Insight Issue 11

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ISSUE 11 | JULY 2019

including...

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Our ACT Intranet Launches Designed for staff to access useful information, in one central location.

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Caroline Cooksley has been awarded an MBE We are very proud to announce that ACT's very own Development Director, Caroline Cooksley, was awarded an MBE.

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Staff in the spotlight This month we have put the spotlight on Jordan Thomas.

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contents Important things you need to know

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Getting to know senior management

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Events

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Celebrating Success

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Welsh Corner

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Introducing our partner - Groundwork Wales

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Staff in the spotlight

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Book Club

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Welcome to our new recruits

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welcome Once again there’s been lots going on at ACT! Earlier this month we received a visit from our local AM Vaughan Gething, which was a great opportunity to show him all the fantastic work we’re doing.

This month has also seen the launch of our intranet. We’ve had a great response to the eagerly anticipated site so far. I encourage you to share your feedback via the homepage so we can continue to improve the site.

I understand that this time of year is also incredibly busy for many of our delivery colleagues who are working hard to complete learners in time for the end of contract year.

A big thank you to all of you. Your efforts are hugely appreciated by everyone here at ACT and most importantly our learners.

As always, enjoy this month’s issue and please do continue to share your success stories and feedback with us.

key dates Aug

26th

Aug

28th

15TH AUGUST 2019

22ND AUGUST 2019

26TH AUGUST 2019

28TH OCTOBER 2019

A Level Results Day

GCSE Results Day

Bank Holiday

Company Shut Down Day

15th

22nd

Aug

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important things you need to know...

“It's great to have everything in one place�

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hoping to have this new system in place

by Jan/Feb 2020.

THE INTRANET IS NOW LIVE! On 1st July, we were delighted to launch ACT’s very own intranet! Designed for staff to access useful information in one central location, the intranet allows you to catch up on the latest company news, book leave, access Yammer and your payslips, and much more.

Staff will be updated on the progress of this throughout the year and will, of course be provided with training and support before the new system is up and running.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS NEW STRATEGY

To celebrate the launch we had some fantastic prize giveaways. Well done to everyone who entered and a huge congratulations to the following lucky winners whose names were selected at random:

Following the success of the Essential Skills pilot in April, we are very pleased to announce that as of 1st October, all new learner Apprenticeship starts will be supported by the Essential Skills team, regardless of their initial assessment level. Keep a look out for more information coming soon.

1) Donna Matthews (Afternoon tea for 2) 2) Georgia Rogers (£20 Amazon Voucher)

RECOGNISING MILESTONES

3) H annah Torangi-Jones (£40 Restaurant Voucher)

In line with our company strategy to “Celebrate Successes”, the People & Development team will be introducing a process to celebrate length of service milestones (e.g. 5, 10, 15 years) and birthdays of all staff members from 1st August 2019. For those of you who have recently hit one of these milestones, don’t worry, we will also be including staff who hit a milestone anniversary in the current contract year (1st August 2018 to 31st July 2019). The cards, which will include a special gift, will be making their way to staff from 1st August onwards. Enjoy!

4) David Rees (Box of Freddos) We’ve had a fantastic response from staff so far to the first phase of the intranet and we look forward to developing the site over time to support the needs of staff further. So, if you think there’s a feature missing we could all benefit from, or have any suggestions as to how we can improve the intranet we’d love to hear from you.

Just click on the ‘Intranet Feedback’ tab on the top of the dashboard and leave your comments in the form provided.

DON’T FORGET

NEW MILEAGE SYSTEM

On Monday 28th October 2019, ACT will close for our company shut down day!

As mentioned in the last issue of Room 101, the People & Development team have been looking into alternative systems for staff mileage and expenses, following feedback that the current system is too time consuming. We have now identified a system that will automate a lot of the manual journey calculations staff are having to provide within the current system and are

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getting to know‌

senior management "I had a trial for Tottenham, when I was 15, where I shared the same digs as Graham Souness"

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Who are you and what’s your role?

John Nelmes - Financial Controller of ACT and ALS. What are you responsible for?

I am responsible for reporting to the Directors of ACT, ALS and CAVC for the financial control of ACT and ALS. I am also responsible for ensuring that the work-load of our Finance team is manageable and their working environment is professional but more importantly, relaxed.

What are your plans for the future of ACT? To maintain the progress that Finance and Procurement have already made in recent years by improving both timetables and finance detail. Also, seeing people within the department develop and helping those who are taking qualifications celebrate their success. Finally I would like to see ACT and ALS continue to grow and realise their potential.

