Nicky Chandarana

Did you know that 40% of 11 year-olds in England from communities facing disadvantage leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard? Through Chapter One UK, a number of my colleagues and I are volunteering online for 30 minutes a week to help children facing disadvantage improve their reading skills. It's easy to sign up and the whole experience is fun and rewarding and easily fits into my working week. Ask me anything about my experience - I would be happy to help! #volunteersweek #chapteronevolunteer #employeevolunteering #onlinevolunteering #corporatepartnerships #employeewellbeing #socialvalue

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Supported Employment: Why Does Model Fidelity Matter? by Professor Adam Whitworth, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde It is impossible to have a conversation about Supported Employment without talking about fidelity, and with good reason. The short answer to this question is to say that fidelity matters because it improves employment outcomes for individuals and services. The results are unequivocal. Close to 50 randomised controlled trials – the gold standard of impact evaluation – have by now compared the vocational impacts of IPS services operating to fidelity with those in ‘business-as-usual’ services not operating to that fidelity across a wide range of diverse workless population groups.   https://lnkd.in/exyzM3vU @IEPInfo #IEPJournal #Employability #SupportedEmployment @adam-whitworth-168572a @university-of-strathclyde @strathclyde-business-school

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Do you remember the banking crisis – My guest on this second episode of the new seasons of Kaplan UK learn better podcast does very clearly.  Tanya Retter FCBI, Chartered FCIPD is the The Chartered Banker Institutes Director of Education and she has a great story to tell. Not so much about the past but the lessons learned and why banking is now very different, and well worth considering in terms of a career. Click to listen to - The past, present and future of banking. https://lnkd.in/eb8agBCj #kaplan #banking

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Get ready for an engaging session on 20th August 2024 at 5 PM AEST / 8 AM BST! Join us in the Leadership Lounge LinkedIn LIVE as we explore Mastering Leadership in Menopause: Proven Strategies from Lucy Barkas.  This is a critical topic that addresses how to support and retain the talent of experienced women in the workplace.  This session will provide you with actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of menopause in the workplace. You'll learn how to create a supportive environment that values the contributions of all team members, fostering an inclusive culture that enhances overall team performance. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply interested in understanding how to manage this important transition, this event is for you. We'll cover practical steps to help you lead with empathy and ensure your organisation thrives by retaining the wisdom and expertise of seasoned professionals. 📅 Date: 20 August 2024  ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM AEST / 8 AM BST  You can also watch our session on our Youtube page: https://lnkd.in/fefxKUA. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and build a more inclusive workplace. Save the date and be part of this essential conversation! #LeadershipLounge #InclusiveLeadership #MenopauseSupport #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamSuccess #Empowerment 

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I hope there will be a day when we can stop celebrating the first black this or the first black that in business, politics and academia...we have been around a very long time. In the meantime well done to those smashing the glass ceiling and the few who keep the door open behind them.....if you know, you know! #meritocracyamyth? #equalopportunities #globalmajority #equalityanddiversitymyth? #blackrepresentation

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Lee Chambers just delivered his keynote speech for WOMEN IN TECH ® Global, launching Male Allies UK and the role of Allyship in accelerating gender equity. Such a thought provoking and well received talk & panel discussion! Here are my 5 takeouts; 1️⃣ "In times of most resistance we must step forward and challenge" In a world of intense polarisation, disconnection & bias, we must unite. 2️⃣ "The systems don't work for any of us" Men are not benefitting. Educational attainment is falling. Suicide rates and addiction rates are on the rise. 3️⃣ "The art of conversation is imperative in a world of polarity" Will we always agree? No. But we can still partner together to make change. 4️⃣ "Our society is individualistic, but the best things we have done have been collaborative" Moments where we combine, unite & come together teach us all 5️⃣ "Everyone can be an ally to someone else" Find ways to connect through your heart and your humanity This is absolutely a dialogue that I want to be a part of! 💙 I'm looking forward to tapping into Lee and his team of advisors to help push our work with Bloom North and also The Advocacy List through We Are Power. Well done to everyone for a really thought provoking morning 👏

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Get ready to take control of your retirement! Join us for our upcoming webinar, 'Retirement Ready: Navigating Pensions and Planning with Confidence' on Wednesday 17 April 2024 at 19:00 GMT. Book here https://lnkd.in/dPzK8Hv #Pensions #RetirementSavings

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Safeguarding black and ethnic minority children This week I delivered a webinar on safeguarding black and brown children with ACEN (African Caribbean Education Network) hosted by Dr Enya Doyle FRSA . In this webinar we had conversations about myths, facts and what we can do to be more conscious about this sad reality. Aisha Sanusi leads this organisation to do really important work in creating spaces to have conversation about the experience of black and brown children in education. Safeguarding is a big umbrella under which an array of concerns are included. But so too is the space to offer support using a wide breath of interventions and tools. Black and brown children faced additional barriers which have connections to systemic challenges and oppressions. Thus addressing this means we need to think beyond the child and family in front of us. And think about how we support our organisation and yesssss we need to think about ourselves. What do we bring into the relationship ? So this is me saying engaging in training is important to help this. But what I would like to see is every senior leader and/ or member of staff in a safeguarding or pastoral role having reflective supervision. This helps reflective practice and supports culture change. This adds support to staff that support the children. And it helps us frame in an informed way how we support black and brown children Let’s have a conversation about booking some reflective supervision for your staff…..

