Insight Issue 5

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ISSUE 5 | JULY 2018

including...

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Important things you need to know

Celebrating success

Staff in the spotlight

ACT named as 'Responsible Large Business of the Year 2018'...

We are excited to announce the finalists and winners of our recent round of Staff Recognition Awards...

This month we have put the spotlight on Gareth Blackwell!

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I’d like to begin by saying a huge well done to everyone for all your hard work as we approach the end of the contract year. I know we’re busy all year round, but in particular at this time I know many staff are working harder than ever to reach deadlines, so thank you for your efforts - it is very much appreciated by myself and the rest of the Board.

We have lots of fantastic news to celebrate this issue, including being named BITC’s 2018 ‘Responsible Large Business of the Year’. This is an award we are both honoured and proud to receive and it would not have been possible without us all showing up and doing the wonderful work we do, so a huge round of applause to us all.

In this issue, we showcase the winners and finalists of the recent round of Staff Recognition Awards, there’s an update on our Estyn Link inspection and much more.

As always, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and remember to continue sharing your stories, thoughts and feedback with us as we are always striving to improve.

welcome...

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contents Important things you need to know

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Celebrating Success

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Quality

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Events

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Welsh Corner/Cornel Cymraeg

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Staff in the Spotlight

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Book Club

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New Recruits

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important things you need to know...

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ACT NAMED AS ‘RESPONSIBLE LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2018’ We are thrilled to announce that ACT was named ‘Large Responsible Business of the Year 2018’ at the Business in the Community Cymru (BITC) Awards Gala Dinner in June. This is a prestigious awards programme which recognises companies making a positive difference here in Wales, and identified ACT for the great things we do.

Since our Pursuit of Happiness Day last year we have been working really hard to make improvements within the company and it’s great to see that these changes are making an impact both within and beyond ACT.

Andrew Cooksley, CEO commented, “The award is a great indicator that we are well on our way to making ACT the best company in the world to work for. It wouldn’t be what it is without all your hard work and efforts, so a big thank you to you all."

WORKING WALES TENDER UPDATE We’re delighted to tell you that ACT has passed the first stage of the tender process (the PreQualification Questionnaire stage) with a score of 38 out of 40. We still have more work to do, but we will be working with our range of partners to submit the full tender by 10 September.

We can expect to know the outcome of that tender in November so will keep you posted.

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2018 – 2019 STRATEGY DRAFT At the end of June a provisional draft copy of our new 2018-2019 strategy plan was shared with staff, who were encouraged to feed back on the proposals and give suggestions on how and what we feel we should be focusing on as a company moving into the next contract year. A final version will be issued in the coming weeks.

INTRANET UPDATE As you know, one of our company goals from last year was to improve internal communications within the company.

We’ll be investing in a company intranet. An online space that acts as a one stop shop for staff to access all the information they need in just one place. News, events, vacancies, forms, policies and much more will feature.

Keep up to date with all ACT Training news as it happens by following us on...

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NEW STAFF VOLUNTEERING POLICY

INVESTORS IN PEOPLE REVIEW UPDATE

We are strongly committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives, and the new staff volunteering policy reflects this.

For up to a total of four working days per year, staff are eligible to apply and undertake paid volunteer work.

In 2017, ACT obtained Gold Accreditation from the Investors in People – setting the standards for better people management.

We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, but in true ACT spirit we’re not content to just settle for Gold.

Over the next 2 years our objective is to work even harder to achieve Platinum Accreditation and be the first organisation in Wales to do this.

The policy encourages us to be proactive in our voluntary activities which mutually benefits the individual, the company and the community. For full terms and conditions please head to CascadeGo. Go, get involved!

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Our recent 12 month review suggests that we are making really positive progress in making this goal become a reality when reaccreditation takes place in 2020. Rebecca Cooper, Head of People & Development commented, “12 months in, I am extremely proud of our progress towards the recommendations from our report and am confident in our commitment to taking this further. If anyone has an ideas or suggestions on how we can further improve people management practices at ACT Training, I would be delighted to hear them.”

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ESTYN LINK INSPECTION Our new Estyn Link Inspector Ian Dickson visited ACT during 25 – 27th June, where he met various members of the team including three of our partners: Llamau, Cardiff City and Portal.

