18080 Educators providing Courses

Kinver High School And Sixth Form

kinver high school and sixth form

West Midlands

Welcome to the Kinver High School website my name is Nikki Clifton, proud headteacher of Kinver High School. I joined Kinver High in December 2019 as head and was pleased to find a team and community that had ambitions that match mine, to create a world class environment for our students to learn. During my headship I aim to lean on not only the experience gained from my 25 years in education, first as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and secondly as a School Leader for the past decade; but also, being a parent of three teenagers allows me to perfectly understand the challenges that face our students, parents and carers. I know that the relationship between home and school is crucial to the development of our students. At Kinver, we believe that every child really matters and that every child is an individual with an array of talents, perhaps yet to be discovered. It is our belief that every child can be successful and we are committed to ensuring that all students are prepared for their future and are able to go on to lead successful lives. Our goal is simple, we want all students to develop into well-rounded confident, independent, resilient and high achieving outward thinking individuals, who are proud of their school, its values and reputation. We will equip all students with the knowledge, skills, characteristics and learning behaviours to enable them to set aspirational and challenging goals. We always seek to work with pupils, parents and our wider school community to provide a happy, supportive and stimulating environment where all students thrive, feel safe, respected and are recognised. We want our students to be happy, successful young adults who contribute to their communities, seek out opportunities and continue to always aim, to be the best that they can be. Kinver High School and Sixth Form is widely recognised as a friendly and welcoming school community where all are valued. We aim to support and challenge all our students to work hard and have high aspirations for academic success and personal development. The attainment of students at Kinver is consistently above the national average and their ‘behaviour in lessons and at social times is good’ (Ofsted 2018). Our curriculum is broad and balanced and designed to ensure that all students develop the wide range of skills and attributes required to be a successful member of society as well as gaining the best possible recognised qualifications. ‘16 to 19 study programmes are effective. Teaching is strong, and students make good progress.’ Ofsted, 2018 Kinver is a small 11 – 18 secondary school providing for about 600 students. Being relatively small for a secondary school is seen by parents and students as highly beneficial because we know all of our students well, so that we can help them to learn and develop in a close knit environment. Our positive learning environment, promotes, recognises and rewards all student’s achievements and positive contributions to wider school life. Together with our comprehensive student support structure we ensure that all students can access help, guidance and the support to succeed. As a result, our students are the best advertisement the school could have. We are located in the beautiful, rural village setting of Kinver and serve a wide area also comprising the South Staffordshire villages of Stourton, Swindon, Bobbington and Trysull. Over recent years a substantial number of children have travelled in from Dudley and the southern and western parts of Stourbridge including Norton, Wollaston, Wordsley, Cookley in Worcestershire. Our coaches pick up from all of these locations. Kinver is also conveniently located for travel to and from Bridgnorth and Kidderminster. Academic work at all stages at Kinver High is important, but our idea of education goes beyond the classroom. We have an exceptional range of extra-curricular activities, through involvement in sports teams, musical performances and a variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs designed to engage and inspire students to pursue their own interests and develop their talents. There is also a house system to add a positive, competitive edge to many of the team activities that take place. ‘The curriculum is well balanced, and extra-curricular activities make a strong contribution to pupils’ learning’ Ofsted 2018 Our simple message to students is that ‘hard work and high aspirations make you successful’. I hope that you will want to discover more of what Kinver High can offer you or your child and would encourage you to further explore our website to get to know us better. Through the website you will also be able to access a wide range of important and useful information about the school and stay up to date with school life here at Kinver.

