Portal Press March 2022

March 2022 Edition

2022

MAKE THIS YOUR YEAR Visualise. Inspire.

Motivate.

Good to Know Handy Helpers Mediterranean vegetables with lamb recipe

Portal Perspectives...

Motivation and Me “LET’S GET TO THE NITTY GRITTY!”

“It always seems impossible, until it’s done.”

- Nelson Mandela

Welcome to the

March

Newsletter 4

Letter from the Editor

6

News, Updates & Pointers

12

4

Dates for your Diary

8

News and Updates

11

Handy Helpers

Your Wellness 15

Sportal Leaderboard

16

Workspace Ergonomics

18

Child Mental Health Support

20 Portal Recipes

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Team News 24 Portal Perspectives 26 Team in the Spotlight 28 Staff Updates 30 Quote of the Issue

Letter from this issues

Editor

And just like that, January is over. It’s always such a strange month, after the decorations come down and we all try to remember how to do our jobs after the nice, long Christmas break. January and February get a bad rep, but I think they have to be some of the most motivational months of the year. Whether you love or hate it, it’s hard not to come into the new year without thinking about your goals and dreams for the coming 12 months. While I normally enter the new year promising to shed the Christmas calories and declutter the house, this year I’m going a little easier on myself, with my resolution simply being: to be

kinder to myself, because let’s face it, the last two years have been challenging. But as it became the “new normal” I think we all started being too hard on ourselves. Take that extra long bath, go for a walk, treat yourself and don’t feel guilty! Whatever your goals are this year, I’m wishing you the very best of luck, now go out and smash them!

Dates for your Diary

Upcoming dates/events to be aware of:

St David’s Day/Dydd Gwyl Dewi: 1st March

Learning & Development Day: Thursday 26th May 2022

Thanks for all your entries – keep your eyes on our social media on St David’s Day for competition winners and Rugby Relay video.

Detail of the event will be received nearer the time although this will be off site and physical.

Additional Bank Holiday: This year we see an additional bank holiday in recognition of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The bank holidays are:

Thursday 2nd June

(Spring bank holiday shifted from May)

and Friday 3rd June 2022 (additional bank holiday)

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News, Updates & Pointers

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News and Updates Lets take a look at what’s going on at Planet Portal...

Commercial Update The commercial team is starting the year on a good footing with our first tender in the bag (Mudiad Meithrin) and Phil on board to focus on selling our commercial programmes.

Menter Iaith have also approached us within the first few weeks of January expressing an interest in mentoring programmes and already, excitingly, the first half of 2022 is looking busy.

😊

If you know any individuals or organisations who are interested in topics outside our Higher Apprenticeships programmes then please pass them onto Phil who can make introductions and share our offerings.

Similarly, if any of Team Portal want to know any more about our commercial provision then please get in with Jo Norton. joanne.norton@portaltraining.co.uk

Quality Assurance Team Update Qualifications

EQA visits

The QA Team continues to be busy with sampling and supporting all quals - L&M, Sports, CCPLD, CAVA & Coaching & Mentoring.

ES, CAVA and TAQA visits are planned for early March 2022 and anyone who needs to be involved will be contacted over the next few weeks.

In December we successfully achieved approval for CCPLD Levels 4 & 5 and hope to be working with the first cohort of learners with the first half of 2022 as there is some work to be done now to develop the delivery of these.

Projects The ES on One File project. The project is being led by Dawn and Josh and went live on 1st of February. Further information, guidance and instructions has been shared with the wider delivery Team.

Cross-cutting Themes The Spring edition of the Portal Post is currently in progress, publication due in March, so if you have any content that you would like to be considered then please let the relevant champion know.

In the meantime, please keep and eye out for the Caru Cymru events and challenges that Dawn will be sharing for St David’s day, and please get involved, it would be great to see representation from the Portal Team and also Portal’s learners.

Do you have any new ideas relating to current working practices or can you suggest any new processes that you feel could be of benefit to you as an employee and to Portal in general?

If so, we have a new dedicated inbox where you can suggest away at any time.

There’s even a reward if your idea is implemented!