The visit acts as an opportunity to check our company progress,

in between our formal Estyn inspections. Overall, the visit was very successful with the inspector being complimentary of our provision and delivery.

Please read the table below for more detailed feedback from the visit.

AREA OF DISCUSSION

Performance and progress against the last inspection recommendations

A recommendation from the last inspection was the development of learners' essential skills – Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy. These areas of examination will feature heavily in the main inspection.

Key points highlighted were: > the continued importance of marking work, feeding back to the learners and commenting on development in reviews and learning plans. > developing learners' skills and checking the improvement of those who already have Essential Skills qualifications.

Safeguarding and PREVENT

Significant progress has been made in this area including the development of the MyConcern recording system and the roll out of a varied training package. This area remains a key focus for Estyn who will be focusing on observing staff and learners to ensure both are confident discussing Safeguarding and PREVENT.

Provision and the range of programmes delivered

We discussed the range of programmes and routes we offer and how we link these to local and national priorities. The inspector noted that we have remained a strong and successful provider at a time of significant growth.

Key developments and Our 2018/2019 strategy draft plan and communication strategy was discussed. The strategic plans for the inspector was impressed at our open and self-critical approach to improvement, and encouraged our development of a coaching culture. He is keen to continue monitoring our coming year commitment to staff happiness and removing unnecessary processes across the business.

Coffee#1 welcome ACT employees to 10% off at our Welsh coffee houses.

Please show id cards

STAFF OFFER OF THE MONTH

10% discount

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Fancy a Coffee?

Enjoy 10% off at Coffee #1- can be used in all Welsh stores. *Please find a full list of locations here: https://www.coffee1.co.uk/locations/

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celebrating success!

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STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS JULY 2018 We are excited to announce the finalists and winners of our recent round of Staff Recognition Awards – the second of 2018.

We saw a record number of nominations this time round, with 117 employees participating. As always it was a pleasure to read all about the fantastic people here at ACT, who are not only excelling in their roles but creating a positive impact on their colleagues, learners and the work place itself.

Without further ado, an enormous round of applause goes out to the following employees/teams who have shown a tremendous commitment to their role, achieved excellent results and who go above and beyond for our learners and stakeholders:

TRAINEESHIPS/MTS OF THE YEAR Winner: Katie Allen 2. Stella Roe 3. Rick Stratten-Thomas

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Commenting on the awards, Richard Spear said: “We have had a record number of nominations which is fantastic. A huge well done to everyone who took the time to participate and a special thanks to the Staff Council for judging the awards.”

Winner: Rebecca Small 2. Amanda Hodges 3. Lewis Bowden

REMINDER OF AWARDS PROCEDURE

ASSESSOR OF THE YEAR Winner: Helen Aldridge 2. Jane Vaughn 3. Emma Huggins

DELIVERY SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR Winner: Rhian Lewis 2. Hannah Jones 3. Sue Hatch

TEAM OF THE YEAR Winner: Business Services 2. Caerphilly Admin 3. Health & Social Care (IQA)

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

OPERATIONS SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Allan Catlin-Haggett 2. Emily Pascoe 3. Sophie Cole

Winner: Kathryn Mathias 2. Joe Pilgrim 3. Cate Harding-Jones

CORE VALUES CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

SCHOOLS STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR Winner: Joe Wyatt 2. Kelsey Gauci 3. Leanne Bannister

Award Ceremony in December, where they will join winners from our March awards to become finalists in their category.

Winner: Lisa Beecham 2. Louisa Mallett 3. Michelle Marshall Prizes and certificates will be making their way to our winners and finalists very soon. We also look forward to welcoming the winners above to the ACT Staff

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> There are three Staff Recognition Awards held throughout the year. > For each award, nominations are submitted to Staff Council who assess each of the applications in the category they have been selected for. > The applications are assessed against set criteria (clear evidence and examples of how the person goes above and beyond in their role). > In each category an overall ‘Winner’ is selected. Only the winners of each category progress through to the final awards in December. Individuals placed second and third in their category receive a certificate to recognise their efforts. >In December, A final overall winner is crowned from each of the categories at the Staff Christmas Party.

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CARDIFF COMMITMENT We are delighted to announce ACT have signed up to Cardiff Commitment - the Council’s youth engagement and progression strategy.