Wills & Wills Mentoring

wills & wills mentoring

Wilmslow

BOSTON – MENTOR, the unifying champion of the mentoring movement, announces the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Tim Wills who joins as the organization’s first Chief Impact Officer on March 7. Tim will drive strategy, coordination, integration, and effectiveness of MENTOR’s teams focused in the areas of training and technical assistance; product design, development and ongoing usage; field research and evaluation; strategic partnerships and systems innovation; and Affiliate partnership, support, effectiveness, sustainability, and expansion. MENTOR CEO David Shapiro says, “We are so fortunate Tim is bringing his decades of experience as an advocate for youth, an innovator, a communicator, and local leader in one of the nation’s oldest and most expansive youth development organizations to our team and the mentoring movement. His personal and professional journey, commitment to supporting others’ development, community building talent, and deep commitment to young people will be such key drivers in our expanded and dynamic efforts to ensure all young people have the relationships they need to strive and thrive.” A native of Ferguson, Mo., Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. As a college student, he developed his passion for youth by covering human interest stories as on-air talent for his college television and radio stations which led to a 17-year career in youth development, including at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicago, the District of Columbia, and Harford County, Md. In 2016, because of his extensive experience in organizational transformation and increasing club membership, quality improvement, innovative programming and funding, Tim was named the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama. In this role over the last six years, Tim led twelve year-round sites, three summer only programs, a 150-acre campground, and POINTE Academy, a school for detained and adjudicated youth. He’s received several honors and awards, including Boys & Girls Clubs Professional of the Year for his leadership, Mobile Bay 40 Under 40, and Benjamin Mays Excellence in Mentoring Award. Tim is an active member of the Lion’s Club and a member of the board of directors for Voices for Alabama’s Children and Linking All So Others Succeed (LASOS) in Maryland. He’s completed executive-level training in leadership, non-profit management, and advanced philanthropy from Harvard Business School, Stanford University, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For 12 years, Tim has been a single foster parent and has fostered 20 children. He also has spent significant time teaching in VolunTourism trips to Haiti. “I’m thrilled to join the MENTOR community to continue the work of elevating the voices of young people across our country,” said Tim. “This new role will further deepen our ability to impact systematic change in order to open doors of opportunity and to close the mentoring gap. I am excited to get started working with our team, board, and stakeholders to continue strengthening and expanding the mentoring movement.” The role of Chief Impact Officer provides a critical new link and integration between so many of MENTOR’s core functions, key stakeholders, valued partners, and Affiliate network which provides local delivery, leadership, and innovations in service to the youth mentoring field nationwide. It will drive expanded impact, efficiency, and responsive servant leadership. Currently, MENTOR operates in collaboration with 24 local Affiliates across the country that galvanize their regional or statewide mentoring movements and provide leadership and structure to support quality mentoring through training, advocacy, and public awareness. Operating under the framework of One MENTOR, MENTOR Affiliates share resources and strategies to strengthen the national mentoring movement. Sadiq Ali, Executive Director of MENTOR Maryland | DC and a member of the CIO interview committee added, “I am greatly excited about Tim joining our One MENTOR family in such a critical role and at such a critical time. His perspective, having been on the frontlines of both local and national youth serving work, will be invaluable as he helps lead us into our next chapter as an Affiliate network, champions for young people, systems change advocates, and a sustainable, impactful organization.” ABOUT MENTOR MENTOR is the unifying champion for expanding the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships across the United States. 30 years ago, MENTOR was created to expand opportunities for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. The result: a more than 10-fold increase in young people in structured mentoring relationships. Today, MENTOR is the expert voice representing a movement that meets young people everywhere they are – from schools, to workplaces, and beyond. MENTOR operates in collaboration with 24 local Affiliates across the country. For more information, visit mentoring.org.