Send your suggestions to: myidea@portaltraining.co.uk

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Digital Strategy Working Group Update Since the last edition, the digital strategy group has now, based on YOUR feedback and the areas you deemed important, identified areas of improvement for 2022. These are summarised below: Responsible person/s

Activities of focus Creating and maintaining a Robust Brand through all areas of the business

Digital Identity

Laura Atkinson

Consistency in the use of software, platforms and how we communicate internally and externally Sharing Best a externally and internally

Digital Responsibility

Creating and maintaining a Robust Brand through all areas of the business Management Team

Consistency in the use of software, platforms and how we communicate internally and externally Sharing Best a externally and internally

Digital Safety/ Wellbeing

Sarah Heenan

Digital Learning

Rhianydd James and Kim Ford

Promoting good, safe and healthy digital usage in all operational activities Support for Digital resilience and preventing overload

Sharing best practice for staff and learners Supporting and developing the effective use of digital tools and tech for staff and learners

The detailed action plan will be circulated over the coming weeks.

Covid-19 Updates There is still time to receive your vaccinations if you haven’t yet. To read more about the Vaccination programme, within Cardiff and the Vale, follow this link:

Click Here

For information regarding booster information:

Click Here For general Covid-19 information:

Click Here

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“With the new day comes strength and new thoughts.”

- Elenor Roosevelt

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Good to Know Handy Helpers: Did you know...

You can add an “Extension” to your Google Chrome browser which allows you to translate whole webpages into another language. It’s not perfect but you can translate a whole page Welsh-English or vice versa. You just Google it and it will add it to your toolbar on Chrome for you.

Download here

To assist ALN (additional learning needs): On One File, you can change the background colour of your screen and font etc.

If you click on your profile in the top right and choose appearance, it will let you adjust what you want. This may avoid glare from a white back ground and make to easier for the user.

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Your Wellness To support your wellbeing let’s take a look at what’s available at Portal and who’s been getting physical!

Portal Social and WellbeingGroup We are currently exploring the idea of setting up a Social and Wellbeing Group to include physical and social activities.

If this is something you would like to get involved with please let us know by scaning the QR code below.

Employee Assistance Programme

Our Corporate Funded health care cash back plan is available to eligible* employees. This service includes access to an Employee Assistance Programme Your policy gives you access to the following range of valuable telephone services.

The services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To use any of the services, simply telephone 0800 107 6585, quote scheme number 72740 and advise the service that you require.

Our counsellors Our counselling team is made up of both male and female counsellors from a range of ethnic, cultural and disciplinary backgrounds. Our counsellors work within the BACP's ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy, also undergoing regular clinical supervision and training.

Our legal advisors The legal services team receive regular training and professional development to ensure consistent quality whilst abiding by the professional code of conduct.

They offer information and guidance on a whole range of topics including private legal concerns.

Health and wellbeing Sometimes just talking through a problem can help to reduce its impact. The telephone counselling service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide support to you on a range of personal and workrelated issues and problems such as: • Emotional problems • Work-related issues • Family and relationship problems • Substance and alcohol misuse • Financial problems • Health issues

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Legal information For any issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, accountancy, lawsuits, consumer disputes, property or neighbour legalities.

Bereavement Assistance Health Assured offers qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress plus a team of legal advisors to help with legal issues.

Medical information Qualified nurses are on hand to offer advice on a range of medical or health related issues. They can’t diagnose but can offer a sympathetic ear and practical information and advice.

*For non eligible team members the following EAP services are available Access to Work Mental Health Support: Service Click Here

Support for apprentices: Ckick Here

Sportal Leaderboard Take a look at the leaderboard for the Portal Daily Step challenge. Gwenno is striding ahead, but if you think you can beat her, submit your daily steps to laura.atkinson@portaltraining. Don’t forget we also have leaderboards for the Fastest Mile and Longest Distance Run, so if you think you’re up to the challenge, submit your results!”

Position

Portolian

Daily Steps

1

Gwenno Jones

30, 605

2

Rhianydd James

20,889

3

Sammy Ibrahim

17,642

4

Deb Lander

13,432

Wellbeing Bingo Card We’ve put together some activities and ideas to help you prioritise your wellbeing.

These might be self-care treats, catching up with a friend, or just reading a book – take what you need from the card below and tick them off as you go.

Take a relaxing bath or shower

Meditate or listen to a mindfulness tracks here

Exercise or move your body in a way that feels good

Have your favourite meal

Read or listen to a book

Ask for help

Create a feel-good playlist

Catch up with a friend

Go for a walk or get some fresh air

Plan a trip, break or holiday

Take a social media, or news break

Note something that makes you happy

Pay someone a compliment

Start one small, new, healthy habit

Take a 24-hour screen break

Try something new – this could be a hobby, craft, activity, or just the new takeaway down the road!