What’s the biggest challenge your team faces?

To provide management with the tools to run an efficient and profitable business whilst still giving both staff and learners a problem-free system enabling them to achieve their aims.

Meeting year end deadlines and dealing with the annual

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external Audits is difficult too.

Though not as difficult as ensuring our team manage to go to the Pub, most Friday’s, and arrive back in work within the allotted hour lunch break. Another challenge is putting up with my technophobia (all down to age).

What is your proudest moment at ACT? Being an integral part of the team that brought about the sale of ACT and the purchase of ALS. Very difficult times but we came through it with the right result.

I would also like to thank my sponsors during this time for their support in getting me through (Paracetamol and Strongbow).

Another proud moment was finding a single clue in the “Escape Rooms” during a team building exercise (by mistake I might add).

Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you?

I had a trial for Tottenham when I was 15 where I shared the same digs as Graham Souness (he doesn’t remember me). I also turned down a Welsh schools rugby cap at the age of 15.

I spent 2 weeks as a rep in Corfu to “pay my way” where I met Annie Lennox (she doesn’t remember me either) and I found out how much the reps “rip off” the holiday makers – great time!

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events Developer to present the successful apprentices with their certificates and congratulate them on their achievement.

ANEURIN BEVAN UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD CELEBRATE APPRENTICESHIP GRADUATION In recognition of all the Apprentices who have completed their qualifications since April 2018, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board held a graduation at St Cadoc’s in Caerleon on 2nd July.

Skills Ambassador Jonathan Davies was on hand to present the certificates to over 30 Apprentices in attendance.

VAUGHAN GETHING VISITING Following on from our recent Estyn report, on Friday 5th July, we were delighted to welcome our local Cardiff South and Penarth AM, Vaughan Gething to our OPH centre. Earlier in May, Vaughan sent us a fantastic congratulatory letter, praising our Estyn result and all the amazing work that ACT and all our staff do. He was keen to come and see first-hand the brilliant services we deliver and as Minister for Health and Social Services, was particularly interested in looking at our Health and Wellbeing provisions.

SUCCESS FOR LLANDOUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL A big round of applause to the staff at Llandough Primary School who recently completed their IT Apprenticeships. On 15th July we went along with Sam Holland, IT, SM, DM, Assessor/Curriculum

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celebrating success ASSESSMENT SERVICES AWARD ACT were recently nominated in the Matrix Standard Awards for ‘defining, delivering & improving the Information, Advice & Guidance to their customers’ category. Despite not winning the overall award the judges were so impressed with our submission they created an Award of Merit recognition for us, a result we’re very proud of!

ACT vs CAVC FOOTBALL TEAM On June 21st our ACT football team played a friendly match against Cardiff and the Vale College staff members to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

The match ended in a 4-4 draw with £100 being donated. Well done to all the players!

CAROLINE COOKSLEY MBE We are very proud to announce that ACT's very own Development Director, Caroline

Cooksley, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2019.

The MBE award recognises Caroline's achievements for contributing in an outstanding way to putting education at the heart of social mobility, raising standards and improving lives.

Speaking about the award Caroline commented, “I’m truly humbled to receive this award and am so proud of what ACT has achieved over the past 30 years. I work with a brilliant and passionate group of people who are all dedicated to helping improve the lives of others, and that’s what ACT is all about.”

A big round of applause and congratulations to Caroline, from everyone here at ACT.

GOLDEN OLDIES VOLUNTEERING On Tuesday 18th June the Marketing & Communications Team headed to Canton Library to volunteer with the Golden Oldies Cymru. The charity reaches out to older people

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as well as those with learning difficulties and dementia through singing, activity sessions and inter-generational programmes.

Rachel Parry, Programme Leader with Golden Oldies commented, "Isolation and loneliness can be a huge issue for elderly people and these sessions have a huge positive impact on their health and well-being.”

PLASMAWR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERING DAY On Wednesday 12th June a number of ACT staff members helped volunteer at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr. The school had several areas which were in need of sprucing up, so our team of volunteers spent the day putting their gardening and painting skills to good use. Well done to everyone involved on the day.

SAMANTHA MANSI – INSPIRE AWARDS Congratulations to Samantha Mansi, who was successfully shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Into Work’ category for the

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2019 Inspire Awards. With support from our MTS team, Samantha has used a return to learning to completely transform her life, completing both the Medical Secretary Award and Mental Health First Aid qualification. Over time she has rebuilt her selfesteem, successfully securing a part-time position with the NHS as a clerical worker. Well done Samantha and keep up the great work!