Dyane's Stitch in Time

dyane's stitch in time

Durham

She holds a B’tec in Art and Design – focussing on Textile Art in particular Fashion Design and Batik, then trained in Clothing Manufacture & Management at Jacob Kranmer Collage (Now Leeds College of Art) in Leeds more than 30 years ago. Eight years later she took time out to gain a BA(hons) in Environmental Ethics at Wolverhampton University. In recent years she took her PGCE for Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector at University of Sunderland. Over the years she has stitched costumes, cushions and curtains for numerous projects / shows in England, Wales, India & Canada; becoming a company director of Eco-Babes – a cloth nappy company in 1998 until 2006 and Arts Director for Gaunless Valley Creatives CIC 2015 – 2018. As an artist some of her Batiks with freestyle embroidery have been exhibited in Art Galleries. Dyane’s Stitch in Time was set up in Norfolk in 2008 and moved back to County Durham in 2012. By focussing on Repairs & Alterations, she blends her skill in sewing with her interest in the environment with particular focus on waste minimisation. She also uses a vintage hand wheel Singer during power cuts and for repairs to vintage clothing. Over the years Dyane has enjoyed combining her textile skills with her environmental concerns & community spirit with others of all ages. Of particular success is the Stitch Kidz Club held for KS2 & KS3 Children, originally in Norfolk with kids becoming skilled enough to make their own trousers, skirts and tops, this has now been revived succesfully in this area. Stitch Kidz don’t just make items for themselves they get involved with the community, making dresses from pillowcases for a local Trashion show which were then sent to Dress a Girl around the world. Plus some of the accesories hats, bags and belts for National Show Kynryn for their community certificate :-). Many in Sew Social help make washable cloth sanitary pads for women in Syria and Pakistan. On moving to Durham she has become involved with holding a variety of Textile and Art Workshops for children, teens and Adults in the local Community via Lot 64 in Darlington The Bowes Museum, The Hub, Witham, NeST – Barnard Castle, Evenwood Family Programme, Gaunless Valley Creatives in Cockfield, Colour Your Life, The POD – Bishop Auckland, Auckland Castle, The Forum – Northalerton, UK Sewing Shop – Darlington, Durham Crafty Mums and several schools. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in learning more practical life skills, folk dusting down their sewing machines and wanting to learn how to sew. I enjoy working with individuals helping them to learn these essentials, working on personal projects. In 2020 during the first Lockdown of the pandemic Dyane’s Stitch in Time had to temporarily close the business for three months, however Dyane got very busy volunteering with the Sewing for the Front Line North East project, started by Zoe Worrell & Alison Mathews instead, becoming one of their area co-ordinators, networking with other co-ordinators and personally ensuring around 35 home sewers had the patterns, donated fabric (including a lot of bedding to be upcycled 🙂 and the haberdashery they needed to create the Scrubs, Gowns, washbags & ear defenders that our NHS staff desperately needed. Stitch Kidz got involved too from their homes, making wash bags and heart pairs for families of covid patients in intensive care. Through all the amazing efforts of the local home sewers she was able to covid safely deliver thousands of items including hundreds of scrub sets and gowns to Auckland, Durham, Darlington Memorial General Hospitals, West Park, Auckland Park and Lanchester Mental Health Hospitals, some fun childrens’ character themed ones even reached paediatric teams in hospitals further afield and the local community teams of Midwives and Health visitors. Towards the end of lockdown we were also able to give 150 gowns to Premier Care for their large team of local Carers in Bishop. All in all between all the incredible volunteers – donating time and skills the Area Co-ordinators and their home Sewing ladies (and children) we were able to supply thousands of scrubs, gowns and washbags to help protect our NHS and Care home workers from the corona virus all across Northumbria, Durham and Teesside. Although later lockdowns have not meant the business has had to close, as we have adapted to the constantly changing ‘new normal’, it has severely limited the service that can be offered. So in early 2021 Dyane is using the quieter business time to complete a course in Direct Method Construction for high end dressmaking. She hopes these enhanced pattern construction skills will serve her customers well and add to the skills she can share in workshops when such activities can resume 🙂