Write a gratitude list

Declutter and donate

Watch your favourite film

Enjoy a hot drink

Tick 3 things off your “To Do List”

Spring clean just one room

Go to bed one hour earlier

Set a new goal, or work on a goal

Do some colouring (download some Mindfulness colouring here)

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Desk Ergonomics & How to Minimise Digital Fatigue in the Workplace Do you know what the risks are when working at a desk for prolonged periods? Do you know how display screen equipment should be arranged so you can work without experiencing strain whilst at your workstation?

Your workstation should be positioned as:

Screen approximately arm’s distance away

Screen

Frequently used items within the normal working area

Top of viewing screen at eye level

Shoulders back and relaxed

90-100 degree angle for backrest 90 degree angle for elbows

Desk free from unnecessary items underneath and on top

Forearms and wrists horizontal to desk Move backrest to support curve in low back Hips slightly higher than knees

Feet flat on floor or on foot support

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It is important to regularly strech and take breaks from your screen.

Refocus eyes on a point further away

Elbow Flare Squeeze Back

Stand up, hands on back and extend

Side to Side Turn of Neck

Chin Tuck

Wrist and Fingers (Clench and Straighten)

Shoulder Rolls

Why? Regular stretching will relieve tension and strain, while breaks will give their body a chance to relax and recuperate after intense work periods.

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With more and more children and young people struggling with mental health, we share 16 ways you can support a young person.

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Behaviour

Problem Solving Help youe child to effectivly problem solve.

Be there for your child and show care and love.

Patience

Exercise

Rest Time

Keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour.

Be patient, don’t pressure your child.

Symptoms

Be aware of signs and symptoms.

Conversation

Encorage play, exercise and sport.

Support

Regularly support, encorage and praise your child.

Listen

Encorage your child to engage in conversation.

Make sure you take time to listen to what your child has to say.

Feeling

Be proud

Get to know how your child is feeling.

Tell your child that you are proud of them.

Love

Help your child to manage stress by building in some rest time.

Coping

Help your child learn some simple coping skils.

Help

Don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals.

Enviroment

Provide a positive enviroment for your your child to thrive.

Educate

Educate yourself about mental health problems.

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Recipes

Warm-up this March with an easy one-pot recipe packed with veg and tender lamb that will keep the whole family satisfied.

From BBC Good Food

Mediterranean

vegetables with lamb Prep: 15 mins Cook: 30 mins

Easy to make

Serves 4

Ingredients: • 1 tbsp olive oil • 250g lean lamb fillet, trimmed of any fat and thinly sliced • 140g shallot , halved • 2 large courgettes , cut into chunks • ½ tsp each ground cumin , paprika and ground coriander • 1 red, 1 orange and 1 green pepper , cut into chunks • 1 garlic clove , sliced • 150ml vegetable stock • 250g cherry tomatoes • Handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped

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Method: STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan. Cook the lamb and shallots over a high heat for 2-3 mins until golden. Add the courgettes and stir-fry for 3-4 mins until beginning to soften.

STEP 2 Add the spices and toss well, then add the peppers and garlic. Reduce the heat and cook over a moderate heat for 4-5 mins until they start to soften.

STEP 3 Pour in the stock and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes, season, then cover with a lid and simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally until the veg are tender. Stir through the coriander to serve.

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Team News From who’s doing what to meeting your new work buddies.

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W

ell, what can I say, I knew it was my turn to write about myself for the Portal Press but when Laura gave me the topic, I had to ponder for a while and ask my mate Jan what should I say? Jan responded by saying “Oh my goodness Clare you’re one of the most motivated people professionally I know, get a grip, and get on with it.” Funnily enough that motivated me to put pen to paper!

LET’S GET TO THE NITTY GRITTY! Those of you who know me well will know a bit more about my journey to where I am today. My ultimate career aim was to be a company Director/Owner. I have Gwawr to thank for helping me realise

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that dream by taking me on six years ago. I like to think it was for my longstanding experience and prior success within Work Based Learning performance and strategic roles, but I do know that my dress, shoes, and necklace helped . What I have learnt over the years is that however good you are at your job or how self-motivated you are, you still need someone to give you an opportunity and take a chance on you, so thank you Gwawr for helping me achieve my end career goal.

😊

Anyway, let’s get to the nitty gritty! I have always been motivated to do well in my career for my own self-satisfaction, to provide a good life for my children and show them what hard work can achieve.

Portal Perspectives...

Motivation and Me

By: Clare Jeffries

Sometimes I’ve been left thinking: goodness how did I get here, but it’s clear to me that it is through hard work, striving to do the best job you can in ways that are innovative, valuing the people who you have worked with, in particular people that you have managed and mentored and a bit of luck along the way plus with meeting the right people at the right time.

