in local government Current challenges and drivers affecting the organisation / the council Roles and responsibilities of Officers and Members Centrality of Members' strategic role 5 (Option) A day in the life of an Elected Member An Elected Member gives a talk about what they do 6 Having a beneficial relationship between Officers and Members 7 Member / Officer communication Discussion of the formal processes, service procedures, etc (whether enshrined in a protocol, Memorandum of Understanding, etc) Response times and requirements Procedures required by Heads of Service [if appropriate] 8 Influencing styles and strategies Different forms of power and how they impact Developing an appropriate 'influencing style' Exploring strategies for improving communication and influencing at work 9 Review and evaluation Review and evaluation of learning Personal action plans
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 very practical one-day programme provides participants with the skills and knowledge required to be an effective member of the procurement team and to enable them to procure a wide range of resources for the organisation, in a compliant and cost-effective manner. It also empowers them to be able to collaborate with all key stakeholders. By the end of the programme participants will be able to: Understand the basic concepts of good procurement practice Apply a range of tools and techniques for developing scopes of work and specifications Apply various methods to select and evaluate suppliers Develop robust contract award strategies Appreciate the commercial importance of effective procurement and opportunities to reduce cost and add value Develop appropriate procurement strategies depending on risk and value Appreciate the legal aspects of procurement 1 Welcome Introductions Aims and objectives Plan for the day 2 The basics of procurement The concept of total cost of ownership v price The procurement cycle The roles of the customer and the contractor Impact upon profit 3 Specification process Importance of effective specifications Specification development process Types of specification Team approach Use of performance specifications Early supplier involvement (ESI) / early contractor involvement (ECI) 4 Quality Concepts and practices Defining 'fit for purpose' Conformance to requirements Compliance to standards Role of the supplier Quality assurance tools and techniques 5 Procurement methods RFP RFQ ITT Negotiated procurement Strategic partnerships Outsourcing 6 Tendering How to undertake a formal tendering process Business case to award Critical stages in the process Risks and benefits 7 Tender evaluation How to undertake a quotation analysis Tools of analysis Use of VFM models Role of the customer Comparisons around cost, quality, and delivery 8 Supplier selection and evaluation Developing critical selection criteria Using the 10Cs model Importance of effective selection process Weighting systems Importance of validity and evidence 9 Capital equipment procurement Life cycle cost issues Payback calculations Compatibility issues Maintenance and training issues After-sales support 10 Supplier relationships Corporate social responsibility issues Communication 360 feed-back Open and ethical Initial understanding Clear and fair terms and conditions 11 Close Review of key learning points Personal action planning