Buckinghamshire Council
By Buckinghamshire Council
If you have any comments or queries on any of the podcasts included, please contact internalcomms@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.
Buckinghamshire Council Oct 15, 2021
How to get your discounted MOT for staff
Autoimmune Awareness and Wellness Action Plans
Kimberley Ashmead, Talent Career Consultant, and her manager, Poppy Winterbourne, sit down to discuss the effects autoimmune conditions can have at work and how Wellness Action Plans and good communication can help colleagues perform at their best.
The importance of early years communication
Jo, Hayley, Fran and Emily discuss the importance of early years communication and share their tips to help you support young children,
Talking Cancer
Colleagues from the Physical and Mental Health Staff Networks talk about their cancer experience from their own perspective or as a friend, family member, colleague or partner.
Courtney’s Story of Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse Champion, Courtney shares her story of Domestic Abuse.
How do you manage your caring role with work and other time pressures?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
If you were granted one wish to help you with your caring responsibilities what would it be?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
What is the financial impact for you as a carer?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
Do carers make good managers?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
Do you feel that your career has been impacted by your caring role?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
How does your caring role effect your relationships, friendships and your ability to go out and socialise?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
Do you have reasonable adjustments put in place at work?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
How do you cope with the emotional strain of caring?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
What do you do before you start work?
Carers Rights Day 2023 Podcast
Sensitive Conversations
In this episode Poppy Winterbourne is joined by Mental Heath Staff Network colleagues, Helen Joules and Wendy Smith to share their personal experience of how to approach sensitive conversations around difficult topics such as mental health and grief.
Invisible Disabilities: there's a lot more than meets the eye
Natalie, Shelley, Lydia and Kimberley come together for Invisible Disabilities Week to open up on their experiences of diabetes, Crohn’s disease, hearing loss and autism.
Inspirational Black Women
Members of our Race Equality staff network discuss the inspirational black women who have made a difference in their lives and for the wider community. Their podcast provides an excellent insight into some of the challenges faced by Black women and the impact inspirational women have had on their lives.
If you could share one final top tip around having a good conversation, what would it be?
Following the launch of our Year of Conversation, we were joined by colleagues from across the council to discuss the foundations of a good conversation.
In this episode, our panel share their final top tips around having a good conversation.
Do you have any advice for someone who finds conversations difficult? Or for someone that may recognise the person they are conversing with is struggling?
Following the launch of our Year of Conversation, we were joined by colleagues from across the council to discuss the foundations of a good conversation.
In this episode, our panel share their advice for anyone who finds conversations difficult or has recognised that the person they are conversing with is struggling.
Do you have any examples of when a good conversation has supported a positive outcome for you in the workplace?
Following the launch of our Year of Conversation, we were joined by colleagues from across the council to discuss the foundations of a good conversation.
In this episode, our panel share examples of when a good conversation has supported a positive outcome in the workplace.
Why do you think good conversations are so important in the workplace?
Following the launch of our Year of Conversation, we were joined by colleagues from across the council to discuss the foundations of a good conversation.
In this episode, our panel discuss why they think good conversations are so important in the workplace.
What makes a good conversation?
Following the launch of our Year of Conversation, we were joined by colleagues from across the council to discuss the foundations of a good conversation.
In this episode, our panel introduce themselves and provided their thoughts on what makes a good conversation.
Coaching with Anjuma Choudhury and Saiqa Khan
As part of A Year of Conversation Anjuma Choudhury and Saiqa Khan have recorded a podcast sharing their coaching experience. They discuss why Anjuma felt the need for coaching, how often they met, the role of a coach and coachee and the many benefits of coaching. Saiqa comments on how she has seen Anjuma's confidence grow and her career flourish while she has been her coach.
Coaching is available for everyone, whatever stage you are in your career, for more information visit the Coaching and Mentoring Pool pages on BucksNet
Aman's career journey
We spoke to Aman Sekhon-Gill, who told us about her 23-year long career in government and local authorities, starting out working in prisons, and working her way up to an Assistant Director here at the council. She also shared some advice around learning to “be comfortable with the uncomfortable”.
Being a carer
Sarah, Jane, Andrea, Sonia and Rose, members of our Carers Staff Network, tell us about their experiences of being a carer.
Keep the conversation going: Mental Health Awareness
Helen Joules, Ryan Alford, Alex Gates and Poppy Winterbourne - colleagues from the Mental Health Staff Network - got together to discuss all things mental health.
They answered some of the most common questions around mental health; What is it and why is it important? How can you tell if someone is experiencing mental health difficulties? As well as discussing coping strategies and accessing support.
Neurodiversity: no two people are the same
As a follow up to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Natalie Donhou Morley, Michaela Green and Katie Hargrave-Smith answer some of your questions about neurodiversity including
- What is the best way to communicate with people who may be neurodiverse?