My motivation and drive to achieve really kicked in at 18 when I fell pregnant with my first son Callum. I was completing my Hairdressing Apprenticeship and Assessors’ awards but unfortunately had to start my maternity leave early and didn’t complete my level 3 Hairdressing and Assessors awards (D24 and D32 for those who can remember those qualifications) as I had planned. I wasn’t going to let being 19 with a new-born stop me on my career mission so poor Callum would come to college with me in his car seat until I successfully completed my Assessors Award and level three qualification.

After about three years of working in the salon and assessing our apprentices I signed up for my Cert Ed/PGCE on a part time basis. I was lucky enough to be given teaching hours in Coleg Gwent to complete my PGCE, firstly on a voluntary basis but was quickly given hourly paid work after the first three months. I loved it! I had my first job in Further Education thanks to an amazing lady, Hayley Wilce, who I believe is now a Dean at Gower College Swansea. Halfway through my first year in Coleg Gwent I fell pregnant again with my youngest son Rio (I have great timing I hear you all say).

Rio was born on the 13th September 2004 and when he was just 10 days old I had to register and attend University, which after having a C section wasn’t ideal, but as you guessed it, off I go, not looking the

most attractive, to make sure I completed my PGCE as planned. When Rio was just 5 weeks old, I was back teaching in the college so I could fulfil the teaching hours needed to complete the Cert Ed/PGCE! No wonder he’s so laid back.

I first joined work-based learning in 2006 as an assessor and held Team Leader, Operations Manager and Head of Apprenticeship Positions until joining Portal in 2016.

As well as a sense of personal achievement, seeing other people progress within their careers whom I have supported and mentored also motivates me. One thing that always sticks in my mind is someone saying to me, that one of my managers would give me a run for my money, to which I responded, “Great I know that means that I have given her all I can”. I regularly reflect on five individuals who have progressed to management and senior management positions that have worked in my teams and honestly, I still get emotional to think how well they have done, and it motivates me to continue to support people to be the best they can be.

Today my main motivation is doing the best for you all within my role, alongside Gwawr and Jan and to continue to make Portal a strong company and a great place to work!

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Team In the

Spotlight

This edition, our Team in the Spotlight is Business Development! In the last 12 months they have grown from a terrific trio, to a triumphant team of 5! So what does a week in the life of a Business Development team member look like? Here’s what they had to say:

S

hawn Staples, Business Development Officer: I have worked for Portal for two months as a Business Development Officer. I currently lead on working with new and existing sports settings. I speak to several sports settings daily in and around Wales, whether it be the local football or rugby team or teachers in school.

WE AIM TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS BY LISTENING TO THEIR NEEDS As a BDO it is my duty to build good relationships with our clients and to make sure the learners have a good learner journey.

Frances Lee, Business Development Officer: “I have been working at Portal for 3 years. My day-to-day tasks involve conducting information sessions, monitoring and mitigating risk of not reaching monthly targets and working closely with the compliance department ensuring quality of enrolment paperwork and processes. The longer-term responsibility of my role is to build and maintain excellent working relationships with customers and their organisations.

“Our team are mainly responsible for growth. We aim to continuously improve relationships with customers by listening to their needs and through face to face meetings and keeping information shared through social media channels. The aim being to retain and increase our customer basis.

Phil O’Brien: “I am the Commercial Sales Officer, and I am responsible for selling all

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of the bespoke commercial courses that Portal have to offer.

“I have been with Portal for 2 years now and sales is important because we are the first point of contact for all new customers and as such will set the tone for their relationship with us going forward. We make sure that the quality of customer and learner is of a very high standard whilst ensuring that we meet the relevant work-based targets.

“We are also there to ensure that all of our customers are kept happy through account management and ensuring that we are reacting to the feedback that they give us to ensure that they have a positive experience with us.”

Kelsey Williams, Relations Support Officer: “I have worked for Portal for just over 4 years. I currently have a dual role of being a CCPLD assessor and the Learner Recruitment Officer.

My day-to-day tasks and responsibilities as the Learner Recruitment Officer mainly involve looking after the health and safety side of things for the learners and employers that we have on board for our different courses. We ensure that accurate information is recorded for each employer that we work with, keeping the Health and Safety vettings and monitorings up to date as well as carrying out new health and safety checks for any new employers and learners.

“The Business Development Team is a brilliant team to work with. They are the first members of staff that learners and employers meet so we always want to make a good first impression. It is so important that we ensure learners and

employers are well looked after so that we can create a smooth transition from the start of their enrolment into their onward learning journey.