The Self-compassion Community

the self-compassion community

London

I'm a former board level executive director who rose quickly ... and became burnt out, young. I am also a former voice artist - something which served me well when a life-changing injury occurred in 2006. I suffered a ‘hip replacement gone wrong’ which left me with major arterial internal bleeding and genuinely fighting for my life ... physically of course, and subsequently mentally too as the months of physical recovery and pain rolled into many years. I went from being a high-achieving, fast-paced, super capable person, to someone who needed to learn to walk again. That took its toll. And years of pain and effort. Cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness helped me find a way through. Sounds trite almost doesn't it? But it's powerfully, powerfully true. Catherine Kell Meaningful and adaptable teaching I have studied hard to do the work I do, to get all the necessary qualifications and registrations (more on those below). Yet what exams and qualifications alone can't give someone is the heart to do the work. That 'in the veins' pulse to help improve the life of another. And I believe my journey gives me the authenticity to bring compassion-based approaches meaningfully and wholeheartedly to others. I embody what I teach, and I bring kindness, sincerity, warmth, and of course compassion to every interaction. I'm friendly and lively too! I bring an adaptable pace and tone depending on the environment. I'm passionate about bringing the skills of self-compassion and mindfulness into people's lives to help them make transformations, build their resources and step into their full expression and power from a place of self-acceptance and inner strength. It's a privilege to witness the unfolding of all aspects of their good health. Qualifications and Education Catherine has had a personal mindfulness and meditation practice since 2006. She is a qualified and authorised Trained Teacher of the evidence-based and empirically-supported Mindful Self-Compassion programmes and trained through the globally renowned Center for Mindful Self-Compassion in their intensive MSC programme developed by self-compassion pioneers Kristin Neff PhD and Christopher Germer PhD. She is trauma-sensitive in all her work, undertaking ongoing CPD in the trauma field. She has an MA Degree with Honours and as well as her training as a Mindfulness Teacher she holds a Professional Certification in Clinical and Therapeutic Mindfulness for applied use in 1-to-1 session work. Additionally, Catherine is an alumni of Compassion Cultivation Training with the Compassion Institute, a scientifically-backed and evidence-based training programme developed at Stanford University, as well as various compassion, mindfulness, meditation and lovingkindness professional development programs with Tara Brach and Sharon Salzberg, both global leaders in compassion and mindfulness. Catherine is also a Trained Teacher with the Mindfulness in Schools Project, and has passionately brought her skillset to scores of teenagers and school staff as a teacher of kindfulness, gratitude practices and the MiSP evidence-based 10-week mindfulness curriculum developed specifically for pupils and staff in schools. Catherine is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist (Dip.Cl.Hyp (Distinction), Cl.NLP, CNHC Reg., SICH HPD, MNCH(Reg.) and Paediatric Clinical Hypnotherapist (Dip.Hyp Paediatrics (Distinction). In her past work with children, Catherine had a particular interest in anxiety, panic attacks and sleep, helping children and adolescents from the age of around 7 to 18. Today, working with adults, Catherine uses hypnosis in a coaching capacity rather than a clinical one in order to help those working with her to cultivate self-compassion, boost life-satisfaction, uplevel and truly thrive. Previously, Catherine provided in-depth parenting support and empowerment services for whole families either in office from a local health centre, or via home visits. Catherine led specialist therapeutic support and learning sessions for mothers based around cultivating mindful self-compassion and strengthening the parent-child connection in parenting. Catherine is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, holds a Diploma In Positive Parenting and is a graduate of the 'Parenting by Connection Professionals Programme' with Hand in Hand Parenting. Catherine draws all her rich experience into every interaction. She is passionate about guiding people in developing the capacity to be with themselves in the kindest and most supportive way. Self-compassion can truly transform lives. Catherine is an accomplished speaker and provider of workshops and talks. She has contributed as a mindfulness and self-compassion expert to many podcasts and a number of mental health books.