The strategy aims to ensure that all young people in Cardiff are provided with the support, choices and opportunities to make a successful transition from compulsory schooling to ongoing education, training and the world of work, and are enabled to reach their full potential. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to be working alongside an organisation whose goals are so strongly aligned with our own.

VOLUNTEERING ACTION DAYS For one week during May, businesses of all sectors and sizes across Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Wrexham and Rhondda Cynon Taf communities, took part in Action Days which support local communities by utilising the power and potential of their employees coming together to volunteer.

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In line with our new Staff Volunteering Policy, we ran our own Action Day at Ysgol Plasmawr, with a number of staff members offering their services to help spruce up a garden area the school had inherited which was in need of some attention.

Thank you to all who took part and helped out on the day.

LEARNERS HEAD TO SOUTH WALES’ LARGEST LAKE Animal Care learners from Hadfield Road and Caerphilly, along with Land based studies L1/English learners, recently headed to Kenfig National Nature Reserve to carry out some habitat and biodiversity surveys and observe the intertidal zones at Sker point.

The trip was a great success with learners gaining a hands on approach to exploring the local ecosystem, and understanding the importance of preserving sites such as these across the UK.

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PATHWAY TO SUCCESS! The Construction Schools Group from Hadfield Centre have been very busy completing a community project at Parc Tir Iarll in Maesteg.

The nature trail footpath at the park was in a dilapidated condition, so the schools construction learners volunteered their skills along with tutors Chris Huxton and Trystan Griffiths who commented, 'We are very impressed that in just a single visit learners resurfaced over 120 foot of pathway.' Learner Adam Boyle added, ‘It’s really great to be able to point at the new path and say – “we did that!”

- A big well done to everyone who participated on the day.

CATERING ROUTE SUCCESS Congratulations to Jayden Corbin, who has successfully progressed through the ACT Training programmes to gain full time employment at a local market.

Initially Jayden joined ACT Schools before enrolling on to Engagement Catering. He later progressed onto Level 1 Catering and completed many successful work placements, including a

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stint at the Radisson Hotel. Lewis Jones, Jayden’s Hospitality & Catering Tutor commented, “Jayden was a pleasure to have in the kitchen. His sheer grit and determination have helped him achieve his goals, resulting in a perfect learner journey.” Well done Jayden – We wish you all the best!

LEVEL 3 IT LEARNERS A big round of applause for our I.T learners from Neath Council who recently completed their Level 3 training with IT, Social Media and Digital Marketing Route Manager Nick Gelstharp.

The learners were presented with their certificates by ACT Ambassador Jonathan Davies on 16th May.

YOU BAKE ME HAPPY Last month, our Hadfield Road centre held a Cupcake Day bake sale raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society. The catering route learners helped serve the cakes alongside the administration team, who sold the cakes and played games with staff members throughout the centre. They successfully raised £44.

Well done to the OPH Engagement team who held a bake sale to fundraise money in memory of a learner’s father who tragically died. The team successfully raised £117, with ACT upping it to £150. It was a fantastic effort from the Engagement team and the learner’s family were very moved by the gesture.

MTS: BUILDING BLOCKS TO SUCCESS After an injury ended his career in the British Army, MTS learner Jarrad gained help from ACT and the Community for Work programme, to secure his CSCS (a vital and mandatory healthy and safety qualification) which allows him to legally access building sites.

He then went on to gain a voluntary placement with Pendragon, where after completing further training, he was offered full time employment as a General Operative at their Gelligaer site.

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A big round of applause to Jarrad for his hard work and determination against the odds.

A BARKING SUCCESS Sharon had been unemployed for 20 years when she enrolled on the Community for Work programme alongside her partner Mark.

Through MTS, the couple successfully completed Level 2 and 3 Dog Grooming Courses and secured funding for a start-up loan through Business Wales.

After purchasing a fully equipped mobile dog grooming van, Sharon and Mark have continued to secure a growing number of clients and are now both successfully signed off their sickness benefit.

ADULT LEARNERS' WEEK On 19th June, as part of Adult Learners' Week, the MTS team particpated in two events in Cardiff and Rhyl, showcasing the courses they have available to both advisors and learners.