Jane Candy, Learner Recruitment Administrator: “I’ve been with Portal for 7 months and am relishing a role that is new to me.

I GET TO MEET AND CHAT WITH SOME LOVELY PEOPLE. “Once Fran and Shawn have engaged a new learner their details are sent to me.

I then introduce myself, and email all our requirements, such as ESF evidence.

The next part can be very frustrating as it is sometimes difficult to get all the documents and assessments that we

need completed in a timely manner.

“Once we have everything in place I can go ahead and arrange a meeting to complete the enrolment. Prior to the meeting I prepare SME and ALA forms and a H&S Questionnaire.

“Next comes a Teams meeting with the learner. I love this part, not only because I get satisfaction from seeing a sign up completed but also because I get to meet and chat with some lovely people.

“After the enrolment is complete, I introduce the Learner to their Assessor and set them up a OneFile account.”

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Staff

Updates

Quickfire Questions With:

Lisa Bartlett What’s your favourite song and why?

Mr Brightside by the Killers. Such an upbeat and happy song (even though the lyrics do not reflect this!) The Killers are my favourite band and I have been lucky enough to see them 4 times.

Alive or dead, who would you like to have a drink with?

It would have to be Freddie Mercury – I absolutely adore Queen and would have loved to have seen them perform (believe it or not I was too young when Queen were touring).I would love to see Queen perform and then have a drink with Freddie after the gig.

Starter, main course and pudding - what would you choose?

Starter – Anything with goats cheese Main – Chicken, pasta in a cheesy sauce Pudding – Pavlova – followed by lots of cocktails!

Deb Lander Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?

We got married in Disneyworld, opposite the Magic Kingdom & Mickey & Minnie were our wedding guests. It was Aug 2005 and we got married at Sunset Pointe, with the Magic Kingdom in the background, on the side of Bay Lake.

The boys were so happy but it was the other adults who lost their minds when Mickey and Minnie showed up!

Everyone posed for photos with them, and we even got to dance with them - I know I’m biased but it was the best wedding ever.

Starter, main course and pudding - what would you choose?

Pudding always! Chocolate profiteroles or Gateaux.

What’s your favourite book, film or podcast and why?

The Lord of the Rings book. The maps within the book and the storyline are just my favourite read.

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New

Starter Fun Facts Devin Hobbis

Julia James

Being born in South Africa I have always loved having big open spaces, wildlife that surrounds you and of course our beaches. This all attributes to my love for safari drives and surfing at some of the worlds most beautiful beaches. My passion for South Africa comes from our diverse culture and different languages, and as every beautiful South African can relate nothing tops watching a sunset while having a ‘braai,’ and saying ‘lekker my bru’.

Julia might be new to the team but knows some familiar Portal faces! I met Elfed years ago at Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi School, Llandysul! Gwenno’s mother Helen, is my dear first cousin, and I also know Rhianydd, as she was headmistress at the school here in Cenarth, west Wales, when my boys were at primary school.

Shawn Staples On the 19th January 2010 I had to delivery my son as he decided he wanted to be born at home a month early and without nothing. Without going into too much detail, I was getting ready to watch Man Utd vs Man City in the cup at 8pm. I poured myself a drink of brandy and by 8:05pm I was in the bathroom on my knees waiting for him to jump into my hands. NEVER AGAIN.

Kim Ford A few years ago, I decided to enter the Cardiff Half Marathon.

My aim was to finish under 4hrs and not be last. I crossed the line at 3hrs 59mins and the man on the tannoy saying “there’s only 9 competitors left out on the course!” I beat my target and my friend was waiting for me to cheer me over the line for which.

I will be ever grateful.

Lauren Curtis I love all things Disney, if there is a Disney quiz you would want me on your team.

Steve Cribb I am coach of Penallta RFC and have been since having spinal surgery in 2009. I have on 3 occasions as a coach reached finals day played in the Principality Stadium. Hopefully will make that 4 in May 2022!

James Hodkinson Prior to a knee injury, I was a high performing football referee, with my biggest achievement being that I was selected to be part of the officiating team for an Under 15’s international between Wales and Belgium in 2016… with current senior Welsh international Neco Williams on the team sheet!

Matt Day When I was living in Chile, me, my brothers and my mum were put into police custody after trying to break into our own flat during a tsunami warning at 2AM (I don’t blame them for thinking that we were robbing someone as we got a neighbour to climb through our window)! We were released and taken to the evacuation area. Plot twist - there was no tsunami and we had school the next day!

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Quote of the Issue

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