645 Learning courses in Bradford

Jennifer Holloway delivers keynotes, workshops and webinars for clients, both online and in person (no public courses are run). Here’s a selection of existing sessions to give you a flavour of what’s available (though new ones are being designed all the time, so if you don’t see what you need, just ask): Personal Brand – What? How? Why? An introduction to the subject of personal branding, this session explains what a personal brand is, why you already have one and how to define it so you can remain authentic at all times. Delivered as a 45-minute or 60-minute session x People Buy People – So Who Are You Selling? You want people to buy your personal brand…but what exactly is it? This session challenges people to think in a new way about what they bring to the table and what makes them tick, kicking off the process of defining their personal brand. Delivered as a 90-minute or 120-minute session x Discover Your Personal Brand When you really dig into the detail of not just what you offer but who you are, that’s when you discover your unique selling point. This session provides a step-by-step process to highlight your individuality and put it clearly into words. Delivered as a half-day or full-day session xx Deliver Your Personal Brand With Impact Every time you come into contact with people – whether online, on the phone or in person – they’re picking up clues about you. This session shares practical tips and techniques to ensure those clues create a positive impression. Delivered as a 120-minute or half-day session x Articulate Your Achievements To get the most from your personal brand you have to shine a light on the value you bring, but if you can’t communicate what that value is, you could be missing out. This session provides an easy-to-follow formula to set out your credentials in a subtle, yet very effective way. Delivered as a 60-minute or 90-minute session x How To Create A LinkedIn Profile To Be Proud Of Many of us have a LinkedIn profile, but how many of us are 100% certain it’s creating a positive impression? This session focuses on how to polish up your photo, headline and summary to get you noticed for the right reasons. Delivered as a 45-minute or 60-minute session x Networking For People Who Need Help Networking Some people are natural networkers – meeting people and building relationships with ease – but many feel less confident, unsure how to kick-start the process. This session offers easy-to-implement tips for connecting both in-person and online. Delivered as a 45-minute or 60-minute session And for those wanting an in-depth approach to developing their personal brand: Making The Most Of Your Personal Brand This programme delivers the full-monty: from learning what a personal brand is, to defining what your own brand is, to getting feedback on how others view your brand, to learning how to share your brand both in person and online. x It’s restricted to smaller groups, so every delegate gets individualised support, advice and feedback, plus it fosters an open and collaborative environment for each cohort. Delivered as blend of in-person and online learning, or entirely online

REFERENCE CODE 603/5285/1 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview Who is this qualification for? This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in laying floorcoverings in a Construction related working environment. Although many of the skills and knowledge across floorcovering occupations are generic, not all those employed to fit floorcoverings will be fitting the same product. The group of optional units will allow specialisms of timber based, textile and resilient floorcoverings. What is required from candidates? To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 9 mandatory units and a group of optional units. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 127 credits. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 1,270 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 543 Mandatory units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace Surface preparation to receive floorcoverings in the workplace Setting out for laying floorcoverings in the workplace Preparing and fitting underlays for floorcoverings in the workplace Develop customer relationships Assessing and preparing background surfaces for floor-covering in the workplace Assessing and evaluating conditions for floorcoverings in the workplace Optional Units (Minimum of 18 credits) Installing timber–based floorcoverings in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN FLOORCOVERING OCCUPATIONS (CONSTRUCTION) Installing textile floorcoverings in the workplace Installing resilient floorcoverings in the workplace Types of evidence: Evidence of knowledge is required. Evidence of knowledge through performance can contribute and if applicable should be demonstrated by completing projects and reports, by responding to questions or through Professional/Guided Discussions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: Suggested sources of evidence are shown above, these can be supplemented by physical or documentary evidence, e.g.: Accident book/reporting system Notes and memos Safety record Telephone/e-mail records Training record Customer and colleague feedback Audio evidence Records of equipment and materials Witness testimonies Work records Photographic/ video evidence Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