Home Cook School

home cook school

Kirkoswald

I’m a foodie through and through! I like to eat! I like to cook! Variety is the spice of life, and we shouldn’t get stuck in a rut when we cook. Cooking is a creative process and should be one of life’s great pleasures. I am a big fan of the local Ayrshire seasonal produce, and recently demonstrated dishes at the Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink 2020 and Newmilns Food Festival, 2017. I am lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world. Maybole is sandwiched between Culzean Castle and Country Park and Alloway where Robert Burns was born. The area is steeped in history and an abundance of local artisan produce. Farm shops sell Ayrshire meat, cheese, vegetables and all manner of other products. Of course, the coast is close by too with a fantastic array of seafood. With all of this on my doorstep, its not hard to be inspired. I believe it is important that we can all cook at least a few great dishes from scratch. Unfortunately, so many people don’t have the skills or confidence in the kitchen. Many people are short of time, and for some, cooking skills simply haven’t been passed down to them. There is an increasing awareness of the health benefits of eating nutritious home cooked meals. Furthermore, I think its very important that people eat together, in order to socialise and share time. BACKGROUND Prior to Home Cook School, I worked as a Lecturer within the Creative Industries Department at a local Further Education College. My role involved working with various student groups – both advanced and non-advanced, community groups and school classes. I love teaching people and seeing them develop knowledge, skills and confidence! Since I was very young, I have been a keen cook. I have travelled extensively, and learned from many different international cuisine styles. My husband and I love to eat out and plan our holidays around breakfast, lunch and dinner! I have attended many cook school classes including Tuscan and Croatian styles. Lindsay demonstrating at Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink Lindsay Demonstrating at Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink I love cooking lavish dinner parties, but more recently, my focus has been on cooking nutritious, economic, family meals. I am a strong advocate of reducing food waste by shopping thriftily, planning and using leftovers and often integrate these principles into my lessons. For years, many friends and family would ask me to share my recipes and cooking tips – this combined with my years of teaching experience, consequently gave me the idea to launch Home Cook School. For a long time, I was keen to become self-employed however, due to work and family commitments, I was never able to fully devote myself to the concept. In 2014 I gave up my Lecturing job (after 12 years) to focus on bringing up my young family. The following year I moved to Maybole, South Ayrshire and finally had a kitchen big enough to run classes from! In 2016, I decided to launch Home Cook School. I feel passionate about sharing my love and knowledge of home cooking with anyone who is keen to realise their ambition to become a better home cook! A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO COOKING LOCAL PRODUCE As an active member of the Ayrshire Food Network, we pride ourselves in using locally sourced, fresh produce. Not only that – we run cooking courses promoting both Scottish and Ayrshire produce, connecting our clients with local suppliers, supporting the local economy and teaching our clients where they can buy local! Click here to link with some of our suppliers. LOOKING AFTER OUR ENVIRONMENT In our lessons we promote ways to avoid wasting food. We are certified to deliver Zero Waste Scotland Love Food Hate Waste Cascade Training. We recycle our waste and when clients require disposable plates and cutlery for buffets, we use biodegradable products. We also car share where possible! GROW YOUR OWN We encourage our clients to try growing their own fruit, vegetables and herbs in our classes. We use home grown produce in many of our classes and catering. BIOSPHERE CERTIFICATION MARK We proud to hold the business Certification Mark for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, which is the stunning area of natural beauty that Home Cook School is situated within. Cooking tutor, and business owner Lindsay Guidi is also a Board Member of the Biosphere. South West Scotland is a place of abundant good quality food, drink and crafts which reflect the diversity and unique character of the countryside and region. One of the best-known crops in the Biosphere is Ayrshire ‘tatties’, known for their earthy, sweet flavour. With a reputation for producing high quality beef cattle, lamb and delicious dairy produce and of course some of the best seafood, the Biosphere offers a special, authentic food and drink experience.

Islamic College for Advanced Studies

islamic college for advanced studies

London

A Centre of Excellence and the No.1 Choice for Islamic Studies (in the UK, Europe and Worldwide) The Islamic College is a registered charity founded in 1997 in London, The Islamic College has consistently and successfully continued to fulfil its vision of creating a high-quality research and teaching environment for all academically affiliated and independent researchers who wish to acquire and/or further develop solid and in-depth knowledge of various aspects of the diverse field of Islamic Studies. The Islamic College, as a higher education Institute based in the UK, is an academic partner with Middlesex University (MDX). It is not affiliated with or partner with any other university or institutes of higher education. Its main academic programmes are validated by MDX, and this same university acts as The Islamic College’s awarding body; provides services related to oversight of academic quality and standards of the College, in line with standards in force in all major universities and higher education institutes in the UK. Through its publication of scholarly titles in both modern and traditional approaches to Islamic Studies, producing a well-established peer-reviewed journal, providing first-class academic programmes and short courses in Islamic Studies –from philosophy and kalam to the exegesis of the Quran, and the study of fiqh, usul-al-fiqh, and hadith studies, and from Islam and modernity, Islam and modern politics, methods and perspectives in Islamic studies, to advanced Arabic and Persian classes– the Islamic College has succeeded to create a genuine thriving knowledge community in both its in-house and online platforms. Those who join this community are guaranteed to experience a critical and rational approach to the study of religion. In the past twenty-five years, hundreds of young or mature enthusiastic students, from different religious denominations, have successfully completed the academic programmes at The Islamic College. Many of these happy graduates have successfully continued their career paths as professionals in various fields, as businessmen, lawyers, teachers, community leaders and so on, while others have opted for academically oriented activities and pursued further postgraduate and doctoral degrees and post-doctoral opportunities in internationally renowned universities and academic institutions. According to the records kept at the Alumni Office of The Islamic College, the majority, if not all, of our graduates have distinguished themselves amongst their peers, whether in various fields of business or art or at universities and higher education institutes. Looking back at more than two decades of the activities of The Islamic College in the UK, we can proudly state that The Islamic College has been a force for good in British society, and the positive fruits of its hard work and dedicated efforts of its staff have benefitted many academic and professional bodies all around the globe. Disclaimer: The Islamic College’s official policies are presented on its official website. Comments and statements made by those affiliated with The Islamic College, in any shape or form, are their own personal opinions for which The Islamic College takes no responsibility.