- How can I support a colleague who is neurodiverse?
- Do you feel that people and organisations have become more understanding about neurodiversity?
- What support and training is available through the council for staff who are neurodiverse or want to find out more about neurodiversity?
An apprenticeship for aspiring leaders
Alice Ryder and James Charleton, members of our Buckinghamshire Libraries team, told us about their experience of the Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship. Have a listen to the podcast, search for apprenticeships that suit your role or career aspirations, and speak to your line manager if you're interested in apprenticeship opportunities at the council.
Talking Stress: As a manager, how can I support wellness within my team?
We caught up with some of our managers to discuss stress, which has been our health and wellbeing focus for this quarter and remains one of the leading causes of staff absence.
Covering prevention, spotting the signs, stigma and supporting colleagues who may be experiencing stress, the conversation offered great insight into the role of a manager when supporting their team as well as looking after their own wellbeing.
Thank you to Aman Sekhon-Gill (Assistant Director for Quality Assurance), Jo Thornton (Highways Development Manager) and Sarah Keyes (Service Director HR&OD) who joined us for the podcast.
Talking Stress: How do you think that managers can create a no stigma, open culture where colleagues feel comfortable approaching their line manager for support?
We caught up with some of our managers to discuss stress, which has been our health and wellbeing focus for this quarter and remains one of the leading causes of staff absence.
Covering prevention, spotting the signs, stigma and supporting colleagues who may be experiencing stress, the conversation offered great insight into the role of a manager when supporting their team as well as looking after their own wellbeing.
Thank you to Aman Sekhon-Gill (Assistant Director for Quality Assurance), Jo Thornton (Highways Development Manager) and Sarah Keyes (Service Director HR&OD) who joined us for the podcast.
Talking Stress: How do you spot the initial signs that show a colleague might be starting to suffer with stress?
We caught up with some of our managers to discuss stress, which has been our health and wellbeing focus for this quarter and remains one of the leading causes of staff absence.
Covering prevention, spotting the signs, stigma and supporting colleagues who may be experiencing stress, the conversation offered great insight into the role of a manager when supporting their team as well as looking after their own wellbeing.
Thank you to Aman Sekhon-Gill (Assistant Director for Quality Assurance), Jo Thornton (Highways Development Manager) and Sarah Keyes (Service Director HR&OD) who joined us for the podcast.
Talking Stress: How do you think managers can prevent and reduce stress for direct reports at work?
We caught up with some of our managers to discuss stress, which has been our health and wellbeing focus for this quarter and remains one of the leading causes of staff absence.
Covering prevention, spotting the signs, stigma and supporting colleagues who may be experiencing stress, the conversation offered great insight into the role of a manager when supporting their team as well as looking after their own wellbeing.
Thank you to Aman Sekhon-Gill (Assistant Director for Quality Assurance), Jo Thornton (Highways Development Manager) and Sarah Keyes (Service Director HR&OD) who joined us for the podcast.
Let's Talk About the Menopause
In this episode, Liz Hornby and Sarah Taylor discuss the menopause providing the answers to your questions. Topics covered include; how you can best support your partner, friend or colleague as they experience the menopause and some of the lesser known signs and symptoms of the menopause.
Personal Safety Podcast
Listen to Faye Blunstone (Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women & Girls Advisor) from Buckinghamshire Council’s Community Safety Team talk to Saskia from Suzy Lamplugh Trust as they talk about personal safety and lone working. This podcast was launched during the “16 Days of Activism” against gender-based violence, which is an international campaign that commences on 25 November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women—and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Buckinghamshire Council’s personal safety and the prevention and management of violence in the workplace policy is available on the intranet.
For more information about personal safety visit: Suzy Lamplugh Trust or contact the Bucks Community Safety Team via: communitysafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Where to go if you are struggling with your mental health
In this episode, Tamsin and Maria share there advice on where to go if you're struggling with your mental health.
Physical activity & mental health
In this episode, Layla & Rachel share their personal experiences and advice on the benefits of physical activity for mental health
The cost of living and how we can respond to it to support our mental health
In this episode, three members of our mental health staff network (Joe, Helen and Sonya) discuss the cost of living crisis and how we may be able to respond to it to improve our mental wellbeing
Coping strategies to help with your mental health
In this episode, three members of our mental health staff network (Joe, Helen and Sonya) share some of their strategies for supporting their mental health.
"I never felt like I'd 'done my time' at the council" - Emma Denley's long and varied career at Bucks
We spoke to Emma Denley, who's worked for the council for over 20 years across 13 different roles, about the transferable skills and knowledge she gained over this time, how she's used secondment opportunities to develop in her career, and the advice she'd give to colleagues looking to progress.