The Rhyl event, which was also attended by WOW training, Nailbase and 4:28, provided a fantastic opportiunity for learners to meet providers and get a feel for the training options available to them.

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new digital onboarding process...

The induction process for learners is varied, but a common issue all routes encounter is learners dropping off after recruitment due to the delay period between signing up and first contact with assessors.

In a bid to utilise this time more effectively and engage learners from the off, Joe Pilgrim, Digital Learning Co-ordinator,

with support from the ACT Champions, has created a new digital Induction Course on OneFile. This course will play a key role in an updated approach to the existing Onboarding Process.

The new course includes a set of e-books, videos and quizzes, which enables learners

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to immediately progress by completing mandatory course reading and training like Prevent.

Rather than waiting, learners can complete up to 5% of their course before meeting their assessors for the first time.

As well as coinciding with recent Welsh Government plans to digitalise all pre-existing paper processes, the induction

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course, (as well as the ability to create digital reviews, and IALPs) provide an opportunity to demonstrate learner progress and understanding to external parties such as Estyn and the Awarding Bodies.

The Cleaning & Environmental Services route were the first to pilot the process in June, with Gina Mathers, Cleaning and Environmental Services Coordinator commenting, “We started to use the system, and so far so good! The completion of the reviews on One File is simple and easy to follow so speeds up the whole review process. The other advantage is that the reviews once signed off on OneFile by the learner and the manager, will automatically be sent to admin for processing, saving further time.�

Joe Pilgrim commented, �Technology is changing rapidly, and it is important that we remain at the forefront of digital innovation in Work Based Learning. This was a great opportunity to use OneFile not just an e-portfolio, but as a key tool as part of a wider Digital Strategy. The new Induction Course, digital reviews and IALPs, will ensure that all Apprenticeship learners get a consistently high-level experience with ACT." There are also further plans for development of a Traineeship course to be rolled out from August to October, following the successful launch of this pilot.

There are also plans to roll out the e-booklet across all routes in August (in time for the new contract year).

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a gentle reminder...

EXPENSES

Recently there’s been some confusion around submitting expenses and mileage claims.

In order to ensure you’re reimbursed on time and to make sure we’re following procedure should we be audited, here’s a quick refresher on what you need to do: EXPENSE CLAIMS: What do I need to provide? > Any expenditure incurred (parking tickets, train tickets, bridge tolls etc.) needs an accompanying receipt or the claim will not be authorised.

How can I do that? > Scan the receipt as a PDF on the printer. > Download a free app (Genius Scan or Office Lens) then take a picture of your receipt and save as a PDF or JPEG. MILEAGE CLAIMS: How can I do that?

details of your journey in the notes section. > Postcodes > Location > Full details of who is being visited.

> Any home to work mileage should be deducted from the claim and referenced.

What else do I need to know? > If you travel directly from home and back again to visit learners in the workplace only, you should deduct home to work mileage from your total claim based on your nearest centre.

We encourage the centres to be used for administrative purposes also. > If you travel to your main place of work (which can be found in your contract of employment / Cascade Go) i.e. OPH for training or data days, or come into the office after seeing learners and travel home again this journey should not be claimed as mileage.

> You must include the following

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This is classified as your normal journey to/from work. > Staff should only back claim mileage and expenses for a 3 month period. > Anyone who reaches and exceeds 10,000 miles in the tax year (5th April – 5th April) needs to claim additional mileage at a reduced rate of 25p per mile (not 38p) until the new tax year.

What are the cut off dates for claims to be paid? > The cut-off for mileage and expenses to be submitted and approved by your Line Manager is the 14th of each month (or the Friday before where the 14th falls on a weekend). Please ensure you give your manager enough time to review the claim before submitting, especially if you are part of a large team.

For further training or queries on the Expense and Mileage procedure please contact Lauren Cahill in P&D.

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> Regional Managers were given more autonomy to direct and line manage staff.

TRAINEESHIP RESTRUCTURING As you know, we are always striving to create a more efficient and effective organisation here at ACT. In mid-April, in response to staff feedback, the following changes were made and implemented to the staff structure of our Traineeship programme.

> The appointment of Tracey Spiller as Essential Skills Manager, to manage all Essential Skills staff across all centres.