SUCCESS FOR THE CAERLEON RFC U7S RYGBY TEAM The Caerleon RFC U7s rygby team, who are sponsored by ACT, have had a fantastic season, remaining undefeated on the pitch - despite it being their first season playing matches as a team. They were also winners of a recent tournament too.

Kim Ford, Business Services Curriculum Co-ordinator / IQA who is the U7s team manager commented, “The results the team have achieved are amazing. It rarely happens (in any sport) to remain unbeaten in their first season of matches, but for kids so young to do it is amazing. We are so proud of all their hard work and determination and so thankful to ACT for sponsoring the team.

We hope they continue to enjoy learning and playing the game in the upcoming season.�

COACHING & MENTORING Congratulations to Michelle Marshall, Business Services Assessor, Natalie Evans, ESW Tutor and Emma Huggins, Business Services Assessor, who have recently achieved their Level 3 Coaching Award qualifications. A round of applause to you all for your efforts and hard work and welcome to our growing team of ACT qualified coaches!!

WORLDSKILLS SUCCESS A massive round of applause to Nathan Smith, Level 1 Traineeship Caerphilly learner, who has gone through to the finals of WorldSkills Inclusive Skills - Health and Social Care Category. Nathan performed very well in Coleg Sir Gar last month and received excellent feedback. He will now head to the final, which will take place in Birmingham later this year. Well done Nathan and good luck!

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welsh corner/ cornel cymraeg APP Y MIS Place Tales Cymru

Mae’r ap dwyieithog yma yn esbonio’r dreftadaeth naturiol a diwylliannol sydd o fewn y coedwigoedd cyhoeddus a’r Gwarchodfeydd Natur Genedlaethol trwy adrodd chwedlau a straeon sain.

This bilingual app explains the natural and cultural heritage you will encounter in Wales’s public forests and National Nature Reserves complete with audio trails and audio folk tales.

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EISTEDDFOD YR URDD 2019 Cynhaliwyd Eisteddfod yr Urdd eleni ym mae Caerdydd ac roedd ein dysgwyr yn llwyddiannus unwaith eto. Daeth dysgwyr Gofal plant hyfforddeiaethau yn gyntaf am yr ail flwyddyn yn olynol gyda'i adnodd Cymraeg i’w ddefnyddio mewn ysgol feithrin. Eleni eu thema oedd y flwyddyn newydd Tsieineaidd ac fe gynhyrchon nhw amrywiaeth o adnoddau deniadol dwyieithog mewn sach stori hyfryd. Ymwelodd y dysgwyr a’r tiwtoriaid a’r maes a’r ddydd Mercher gwlyb i dderbyn ei medalau mewn seremoni a gynhaliwyd yng Nghanolfan y Mileniwm

We are delighted to report that our ACT learners were once again successful at this year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd. The event held in Cardiff Bay saw the Childcare Traineeship learners come first for a consecutive year in a row with their Welsh medium resource for use in a nursery.

This year's theme was the Chinese New Year and the learners created a wealth of attractive bilingual resources in a beautiful story sack.

The learners and tutors visited the Eisteddfod on a very wet Welsh Wednesday to collect their trophy in a ceremony held in the Millennium Centre.

Cymrodd un arall o’n dysgwyr Arlwyo ni, Jamal Barrett, rhan yn y gystadleuaeth Cogurdd.

Fe gystadlodd yn y rownd gynderfynol gyda chyfuniad Eidalaidd/Cymraeg o linguine, cocs a bara-lawr. Ni lwyddodd Jamal i gyrraedd y rownd derfynol ond roedd y beirniad, Beca Lynne Perkis yn ganmoladwy iawn o sgiliau coginio'r holl ymgeiswyr.

Another of our learners from catering, Jamal Barrett, took part in the Cogurdd competition, where he competed in the semi-final with a Welsh/Italian fusion of linguine with cockles and laverbread. Although Jamal didn’t make it through to the final, judge, Beca Lynne Perkis, praised all the competitors for the very high standard of cooking.

Roedd gwirfoddolwyr staff ACT yna drwy’r wythnos yn dosbarthu peniau, bygiau a'r sbectol haul poblogaidd dros ben.

ACT staff volunteers were also on hand throughout the week handing out pens, bugs and the much sought after ACT sunglasses!

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Introducing our partner...