ICRS Central London Hub

icrs central london hub

London

We are the UK’s professional body for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS). Our mission is to help individuals and organisations be brilliant at CRS. Who we are As the UK's professional body for CRS practitioners, our membership reflects the breadth of practitioners, from students and academics to consultants and in-house practitioners from large and small organisations. The Institute is led by a Board of volunteer Directors. Comprised of senior CRS professionals, they give their time, energy, and expertise to guide the Institute's strategic direction. We also involve technical specialists where required. The Institute is supported by a Secretariat provided by Carnstone Partners Ltd, a specialist management consultancy in the CRS field. The Secretariat manage the day-to-day activity and act as the central point of contact for our members and Fellows. The ICRS Board Chair Jennie Galbraith, ESG Director, Inflexion Vice-Chair Victoria Taylor, Managing Director, Flag Vice-Chair Robbie Epsom, EMEA Head of ESG, CBRE Investment Management Director Dr Sam Healy, Group Director ESG, QinetiQ Director Dr Dorothy Maxwell, Senior Director Sustainability, Davy Horizons Director Karin Mueller, Managing Director, Liebfrog Director Jatin Patel, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, England Rugby Director Andrew Wilson, Director and Head of Responsible Business, Lexington Director Nadia Al Yafai, Head of Mutuality and Social Impact (Purpose Lead), Royal London Jennie Galbraith "I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chair of the ICRS at this critical time for our profession. As sustainability issues have risen up the global political and corporate agendas, our roles as practitioners have only grown, both in scope and importance. This is a really exciting time to be involved in sustainability and I look forward to working with the Board to ensure that we continue to drive our profession forward and support our members to be brilliant at what they do." Victoria Taylor "This is such a fast-moving and critical time for sustainability within business and society. I am super excited to become Vice Chair of the ICRS – an organisation leading the way for CRS practitioners and the continued establishment of our profession. CRS needs more talented individuals and ambitious companies to be focused on progressing sustainability, and I am thrilled to be a part of what the ICRS has already achieved and can and will achieve" Robbie Epsom "After two years of serving as a Board Director at ICRS, I’m excited to be allowed to continue my support as co-Vice Chair of the Board. As sustainability continues to rise up the agenda, CRS professionals are increasingly taking up senior and influential roles within organisations. I’m delighted to be part of a leading professional body helping individuals and organisations to excel at CRS; their leadership will be crucial in the transition to a sustainable economy.” Dr Sam Healy "There has been a seismic shift in the importance of responsible and sustainable business practice. Climate change, human rights, and diversity and inclusion are becoming critical business enablers. And so now, more than ever, it’s vital that practitioners feel supported - through the development of their skills and knowledge and the forging of their network. I’m proud to serve on the Board and excited to be part of shaping our profession for the challenges and opportunities ahead." Karin Mueller "My passion is developing great leaders. Leaders that can effectively challenge the status quo, inspire others, and make a real difference within organisations in an increasingly fast changing, complex and volatile world. I am delighted to contribute to the success of the Institute as we help our members excel at doing just that, by providing access to the latest thinking, training, debates, mentoring, a resourceful network, and much more." Jatin Patel "The ICRS is operating in an environment filled with opportunities and challenges. Being a Director, and more importantly, being at the forefront of facilitating discussions which address the climate crisis, the importance of corporate responsibility and building inclusivity into the approaches which tackle these issues is a great honour and one I do not take lightly. And only through collaboration can we make collective gains. Collaboration and sharing of best practice is what we’re all about!" Andrew Wilson "I am delighted to be a Board Director of ICRS. It is the preeminent organisation representing the interests of professionals working in this area. What impresses me most is the power and influence of the ICRS which comes directly from the knowledge and wisdom of all our members – both individuals and organisations. I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this collective effort we are all undertaking to enhance the positive role of business in society." Nadia Al Yafai “I’m excited to be an ICRS Director at a time when our profession is not just ‘at the table’ but moving swiftly to ‘owning the table’. From community to sustainability to diversity, our agenda is recognised as central to driving change. The move to purpose-driven business is a key shift in the CR&S professional’s portfolio and one I want to drive alongside embedding a just transition/social impact focus, uniting the social and environment. I’m honoured to support the profession to thrive!”