REFERENCE CODE 603/4678/4 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This is a work-based learning qualification for those involved in cavity wall surveys/inspections and/or clearance. The qualification has been developed at the request of and in partnership with OSCAR OSNITE https://oscaronsite.co.uk The OSCAR and this qualification are recognised by a number of UKAS Certification bodies, industry bodies, Local Authorities and industry stakeholders. Prior to registering on this qualification, individuals must be registered with OSCAR. The clearance pathway enables individuals to carry out the extraction of cavity wall insulation to create a clear cavity that can be reinsulated or insulated if the system has been used to remove debris only. Candidates must also prove knowledge and competence to create a clear cavity to be able to facilitate External Rendering and External Wall Insulation complying with current Building Regulations. All work must be completed following safe working practices, relevant legislation, and comply with contract information and the allocated timescales. The surveyor/inspection pathway requires candidates to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to interpret information to be able to carry out a Cavity Clearance survey in accordance with the job specifications, following safe working practices and within the allocated time. The Surveyor must also understand how to communicate with others to ensure work is carried out effectively. This pathway includes identifying and selecting the correct quality of equipment, additionally candidates must understand how to calculate quantity, area and wastage. To achieve this pathway unit the survey work must be carried out in ways that will minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area and using and maintaining equipment effectively. This qualification is made up of 3 mandatory units and 2 pathways. Candidates must complete the mandatory units and one or both of the pathways. The minimum credit value of this qualification is 24 credits. There is also an entirely optional additional unit, if achieved this will appear on the qualification certificate but does not count towards the minimum credit value of the qualification. Qualifications are now required to indicate the total qualification time (TQT), this is to show the typical time it will take someone to attain the required skills and knowledge to meet the qualification criteria, this qualification has a TQT of 240 hours. Qualifications are also required to indicate the number of hours of teaching someone would normally need to gain the skills and knowledge to achieve the qualification. These are referred to as Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The GLH for this qualification is 84. Mandatory Units Level Credit Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace 2 5 Pathway 1 Cavity Wall Clearance Cavity wall clearance in the workplace CWC1 Pathway 2 – Cavity Extraction Specialist Surveyor/Inspector Surveying/Inspection of Cavity wall clearance in the workplace Summary of the: GQA NVQ LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CAVITY WALL EXTRACTION OCCUPATIONS SICW1 Additional Unit Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Achieving the combination of Mandatory units and the correct choice of Optional credits will mean the qualification has been completed and GQA will provide the qualification title. Where a candidate has completed additional credits, the qualification will list these as “additional credits”, in cases where the candidate has not completed the full qualification and will not go on to do so, a Certificate of credit can be issued for the credits achieved. Assessment guidance: Evidence should show that you can complete all of the learning outcomes for each unit being taken. Types of evidence: Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated in the workplace only, unless indicated under potential sources of evidence (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated though performance or by responding to questions. Quantity of evidence: Evidence should show that you can meet the requirements of the units in a way that demonstrates that the standards can be achieved consistently over an appropriate period of time. Potential sources of evidence: The main source of evidence for each unit will be observation of the candidate’s performance and knowledge demonstrated during the completion of the unit. This can be supplemented by the following types of physical or documentary evidence: Accident book/reporting systems Photo/video evidence Safety records Work diaries Training records Timesheets Audio records Telephone Logs Job specifications and documentation Meeting records Delivery Records Records of toolbox talks Witness testimonies Equipment Correspondence with customers Prepared materials and sites Notes and memos Completed work Please Note that photocopied or downloaded documents such as manufacturers or industry guidance, H&S policies, Risk Assessments etc, are not normally acceptable evidence for GQA qualifications unless accompanied by a record of a professional discussion or Assessor statement confirming candidate knowledge of the subject. If you are in any doubt about the validity of evidence, please contact Oscar Onsite Academy

Agile working is an approach that the NHS supports. It demands new ways of working and thinking. Agile means that work is now seen as an activity, not a place. People are the organisation. The way we communicate has to change. The way we manage has to change. This workshop will let you reflect on what works for you now and where you may need to adapt. You may need to trust and value your team more than ever, but when they aren't in front of you in the office, you will need to question your beliefs. The workshop will help you: Understand what Agile Working is all about Reflect on your management style Recognise the new ways of managing agile workers Choose the right communication methods Understand culture and mindset Identify different ways of measuring performance Focus on innovation and not bureaucracy Manage more effectively This workshop has been designed to support you in effectively managing an agile team. You will need to be open to questioning your existing techniques and be open and responsive to change. 1 What's it all about? What is Agile working? What are your personal management concerns? How to make it work Time / location / role / source 2 Your role as an Agile manager Your style Your team's individual preferences Learning to let go Your management style self assessment 3 The 3 areas of focus Trust Delegation Empowerment 4 Communicating effectively New ways of communicating Managing expectations What are you measuring? 5 Your personal action plan What are you going to do differently?

Running a successful project requires skills in planning, budgeting, tracking deliverables and stakeholder management. An area that can be neglected by project managers is the 'people side' - not the project team themselves but the end-users, those who will be affected by the project. Too often there is a single line at the end of the project plan that says 'Comms and Training'. If people are going to have to work differently and learn some new processes, then there is work to be done by the project team to help them through the emotional side of the change. This session explores why it's important to bring people along when a change is being made. It will provide project teams with the skills and knowledge either to manage the people change plan themselves or to secure the right resources for their project. Understand the importance of the 'people side' of change 8 'Golden Rules' of change management - overview How to create a simple but effective change plan Adoption Benefits of good change management 1 Introduction Objectives and agenda People and projects - why is it important? The Change Curve - the emotional side of change 2 8 'Golden Rules' of change management - including... Role of the sponsor Communication Resistance to change 3 Change plan Elements of a change plan Change impact assessment Alignment with the project plan 4 Adoption Who owns the change? The vital role of the manager Feedback and action loops 5 Benefits Estimating the costs / benefits 6 Next steps Summary of key learning points Reflection on next steps 7 Close

Beginners Silver Clay Workshop. A relaxed non rushed fun workshop learning to make your own silver charms, learn to silver solder.

Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events.  Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Challenging behaviour is causing increasing concern today as many individuals have increasing levels of stress and uncertainty in their lives. Understanding the causes of challenging behaviour is the first step towards finding ways to support individuals and manage their behaviour.