Groundwork Wales At ACT we are proud to work in partnership with a strong network of committed, enthusiastic and passionate workbased learning providers, who share our values and strive to achieve excellence through collaboration.

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Every issue we interview a different partner to shine a light on the work they do. This time we spoke to Groundwork Wales.

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

TELL US ABOUT A LEARNER/INDIVIDUAL WHO GROUNDWORK HAVE HELPED?

My name is Katy Stevenson and I’m the Chief Executive of Groundwork Wales. I lead the organisation, working closely with the senior management team and the board of trustees.

Robbie joined our Groundwork Wales Traineeship programme with a history of anger management challenges. The programme is designed to develop young people’s skills and help them gain qualifications through a variety of environmental activities and projects. Robbie chose to spend his 21 hours supported time developing his practical landscaping, maintenance skills, and essential skills with our Green Care employability project. Soon after working at Sirhowy Woodlands, Robbie met Eluned Morgan AM during a ministerial visit and the resultant video footage of the exchange was shown on the Wales Politics show.

WHAT SERVICES DO GROUNDWORK PROVIDE? Groundwork Wales is the Community Charity with the green heart. Our mission is ‘Changing Places, Changing Lives’. We work with a variety of clients, beneficiaries and volunteers, offering opportunities to upskill, improve health and wellbeing and support employability. We work across a range of programmes, mostly through outdoor and environmentally based work. We also run enterprising activity, supporting our community - based work through social enterprise.

He has since successfully gained an employment opportunity with a leading provider of bespoke temperature controlled warehousing and distribution services.

"We see time and time again that people of all ages thrive on outdoor programmes.

Connection with the outdoors is so important..."

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO WITH ACT We run environmentally based traineeships.

Our USP is our ability to provide an outdoor or environmental programme for young people for whom a centre based approach isn’t appropriate, or the most conducive to their development. We see time and time again that people of all ages thrive on outdoor programmes. Connection with the outdoors is so important for wellbeing, and when people begin to look after their wellbeing through outdoor activity, their confidence improves, and they begin to see possibilities they hadn’t realised before.

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staff in the

spotlight...

This month we put the spotlight on Jordan Thomas who joined ACT in March 2017. Jordan works as an Essential Skills Administrator at our OPH centre.

A big thank you to Jordan for taking the time to answer our questions this month.

If you would like to feature in our Staff in the Spotlight section, or have a colleague you’d like to put forward, please e-mail Rachael Lewis.

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Tell us a little bit about your role, and what your average day looks like.

I am responsible for tracking every controlled task file submitted to us. I record the files being submitted, allocate the files for marking and IQA, record the results and archive the files. I then analyse the data from the marking and IQA to evaluate the efficiency of our marking system and predict when we may get a large influx of files so we can make precautions to tackle the extra files.

I am currently studying the Digital Learning Design Level 3 Apprenticeship. I find this very useful as it is providing me with the skills necessary to create digital resources for the essential skills team and our learners. I also supervise two traineeship learners who are undertaking an administration placement with us. I find this rewarding because the trainees are getting valuable experience to help them in their future career and in the workplace.

What is the most rewarding part of your current role?

I find it very rewarding being able to provide support to my colleagues when they need it, as I am also indirectly supporting our learners.

Knowing that we are helping our learners to get a valuable qualification is very rewarding to me.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I have lost 4 stone over the last 12 months. I cook my lunches on a Sunday and freeze them for work throughout the week – allowing me to keep track of the calories. I have also been going to the gym 3–4 times a week and walking in my lunch breaks. I have even inspired people within my team to join me on my lunch time walks and it has now become a routine for myself and some colleagues.

Where is the best place you have travelled to?

Florida is probably the best place I have travelled to. We went around Christmas time so everything was very festive.

Disneyland and Universal Studios were amazing and very Christmassy. It was strange though, even though everything was really festive and Christmas themed, it was also 25 degrees and really sunny. One minute we were sunbathing by the pool, the next we were watching a Christmas parade with fake snow and Christmas lights. I am definitely planning on going back one year.

What was the last album you listened to?

The last album I listened to was Avenged Sevenfold’s self-titled album. It used to be one of my favourite albums when I was younger and I have recently found the CD again,

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so, I have been listening to it in the car quite a bit. I think “A little piece of heaven” would be my favourite song on that album.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

There are no bad jobs only different experiences. Each job you have, helps shape you into the employee you are today.

Each experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn from.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?

I have recently started tutoring my partner’s brother and sister with their English and Maths.