> Each centre now has a core team accountable and responsible for learner wellbeing, pastoral support, outcomes, attendance and retention.

The new changes to the structure aim to create more cohesive Traineeship teams, with greater autonomy and clearer accountability, which in turn will result in better outcomes for our learners.

> The introduction of Attendance and Wellbeing Officers to each centre. They support the Regional Managers and Delivery Tutors with learner management and pastoral care.

> The regionalisation of the centre management to cover 5 geographical areas: • Bridgend/Swansea • Aberdare/Ebbw Vale • Caerphilly/Newport • OPH/Barry • Hadfield Road

Furthermore, assigning staff more freedom to make decisions within their roles, provides the opportunity for greater personal development which ties in with our wider staff happiness strategy.

> A designated Programme Manager who oversees and manages the performance of the routes.

Traineeship Structure Katy Wolar Senior Programme Manager Grade 11

Lewis Bowden Programme Manager Grade 10

Cheryl Evans Hair & Beauty Sector Lead Lewis Jones Catering Tutor /Curriculum Coordinator

Grade 9 Route Delivery Staff

Luke Hemming IT Sector Lead Grade 9

Route Delivery Staff

Charlotte Dando Care, Support & Guidance Manager Grade 10

Carol Moseley Learner Recruitment Manager Grade 9

Clare Harden Animal Care Sector Lead

Darren Gould Motor Vehicle Sector Lead

Rebecca Broad Business Services Sector Lead

Amy AllenThomas Care Sector Lead

Grade 9

Grade 9

Grade 9

Grade 9

Route Delivery Staff

Route Delivery Staff

Route Delivery Staff

Route Delivery Staff

Steve Lewis Construction Sector Lead

Ros Smith Care, Support & Guidance Coordinator

Cate HardingsJones Councillor

Grade 7

Grade 7

Grade 9

Route Delivery Staff

Adelle Taylor Engagement Delivery Manager Grade 9

Brigid Leadbetter Powys Engagement Tutor

ALS Workers Peripatetic Cover Tutor

Peripatetic Engagement Tutor

Hollie Keepings Bridgend/ Swansea Regional Manager

Jon Ridout Aberdare/ Ebbw Vale Regional Manager

Mike Owen Caerphilly/ Newport Regional Manager

Joe Powton OPH/Barry Regional Manager

Ros Lovatt Hadfield Regional Manager

Grade 9

Grade 9

Grade 9

Grade 9

Grade 9

Rick Stratton -Thomas, Karen Evans & Andrew Colman Centre Engagement Tutors

Nadine John & Tim Middleton Centre Engagement Tutors

Wingrove Wilkinson & Susie Singleton Centre Engagement Tutors

Callum Taylor & David Rees Centre Engagement Tutors

Kitchen Supervisor x1

Rhian Lecrass Centre Opportunities Advisor

Kay Williams Centre Opportunities Advisor

Vacancy Centre Opportunities Advisor

Hannah Torangi-Jones & Julie Baker Centre Opportunities Advisor

Nikki Hernaman & Owen Shankland Centre Opportunities Advisor

Donna Matthews & Kelly Davies Centre Administrators

Dawn Vardon Centre Administrator

Bethany Kate Clapp, Rhian Cosslett & Christine Howells Centre Administrators

Vacancy Centre Administrator

Chantalle Willson (Barry support) Nazma Hussain & Trish Davies Centre Administrators

Jade Trimnell & Hannah Caddick Attendance and Wellbeing Officers

Neil Evans Lead Attendance and Wellbeing Officer James Newland Attendance and Wellbeing Officer

Centre Occupancy Targets

Caerphilly | Newport

Bridgend | Swansea

Aberdare | Ebbw Vale

OPH | Barry

Hadfield

100

125

100

140

210

Centre Cleaners

TOTAL: 675

Centre Cleaners

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Michelle Norman Attendance and Wellbeing Officer Centre Cleaners

Rachael Brown Attendance and Wellbeing Officer 1xVacancy Centre Cleaners

Steve Briggs Attendance and Wellbeing Officer Centre Cleaners

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The improvements to the Traineeship provision structure ensure that ACT will be in an even stronger position ahead of the new contract year starting in August.