Sew Creative

sew creative

Altrincham

Hi I’m Kate, I set up Sew Creative in 2016, however a lot of my customers are often surprised to hear that I haven’t always loved sewing - in fact I even paid one of my friends to sew my Year 7 Textiles project for me, then ditched the subject as soon as I was allowed in the following year! I eventually learnt to sew when I made the decision to study Fashion Design in Manchester. After my degree I worked in the fashion industry in both London and New York, before heading back up North to train to be a Textiles teacher and settle in Altrincham. Whilst teaching, I started to advertise sewing classes - it was originally just a way to earn a little extra money. I started on a table in Hobbycraft with a couple of old machines and some bits and pieces from my personal fabric stash. I sat there for several weeks, with no customers or interest, and was about to give up when Sue (now a member of staff!), my first ever customer, approached me asking if I’d teach her how to make her own patterns - and Sew Creative was born! Alex MANAGER Alex joined the Sew Creative team having left teaching in February 2020, just two weeks before the first National Lockdown! When she was a teacher, she taught social science, so sewing was a bit of a change! Alex sews most of her own clothes and can usually be found wearing at least one me-made item in store during the week. Alex teaches our adult classes as well as our teenagers. She is also the shop’s manager, so if you need anything, she is always happy to help! You can find her on Instagram @sewalexfaye "My favourite thing about being able to sew is making things that fit me properly. I'm almost 6ft tall so finding ready to wear trousers and dresses the right length has always been a challenge.Now I just make them to fit my body rather than the other way around!" Dawn TUTOR Dawn has been with us at Sew Creative for two years now and has become the heart and soul of the shop. Dawn is our resident neat-freak so she keeps us all nice and ship-shape. Dawn has been sewing for years and regularly makes herself gorgeous dresses and coats. Dawn can be found teaching our adults on a Tuesday and our Saturday classes. She is warm of heart and always up for a good natter! Jayne TUTOR Jayne joined Sew Creative in September 2020, in the midst of a Global Pandemic has has taken the rollercoaster ride like a true pro. Jayne’s career has been in lingerie design and she has worked with some of the biggest names in the biz! Jayne sews her won clothes, and loves making tailored trousers, she is always the picture of sophistication! Jayne works most weekdays and every other Saturday, teaching our kids and adult classes. She also teaches our Monday night adult lesson! George CHIEF EXECUTIVE George is the newest and most adorable member of the Sew Creative team. He’s not old enough to sew yet, but can often be found in the shop sporting a mum-made outfit. You’ll also find his full modelling portfolio on Instagram, where you are guaranteed a regular dose of cuteness. He keeps Eric and Dotty very busy and despite being so small, is always the centre of attention! We’re all convinced he’ll be the next Patrick Grant! Eric HEAD OF SECURITY Hi, I’m Eric. I can often be found guarding the front door at Sew Creative. While I might look big, tough and scary, I am actually quite a lovely chap. I love treats, cuddles, any food that you might be eating, and more cuddles. Please feel free to pick me up and cuddle me, instead of doing any sewing. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you. Dotty THE DUCHESS Hi, I’m Dotty. I am pretty shy, but if you’re quiet and gentle I will come for some cuddles. I can often be found sleeping in my basket, or following my Mum around - just to make sure that she’s still there! Volunteers and Party Facilitators In addition to our part and full time members of staff, Sew Creative also has a team of amazing volunteers who help us out every week. Lisa, Sue , Catherine and Liz can be found lending a helping hand in our kids and adults classes, alongside some of our teen sewers who give up their precious weekends to work with us! If you book a party with us, you will almost certainly meet our lovely party facilitators. Evie and Daisy have been sewing with us for years and as they have grown up, have proven themselves to be very capable seamstresses. Both ladies are excellent with kids and adults alike!