It’s great to see them learn new things and apply it in their school work. I cook meals daily for the family and I am always looking for new recipes to make as I love to try new things.

I also see my friends quite often. We all enjoy watching a movie at the cinema or going out for a few drinks. We have recently started going to pub quizzes but we are dreadful at them.

What would be your top tip for colleagues?

Always persevere and never give up. Also, don’t forget to always fill out the assessor pack and add it to the file before submitting for marking!

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book club

Last issue, our recommended read was ‘The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme for Confidence, Success and Happiness. Thank you to everyone who got on board with the book club, ordered a copy and read the book.

Below is some of the feedback we received:

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I’m not usually one for ‘self-help’ or ‘motivational’ books but on this occasion I made an exception.

The book examines the different aspects of the brains and gives plenty of examples of how they behave as well as guidance, questions to ask yourself and exercises to do.

Each chapter has a key point to make sure that you have understood it too. The aim is to help you become a happy, confident, healthier and more successful person.

Prof Steve Peters talks about the three parts of our brain, the Human, the Chimp and the Computer. These three brains try to work together but inevitably there are conflicts and struggles along the way against each other to gain control and it's often the Chimp that wins! The Chimp being the emotional machine that we all possess that’s been a part of us since we were born.

I would highly recommend this book - it’s a must read. Without a doubt it has changed the way I think and my approach to day to day life."

RHODRI LORD

Our next recommended read is...

Our next recommended read is – ‘Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Life’ by renowned designer and professional hellraiser James Victore. He wants to drag you off your couch and throw you headfirst into a life of bold creativity. No matter what industry or medium you work in, this book will help you live, work, and create freely and fearlessly.

Books are free for the first 50 staff who request a copy (first come first served basis) and could count towards your CPD hours (subject to suitability). Request your copy by emailing bookclub@acttraining.org.uk. Deadline for requests is Friday 2nd August.

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Pizza from ÂŁ5.99!

Head to the Hot Pantry in Pontcanna, Cardiff any Friday between 6:00 - 9:30pm and pick up a delicious freshly baked pizza.

Collection only - telephone orders welcome!

Call 029 2022 8649 hotpantrypontcanna

029 2022 8649

229 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff CF11 9PP

Make their day bloom Surprise them with our brightest letterbox flowers (sent in fun limitededition boxes) and get free next-day delivery!

ACT staff can get 15% off orders at www.bloomandwild.com using the code: ACTTEAM15.

15% OFF

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Help a young person find their purpose in life 1 hour a month to help change a young persons life - #itstartswithone One Million Mentors’ (1MM) aim is to ensure that every young person in the country has access to a trained mentor as they transition into adulthood.

They believe that facilitating and investing in mentors will help to address the skills gap agenda and improve social cohesion.

1MM has got off to a fantastic start in Cardiff recently, breaking the targeted 100 relationship barrier. They are currently working with over 45 businesses and organisations in Cardiff and in September will be starting in 7 new schools, so the demand for mentors has never been greater.

TO BECOME A ONE MILLION MENTOR, YOU NEED TO BE:

If you can spare just 1 hour a month to help change a young person’s life please get in touch with katephillips@acttraining.org.uk

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25 and over

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Either a professional or retired professional

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Prepared to give one hour, per month for twelve months

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Complete One Million Mentors’ Level One mandatory online training

FOR MORE INFORMATION WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6aOOtE7FDyE https://www.onemillionmentors.org.uk/

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welcome to our newest recruits!

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Brogan Athay Health & Social Care Assessor

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Donna Stewart Health Care Support Services Assessor

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Sophie Cole P&D Administrator

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Adam Llewellyn Youth Engagement Tutor

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Rhian Collom Additional Learning Support Worker

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Michelle Smart Health & Social Care IQA

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Lynnemari Gagiano-Davies Health & Social Care IQA

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Eirudd Gregorian Health & Social Care Assessor

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Lauren Gunning Exams Officer & Administrator

FAREWELL TO… Marcus Ford – Learning Support Assistant Francesca Hampson – Beauty Assessor/IQA Susan Hatch – Health & Social IQA Will Lewis – Management Assessor Dianne Pugh – Data Administrator Dawn Rees – Business Services Assessor

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insight This publication has been brought to you by the Marketing & Communications team.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue.

If you have suggestions, stories or ideas you’d like to share in future issues please do get in touch with Rachael Lewis, Communications Officer rachaellewis@acttraining.org.uk Your ideas and input are always welcome!

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