Rebecca Cooper, Head of People & Development commented, “I feel very positive about the new structure of Traineeships, and am pleased that this change has been made as a direct result of feedback from staff in our Traineeships centres.”

Zoe Goodall, Delivery Director, added: “Although too early to comment on the full impact of the new structure we hope that staff within centres are already feeling part of more cohesive teams, with greater autonomy and clearer accountability. We recently carried out a survey with all Traineeship staff to gauge initial feelings to the changes (thanks to those of you that took the time to complete this) and overall results were encouraging.

The majority of staff are clearer about their role and responsibilities, and the introduction of attendance and wellbeing officers has been welcomed. While there is still

room for improvement, we hope things will continue to progress as people settle in to their new roles.

The re-structure should allow us to further improve already great outcomes for our learners, but also allow us to run the provision more efficiently and take a more regionalised approach in preparation for the new contract we are currently tendering for.”

RECEPTION REMINDERS Reception staff are the first point of contact for our customers and stakeholders. They rely heavily on all ACT staff to support, communicate and share information with them in order to deliver the very highest level of customer service.

Here are a few reminders and tips of how we can all do our bit to support them: > Inform reception if you are sick, out of office or are attending team meetings. This is particularly important if you have visitors scheduled in. > Always sign in and out of the building.

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> Cancel meeting rooms if you no longer require them. > Learners must wear visitor passes. > Notify reception who is the acting safeguarding officer that day.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS We now have a newly improved booking-on system for Essential Skills sessions, making the whole process more efficient and straightforward. You, or your learners, can book onto a session using the ‘Simplybook’ site, with all sessions listed running continuously to suit the learner’s schedule.

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quality

Since the release of the Professional Standards for Work Based Learning Practitioners in November 2017, ACT has developed an initial action plan to demonstrate how the standards can be further embedded into our business, starting with recruitment of new staff.

Here is a reminder of the launch material issued by Welsh Government; filmed in ACT with Non Wilshaw (who was privileged to be a member of the group) who developed the standards:

"New #ProfessionalStandardsWales for further education teachers and work-based learning practitioners developed by the sector, for the sector, with professional learning and collaboration at their core https://t.co/hudvBq7Xrx @ acttrainingltd @NTFWwbl @ewc_cga @CollegesWales"

MATRIX STANDARDS

LITERACY MARKING GUIDE

We successfully completed our continual improvement check for the Matrix Standard in May 2018. This is the national quality standard for delivering information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work and demonstrates to all our stakeholders the professionalism and level of support we provide for our learners in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals.

The ESQ team have developed the literacy marking guide to include more guidance to support learners to develop their written literacy skills.

OUR PARTNERS All our partners have provided an overview of their organisation and their unique provision into this document – Our Partners. The contents highlight the breadth and variety of opportunities we offer employers and learners across Wales. We hope you find the contents useful.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT Many of you will have noticed that 3 months after any training you undertake and record, CascadeGo sends you an automated email asking for you to complete and upload an Impact Statement. We understand that this is another thing we are asking you to do on top of your already busy schedules, but it is vital they are completed for a number of reasons: > to monitor the effectiveness of the training we provide. > to assess the cost effectiveness of training that we pay for. > to improve our staff training to suit your evolving training needs. > to provide evidence of all of the above for Estyn.

It's a really short and easy form to complete. So, when you receive your email from CascadeGo you simply need to: 1. Download the form to your computer.

2. Complete and save it.

3. Upload it to the CascadeGo training record it relates to using Available Actions/Linked Documents (just like you do for certificates) Your manager will be checking these as part of our PJR processes, and they will be periodically audited by the P&D team to ensure they are being done by everybody.

We understand you’re busy but remember this process is here for you; without it, we can't improve the training and opportunities we are providing for you.

NUS APPRENTICESHIP EXTRA CARD It’s not just our learners who are eligible for an Apprenticeship Extra Card. For just £12, all ACT staff are entitled to apply for the card, which offers discounts in hundreds of high street stores.

The card is valid for 12 months, just head to www.apprenticeshipextra.co.uk to purchase and find out more.

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ACT TURNS 30 SAVE THE DATE! In case you weren’t aware, this year ACT will be turning the big 30!! So, to celebrate the past 3 decades and all the wonderful work we do, on the 15th September we’ll be hosting our very own Street Food Shindig!