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🤩 In case you missed it - I'm rebranding! Read more about our journey from the Confidence Catalyst Programme to the Peak Resilience Accelerator here: https://lnkd.in/ecwkWmNp #PeakResilienceAccelerator #womeninstem

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Huge thank you to everyone who has shown such great support and interest in these Think Distinct events. 💡Leadership For Managers 💡Leading Challenging Conversations 💡Coaching For Leaders and 💡The Leadership Accelerator New dates and new events coming soon! Find out more about these, bespoke programmes and coaching at www.thinkdistinct.co.uk #thinkdistinct #theleadershipaccelerator #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiptraining

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This was a very interesting session and Zita and Markieta prompted discussion on the nature of flexible working and potential impact on career development. There was some evidence that those working flexibly see fewer opportunities for training, career development and promotion. And with increasing fragmentation of work and working time, it seems more important to widen access to development to increase the benefits of flexible working and reduce the costs. Otherwise workers may gain little more than an illusion of flexibility, feeling pressured to work harder for less reward, with reduced development prospects. One of the intriguing elements of the presentation focused on the notion of flexible working as a form of "gift exchange" - with work intensification and extensification (working harder and longer) and a blurring of boundaries between work and non-work, and that this had a greater impact on women than men.

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Join me tomorrow at 11 AM BST (10:00 GMT) for the first episode of my LinkedIn Live Chats: "The Conscious Chronicles: Unveiling the Stories Behind the Business." I’ll be speaking with Sibylle Stehli, a Chaos Disruptor and fellow member of the Conscious Collaborators Hub. Sibylle has faced immense challenges, including suicidal depression, health issues, an abusive marriage, and bankruptcy, which have driven her transformation towards leading with deep compassion for others. Wondering what makes us conscious collaborators? We make conscious choices and collaborate by blending quantum physics, neuroscience, and spirituality in engaging ways. Our contributors prioritise empathy over profit, connecting with our audience through 27 unique archetypes crafted to resonate energetically with those we aim to support. Curious to learn more? Tune in LIVE to discover how we utilise the Three Levels Deep quiz to gain insights into our potential archetypes. Hope to see you tomorrow.

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Really important research relating to the education experience of young people and their families, when there is also an intersection with ethnicity and / or cultural heritage. Whilst the research is specific to UK mainstream schools, I think the findings resonate to wider education settings, and the workplace

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As September approaches and schools prepare to reopen, there’s a heavy weight on the hearts of many parents, especially within Black and Brown communities across England. The recent racist and anti-Muslim riots have left deep scars, and now, parents are faced with the anxiety of sending their children back to environments where they may encounter not just classmates, but possibly parents or even teachers who hold hateful views. The impact of these events on our communities cannot be overstated. Young children, who should be focused on learning and growing, are now at risk of being exposed to hostility and prejudice—things that no child should ever have to face. For parents, the thought of their children returning to schools in this climate brings a mixture of fear and uncertainty. How do we ensure that our children are safe? How do we protect them from the lingering effects of such hatred? But this isn’t just a concern for parents of Black and Brown children. The horrific murder of innocent young lives in recent events has undoubtedly shaken all parents, regardless of race or religion. The safety of our children is paramount, and the fear of sending them into potentially dangerous or hostile environments is something that no parent should have to endure. As schools prepare to welcome students back, it’s essential that they take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. This means not being reactive to incidents as they arise, but actively preparing for and addressing the fears and concerns of parents and students alike. Schools and teachers must ask themselves: What provisions are in place to protect our students? How are we fostering an environment of inclusivity and safety? Are we prepared to address any instances of hate or discrimination with the seriousness and immediacy they deserve? Now more than ever, it’s crucial for schools to be transparent about their plans and to engage with parents and communities in meaningful conversations about how they will protect our children. The nervousness that all parents are feeling right now is valid, and it’s the responsibility of our educational institutions to create safe, supportive spaces for every student. Our young people deserve to learn in environments free from fear, and it’s up to all of us—parents, educators, and community members alike—to ensure that they do.

