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This interactive online learning introduces a variety of creative solution generation and decision-making techniques. You will develop the skills necessary to analyse a problem, generate creative solutions, and decide which solution most closely matches their needs. You will find out about problem solving styles and be able reflect on the typical approach you take and compare it with other styles. You'll gain knowledge about how defining the problem can be key and different tools you can use to do this, different creative approaches you can apply to the issues to generate solutions and alternative ideas and then evaluation processes so you reach decisions that achieve the outcomes you want.

This course is aimed at any internal staff who want to develop practical skills and approaches to problem solving, creative idea generation, and decision making tools where the solutions are not always obvious.

This is a self-study course and you can undertake this course at any time. It can be useful if you have some of your own examples that you can work through as you go through this course to provide you with a relevant context.

You may also find it useful to do with other people that you work with so you can discuss it together. If you wish to do this we recommend putting aside three hours and setting up a MS Teams meeting so you can use the chat function to record important points, questions you have, tips you can share and record any changes you want to make.

To access this course please use this link.

This course is for people who are looking to change jobs or are at risk of redundancy within the council. It explains how to approach applying for roles in the council and preparing fully for the process. It also gives tips and advice about application and interview preparation as well as signposting to further support and more details on this subject and other topics relevant to career change.

This is a self study course that you can complete at your own pace.

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This course will give you some hints and tips on how to prepare for your next interview, and will guide you through the preparation process, the interview itself and then what generally happens afterwards.

This is a self-study course that you can work through at your own pace.

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In stressful times it’s important to find different tools that can support you to manage your own wellbeing. There is an increasing body of evidence which shows the link between writing as a therapeutic practice and enhanced wellbeing. This course is intended to give you an overview of different methods and formats you can use to develop a journaling practice that works for you. You can work through it at your own pace or in small groups where you may wish to do this with colleagues.

This online course covers the different ways to journal, including with paper and pen or online methods and techniques which may be creative and expressive or fact based documentation. It also includes the benefits of savouring positive emotions through reminding, reinforcing and recording events. There will be exercises you can try for yourself and wellbeing tools. This course includes the five ways of wellbeing, which has a scientific basis and is endorsed by the NHS, it also includes the PERMA model from positive psychology and happiness habits both containing the elements which have been scientifically proven to boost levels of happiness.

This online course is for all professionals to increase awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning+ (LGBTQ+) language, culture and histories. The course will give you increased knowledge of LGBTQ+ equalities and discrimination. Through exploring the links between discrimination and health inequalities you will gain an insight into the challenges of coming out to professionals when accessing services. The course focuses on the impact of language and making assumptions to help you to reflect on best practice. Further information, advice and resources are included for those who would like to read further on any of the topics covered. If you require this course in a different format please contact the Workforce Development team (hrworkforcedevelopment@southglos.gov.uk)

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This online course is intended to give you an overview of the main people management responsibilities within the council and will take around an hour to complete. You can come back to this e-module at any time. After completing this module you will be able to: Identify the role of managers within the council; Understand the requirements of managers; Know the steps to manage performance within the council; Be aware of the range of relevant policies and procedures; Be confident in knowing where you can access help and support; Know how to assess your own strengths and weaknesses and to manage your own personal development.

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Mentoring can provide a great opportunity to share and spread acquired learning and know-how; it also helps to encourage an environment where people motivate each other and work together to improve skills and knowledge. Mentoring others can be a way of developing your own skills and career choices, as the ability to help develop others is often vital for career advancement.

This course covers what mentoring is and everything you need to know to get started as a mentor and deepen this practice. As well as a background to mentoring, you will look at how people learn and have practical tips and tools to use within your mentoring relationship, such as learning plans, learning style questionnaires and structures for mentoring conversations. It is aimed at anyone who is considering mentoring or wants to know how to get the most out of their mentoring relationship.

This online course will help you to recognise and use positive language and behaviours to create a confident, can-do impression and make positive adjustments to control nerves through both physical and mental techniques. This course is intended to help people present themselves confidently for the next interview as well as over time in the workplace.

This is a self-study course that you can complete at your own pace

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In this course, we'll look at the nature of change and how it affects individuals. It will help you recognise the impact of change and show you how to equip yourself to cope in an ever changing environment.

We'll look at changes within the council and what you may be experiencing as a result of change.

This course is also useful for line managers to help better understand how a team may be feeling and for employees to become aware of the different reactions to change that people have and the support the council offers you.

This is a self-study course that you can follow in your own time.

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The FREEDOM method personal development model® can help you build confidence and self-belief, as well as boost your wellbeing. It is an approach that can be used for achieving small or large goals, making your life easier and happier, providing clarity and purpose, gaining confidence in your decision making or even at its most advanced level for strategic planning. This is something you can use at a superficial or deep level, it’s up to you. Ultimately, you’ll reap the rewards of all of your efforts – the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it. As part of this course you’ll learn tools and techniques to create change and to help you gain momentum and inspiration along the way.

This course will help your consider where you are now, your confidence levels, experiences and ideas you can use to create positive change in your career and bring this together through action planning. This has been written as a 100 day programme of change. This day would be the first day and it sets the scene for the changes you may decide to make over the next 100 days.

Feedback on the FREEDOM method is that it has led to promotions, further study, improvements in confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. It has encouraged people to take on challenges they never thought possible. Come on this course if you are ready to make changes in your professional or personal life.