More details will follow!

30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AT THE SENEDD On the 26th September, we’ll be continuing our 30th birthday celebrations by hosting a private and formal event at the Senedd for a selection of our stakeholders, employers and learners to attend.

A short video will be made featuring outstanding learners or staff from the past 30 years, so if you have someone in mind who really stands out, please do get in touch with the Marketing & Communications Team.

events...

We are delighted to announce that one of our learners Lianne Page, who many of you know from OPH Café, is now undertaking a Customer Service Apprenticeship with us. Lianne will be continuing to assist the OPH café team front of house, as they say a fond farewell to their Café Supervisor of almost 3 years, Rachel Hall.

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Rachel and her infamous flat white coffee making skills will be sorely missed but we are pleased that she is leaving us in such capable hands, as she heads to our Hadfield Road Centre to take on a new role as Opportunities Advisor.

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welsh corner cornel cymraeg

CARIAD CALON IS A WINNER! CARIAD CALON YW'R ENILLYDD! Aeth dysgwyr a thiwtoriaid gofal plant i’r brig eleni trwy ennill y wobr gyntaf yng nghystadleuaeth gofal plant Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Nid yn unig wnaethon nhw ddatblygu adnodd arbennig i ddefnyddio mewn lleoliad gofal plant ond wnaethon nhw’r holl beth trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg! Gweithiodd y grŵp o sawl canolfan (OPH/

Pen-y-bont/Aberdâr/Y Coed Duon a Glyn Ebwy) gyda’i gilydd i greu adnoddau yn seiliedig ar eu prif gymeriad Cariad Calon.

Labelwyd ei thŷ bach twt a’r ardd i ddatblygu geirfa a datblygwyd cardiau fflach i ymarfer ymhellach. Gwnaeth Cariad Calon gael ymweld â nifer o leoedd enwog wrth ddatblygu eu llyfryn ar ddiwylliant Cymru.

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Cafodd y grŵp a’u tiwtoriaid ddiwrnod i’r brenin ar faes yr eisteddfod yn Llanfair ym Muallt lle cyflwynwyd ei medalau iddynt.

A massive congratulations to our Traineeship Childcare learners and tutors who came first in this year’s 2018 Urdd Eisteddfod Childcare competition. Not only did they develop a fabulous resource for use in a childcare setting but they also did it all through the medium of Welsh!

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The group from across all centres (OPH/ Bridgend/ Aberdare/ Blackwood/ Ebbw Vale) worked together to devise a bilingual dolls house and garden suitable for use in an early years setting, based around the character Cariad Calon. The group were presented with their winning medals at the Urdd Eisteddfod event in Builth Wells on 30th May. A huge well done to all who participated!

The Welsh Government is aiming to get the number of Welsh speakers in Wales up to a million by 2050. If you would like to be one of these people, why not start your Welsh learning journey with Work Welsh Welcome.

Work Welsh Welcome is a 10 hour online Welsh course which is completely free for staff or learners. Why not sign up on CascadeGo today?

APP Y MIS APP OF THE MONTH CADW Explore over 6,000 years of Welsh history across the country with this app.

Archwiliwch dros 6,000 mlynedd o hanes Cymru gyda’r ap yma.

1 MILLION WELSH SPEAKERS! MILIWN O SIARADWYR CYMRAEG! Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn anelu at gael miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg erbyn 2050. Os hoffech chi fod yn un o’r rheini pam na wnewch chi ddechrau eich taith gyda chwrs Cymraeg Gwaith Croeso. Mae’r cwrs yn 10 awr ar-lein sydd am ddim i staff a dysgwyr. Cofrestrwch ar CascadeGo heddiw.

“ clynoync ” caff

CLONC YN Y CAFF Dydd Mercher cyntaf y mis Cyfle i ymarfer eich Cymraeg dros baned am ddim!

First Wednesday of the Month A chance to practise your Welsh over a free cuppa!

10:00 - 10:30am, Caff OPH/OPH Cafe

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staff in the spotlight...

This month we put the spotlight on Gareth Blackwell, who joined ACT in April 2016 as a Training and Development Advisor at Ocean Park House in Cardiff.

Hi Gareth, tell us a little bit about your role, and what your average day looks like.