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Bringing the rainbow to this grey and cold Monday, and today's joy comes from supporting Paul Marks-Jones with delivering this month's Allout ally training to The University of Manchester colleagues. Sharing my experiences of being an ally to Allout members, the University's LGTB+ colleague network.    Census data tells us that two in five people aren't out to anyone at work, so not able to bring their whole selves to work.    As allies, we're asked to: Show visible support to the LGBT+ community. Be familiar with the work of the LGBT+ Staff Network Group ALLOUT. Have knowledge of the University’s different pieces of guidance for LGBT+ staff. Feel comfortable discussing LGBT+ issues. Know where to signpost LGBT+ staff to. Support the annual Stonewall application. UOM colleagues, you can easily sign up for Allout Ally's training, just search "Become an ally" in StaffNet and sign up for an upcoming session. #UOM200 🌈 🙌

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Today, the "I" newspaper reported that Edexcel plans to offer their GCSE Business Studies and GCSE History exam as an onscreen assessment from 2027. This major change is driven by students who are eager to embrace digital assessments. The benefits to Edexcel and examiners are clear: no more transporting thousands of exam papers/scrips and no more deciphering handwriting. As a Business Studies teacher, I'm excited by this innovation and the potential to improve student outcomes through technology. However, I have some concerns. 🤔 Are Edexcel using GCSE Business Studies and GCSE History as a test bed before other subjects get the digital treatment? Have Edexcel considered whether schools have the infrastructure to deliver these exams fairly, especially after years of underinvestment from government? Finally, what about the typing skills of our students? Most students are used to typing on screens through apps, not on real keyboards! I'm all for innovation, but I hope Ofqual takes all these factors into account before making a final decision on digital exams. What are your thoughts on this shift to digital assessments? #GCSE #EDEXCEL #GCSEBUSINESSSTUDIES #News #Teaching #Education #Learning

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Today’s podcast is with Emma Halahan My Journey in the NHS and Dog Star Foundation Emma has been on our Level 5 apprenticeship. “Transitioning from an apprenticeship at the Dog Star Foundation to a leadership role at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust has been a transformative journey for me. “From learning about empowerment and agile practices to embracing radical candor, I have gained invaluable insights that have shaped my leadership approach. Accidental Diminisher “I was an accidental diminisher. That's a word that I learned once I was on the programme. So I was a leader who had really good intentions and part of that meant that I really wanted to protect people around me.   “I wanted to protect my team from these big and hard conversations that they might need to have. I wanted to protect them from overwhelming workloads. And so I used to helicopter in and try and save them and think that I was doing them this great justice.   “But the biggest thing that I learned through my apprenticeship is actually I was doing the exact opposite. I needed to embrace giving my team small doses of pains here they learnt to fend for themselves and adopt their own leadership style, and had control over their workloads. Implementing agile methodologies “Implementing agile methodologies in a charity setting taught me the importance of flexibility and empowerment. Dividing work into two-week sprints allowed my team to focus on manageable tasks and choose the work they were passionate about. “This approach enhanced productivity and fostered a sense of ownership and excitement about our projects.” Embracing radical candor “Embracing radical candor has also been transformative in building trust and open communication within my team. By practicing empathy and directness in conversations, I have been able to create a supportive and empowering environment where difficult conversations are handled constructively. “Sometimes as a leader you'll want to sweep in and give someone a piece of feedback when they've made one error in an email and you'll want to swoop in and say that to them. But actually leave it unsaid. “Kim Scott, author of radical Candour, suggests leaving three things unsaid every day. Give it time, give it space.” Gen Z Leader “As a Gen Z leader, I prioritize equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in my leadership style. Creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered is essential to me. “Navigating the challenges of transitioning to a structured and hierarchical environment at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust while maintaining a flexible and empowering leadership style has been a learning curve. However, the support and commitment to personal development within the NHS have been incredible.” Plus me and Maureen Egbe on what brings us joy. Check it out at Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts. Or google “Happy Manifesto podcast”.

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Today is a brilliant day to take stock of your week. To celebrate what you achieved, know that there is always more work and that is a good thing, and acknowledge that you are constantly making amazing progress. I have spent a week just listening to people and their stress’ and I can whole heartedly tell you, about 80% of those stresses were bound to negative over positive self talk, or expectations of the self which were unrealistic and fundamentally unhelpful. They genuinely were within their own control. Why? Because until we challenge these things in ourselves we make excuses for them. It’s easier - for some reason - to be negative and collectively so? It’s easier to think of what is not right rather than speak up for what is. It’s easier to coast. But, it doesn’t make you happier! Nor more efficient. So many are wasting precious time missing out on their full potential by simply just being a bit kinder to themselves and shifting some behaviours, patterns and thoughts. Those which we inevitably model for others and our loved ones. Change is inevitable. Growth is constant. Celebrate this and be proud of yourself. Say kind words in your head and lose comparison, it is a trap. There is only one of you! #positive #mental #attitude What we play out in our minds is what we live out in our lives. If you think positive you will live positive. It’s the basic laws of physics. Every action has a reaction. Make it a positive one. #Newtonlaw

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