In the know

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JGW+ Autumn Promotional campaign

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest JGW+ Campaign ran by Welsh Government, as the campaign features none other than our own brilliant ACT learners. Kavan Cox, Ethan Richards, Angel Adraufski and Nina De Freitas all appear sharing their experiences of JGW+, offering insight into the Advancement and Employment Strand of the programme and how it’s benefitting their learner journey so far. Well done guys!

Help tackle hygiene poverty

Did you know that, according to research conducted by “The Hygiene Bank”, over 3.1 million people in the UK are unable to afford fundamental basics like toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent and period products? ACT are committed to tacking this issue, by providing products to learners and staff where we can. If you have any products that you can spare to support those in need, please contact Becky Morris or Jenna West.

Learners awarded after hospital job

A group of hardworking Construction learners bagged certificates, after they worked on fencing for a South Wales hospital. The four learners undertook the work for Llandough Hospital, as part of the Down to Earth Project, a South-Wales social enterprise. They were presented with certificates for the L1 Award in Work Related Education. Well done to everyone involved!

Be germ-aware this season

Due to the time of year, we’re seeing an increase of colds, flu and Covid cases among staff. For this reason, we’re asking everyone in our centres to be mindful of anything that could spread germs and make use of the hand-sanitiser provided. If you do have any symptoms, please stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

Updates to Finance Team

In August we saw our Finance Manager, Becky Yearsley, return from maternity leave. Becky has returned to a new role and is “stepping in to the shoes” of our Head of Finance, John, as he starts to work through his retirement plan. This change has seen Suzanne Palfrey, who joined us to cover Becky’s maternity, remain as a permanent staff member and has taken over Becky’s old role. Suzanne will now manage the finance team and will be responsible for the day-to-day queries and functions of the finance department. Becky is working closely with John to take over his work and take on a more strategic role as well as take over line management of Suzanne and Lesley (Procurement Manager). Whilst John starts to step away from the day-to-day activities, please direct any queries that would have gone to him to Becky. For general day-to-day queries, please contact Suzanne who will be happy to assist.

Safeguarding sessions delivered in-person

After successfully moving staff training back to face-to-face sessions, our Safeguarding Induction will now also be delivered as in-person training. In the new year, we’re looking to deliver training at multiple sites across ACT. Face-to-face Safeguarding sessions are now available to book on Iris HR and will run every four weeks.

Covid tests still available

Staff should know that free lateral-flow Covid tests are still available to collect. The test kits can be obtained from reception at Ocean Park House. If you would like a large quantity of them, please email facilities@ acttraining.org.uk to arrange.

New recycling bins for sites

Colleagues in our Hadfield Road, OPH, Barry and Aberdare sites now have new recycling bins in centre as part of our Environmental Strategy. The colour-coded bins are loudly labelled, to make it very clear what can be put in each one. We all need to do our bit!

ACT staff tackle Cardiff Half Marathon!

Three determined colleagues from ACT ran a half marathon, for a very important cause.

JGW+ Skills Tutors Steve Williams, Mary Foley and Natalie Grunewald completed the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday October 4. They raised vital funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust, to help tackle HIV.

Steve said: “I could not have done it without Mary and Natalie. We did well considering we had very little training before. But all agree it was a fantastic experience and the crowd was amazing. We enjoyed it so much we are going to do it next year with a lot more staff joining us.”

Children In Need

In support of Children in Need, staff came to work dressed in stripes and spots and participated in a range of fun games, from bear pong to a raffle offering a range of prizes. A total of £216.50 was raised on the day, so thank you to everyone who participated and contributed.

Cycle 2 Work scheme

To improve wellbeing, reduce stress and get fit, ACT are now offering access to the Cycle 2 Work scheme. Cycle 2 Work is a salary-sacrifice scheme, which means the cost of a new bike and cycling equipment is deducted from your salary, as a non-cash benefit, so you save on tax and national insurance. To find out more information visit www.cycle2work.info or contact Jenna West in P&D.