Our team are responsible for managing all existing businesses we have learners training with, and sourcing new businesses to work with. Every month we source 100+ new learners using several different approaches.

We try to make sure the learners reach the assessors ASAP by speaking with them to find the best job role for them and ensuring they meet Welsh Government requirements.

This month we have put the spotlight on Gareth Blackwell!

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What is the most rewarding part of your current role?

It’s great having that little helping hand in somebody’s future. I wanted to be a teacher when I was growing up, but was a bit of a delinquent in 6th form and never made it to Uni – at least now I’m able to give someone a nudge in the right direction!

I really enjoy the relationship

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building aspect of the job too.

I have contacts in businesses across Wales now who know all about my life, and vice versa. It makes the job so much easier, and fun!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I moved to South Africa when I was 6 months old and lived there for 2 years. It was quite daunting on my own at such a young age!

Nah, only joking.

My parents moved there when I was a baby as my dad took a job in the coal mines out there after all the local ones began shutting down. My mother was 21 years old, with a 6 month old baby, migrating to a notoriously dangerous country, away from all of her friends and family. Not all heroes wear capes.

Where is the best place you have travelled to?

I don’t remember Africa (but I am told it was beautiful) so I would probably say Chicago. I went in the winter a few years ago, when it was snowing and it was stunning - some of the greatest

architecture I’ve ever seen.

It’s just a shame that the Chicago Bears suck!

What was the last album you listened to?

This weekend I’ve listened to ‘Ye’

by Kanye West and ‘Daytona’ by Pusha-T – produced by Kanye West. I’m also waiting patiently for Kid Cudi’s collaboration with, yup – Kanye West. It’s Kanye season and I’m enjoying it!

till 3AM and missing the kebab shop cos it’s shut, any day!

What would be your top tip for colleagues?

People should just be nice to each other and try and have a good time along the way!

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

My paper-round sucked when I was a kid. In the end my parents told me to knock it on the head because I was so tired, and increased my pocket money instead!

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

My weekends are pretty much chock-a-block with sports.

Throughout the week I’ll go to the gym, cook, read and watch films. I’m also partial to a day out with the boys. I’m a much better day-drinker than I am nightdrinker. Give me a pizza and bed before midnight, over partying

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book club This issue our recommended read is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People.’

limited to 50 copies!

It may sound like a manipulative handbook for the sad and lonely, but this classic book from Dale Carnegie offers advice on dealing with people that has stood the test of time. It also boasts sales of over 16 million copies worldwide. The book offers practical advice and techniques, in Carnegie’s exuberant and conversational style, for how to get out of a mental rut and make life more rewarding.

His advice will teach you how to: > make friends quickly and easily - increase your popularity

> persuade people to follow your way of thinking - enable you to win new clients and customers > become a better speaker boost enthusiasm among your colleagues.

This classic book offers guidance on how to turn your relationships around and improve your interactions with everyone in your life.

TO ORDER YOUR COPY To order your copy please email bookclub@acttraining.org.uk with your name and centre.

Please submit your thoughts and feedback after reading this book through to Rachael Lewis: rachaellewis@acttraining.org.uk - This will be featured in issue 6!

Last issue our recommended read was ‘Outliers: The Story of Success’. Thank you to everyone who particpated and ordered and read a copy of the book. Some great feedback was received, a selection is featured below.

“A really enjoyable read that told stories about the Beatles and Bill Gates.

It argues strongly that luck and persistence are more important for career success than IQ (and that IQ has an almost negligible effect after 120). It also provides an unexpected reason as to why young Asian students are so much more advanced than young North American students when it comes to maths.”

- Sam Robson-Davis

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welcome to our newest recruits...

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Emma Conlon

Higher Apprenticeship Management Assessor

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Chris Knapman

Health & Social Care Assessor

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Dee Jones

Cross Curricular Tutor

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Daniel McGough

Essential Skills Tutor

5

David Caroll

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

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Nadia Turgman

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Helen Jenkins

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Lucy Wilkinson

Business Services Assessor

Hairdressing Assessor

BLC Apprenticeship Contract Manager

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5

Emily Arscott

Creative Media Tutor

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Deborah Wootton

Higher Apprenticeship Management 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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