Episode 19: 3/3 Ramadan and food
Shabnam Ali (mum) and Anaya Ali (daughter) tell us all about food and their traditions over Ramadan.
Suhoor is the morning meal before sunrise and iftar is the evening meal following sunset.
Speakers:
Shabnam Ali
Role: Head of Local Economic Growth.
Email: Shabnam.Ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Anaya Ali
Role: Policy Assistant on the Kickstart Traineeship.
Email: anaya.ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
More on Ramadan
Celebrating Ramadhan, blog by Aisha Rafiq (April 2022)
Observing Ramadan through a pandemic, blog by Jenab Yousuf (April 2021)
Episode 18: 2/3 Ramadan and your questions
Shabnam Ali (mum) and Anaya Ali (daughter) answer some common questions staff have about Ramadan.
Speakers:
Shabnam Ali
Role: Head of Local Economic Growth.
Email: Shabnam.Ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Anaya Ali
Role: Policy Assistant on the Kickstart Traineeship.
Email: anaya.ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
More on Ramadan
Celebrating Ramadhan, blog by Aisha Rafiq (April 2022)
Observing Ramadan through a pandemic, blog by Jenab Yousuf (April 2021)
Episode 17: 1/3 Ramadan and us (mum and daughter on Ramadan)
Shabnam Ali (mum) and Anaya Ali (daughter) tell us all about Ramadan and generational differences they notice between themselves.
Speakers:
Shabnam Ali
Role: Head of Local Economic Growth.
Email: Shabnam.Ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Anaya Ali
Role: Policy Assistant on the Kickstart Traineeship.
Email: anaya.ali@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
More on Ramadan
Celebrating Ramadhan, blog by Aisha Rafiq (April 2022)
Observing Ramadan through a pandemic, blog by Jenab Yousuf (April 2021)
Episode 16: what has helped you take care of your mental health throughout Covid and lockdowns?
For Time To Talk Day, some of our mental health staff network came together to discuss their experiences to help answer questions from our colleagues.
In this episode, Joe, Helen, Ian, Lisa and Mike discuss the question: "My mental health has really been impacted during Covid and lockdowns and I’ve felt really low at some points. I’m definitely feeling in a better place now but I’d just be interested to hear about your reflections on how you have found the past 2 years and what has helped you take care of your mental health during this time.”
Episode 15: do you think there is still the same stigma and discrimination attached to mental health as there was 10 years ago?
For Time To Talk Day, some of our mental health staff network came together to discuss their experiences to help answer questions from our colleagues.
In this episode, Joe, Helen, Ian, Lisa and Mike discuss the question: “Do you think there is still the same stigma and discrimination attached to mental health as there was 10 years ago?”
Episode 14: I’d really benefit from counselling but feel what I’m going through isn't ‘bad enough’
For Time To Talk Day, some of our mental health staff network came together to discuss their experiences to help answer questions from our colleagues.
In this episode, Joe, Helen, Ian, Lisa and Mike discuss the question: “Sometimes I feel like I’d really benefit from counselling or support but I always talk myself out of it because I feel what I’m going through isn't ‘bad enough’ compared to other people. What advice would you give to someone in my shoes?”
Episode 13: do you have any tips or ways to open a conversation about mental health with a manager?
For Time To Talk Day, some of our mental health staff network came together to discuss their experiences to help answer questions from our colleagues.
In this episode, Joe, Helen, Ian, Lisa and Mike discuss the question: "I sometimes struggle with my mental health but have never told my manager as I tend to be quite private about it, do you have any tips or ways to open a conversation about mental health with a manager? I feel it would be helpful if they were aware."
Episode 12: our experience of the adoption & early permanence process
Buckinghamshire Council has recorded a series of podcasts to discuss some of the real-life experiences of foster carers and adopters in Bucks.
We welcome adopters from all sexual orientations and genders and in this episode, Buckinghamshire adopters, David and Tom, share their experience of being assessed as adopters and their early permanence journey. #YouCanAdopt
Episode 11: adopting a child with additional needs
Buckinghamshire Council has recorded a series of podcasts to discuss some of the real-life experiences of foster carers and adopters in Bucks.
In this episode, Lisa, a Bucks adopter, shares her experience of adopting her son who has a range of additional needs. #YouCanAdopt
Episode 10: adopting through early permanence
Buckinghamshire Council has recorded a series of podcasts to discuss some of the real-life experiences of foster carers and adopters in Bucks.
In this episode, Rob, a Buckinghamshire adopter, spoke to us about how he and his wife came to adopt their little girl through early permanence. #YouCanAdopt
Episode 9: fostering and adopting in Bucks
Buckinghamshire Council has recorded a series of podcasts to discuss some of the real-life experiences of foster carers and adopters in Bucks.
In this episode, we hear from foster carers Enid and Judith alongside adopters Ilona and Allison. #YouCanAdopt