Remember Debbie Carter’s remarkable contribution to learning and development, from shaping Training Journal to championing inclusion, kindness and professional integrity. Colleagues and friends reflect on the humour, generosity, determination and human connection that defined her life, work and enduring influence across the L&D community she supported so passionately for decades.
Debbie Carter might not have had journalistic experience back in 2000 when she became Training Journal Editor, but she certainly had experience of the L&D sector. Debbie’s early career included being a caseworker for the Legal Aid Board and selling intelligence and reports to organisations looking to export goods and services.
In 1996 Debbie took on a role at training publisher Fenman Ltd. She was responsible for the marketing and sales of a variety of training resources. TJ was a magazine at Fenman, and publisher Hugh Murray asked Debbie to edit the title.
Catherine de Salvo recalls:
“By the time I met Debbie at Fenman in the 1990s, she’d already had a full university life, busy career and was married with two young children. But she was ambitious and knew she was capable of even more. And that was evident to us.”
“Debbie connected with people. So it was fitting that by joining us at Fenman, she entered the world of learning and development and never looked back, becoming a knowledgeable and sensitive interviewer of the ‘leading lights’ in our industry for Training Journal, as well as a good listening ear for colleagues and a supporter of learning professionals everywhere. It was Debbie’s interest in people that defined her, not her wheelchair, which was necessitated by cerebral palsy.”
“Long after our many years at Fenman, Debbie remained both a friend and a professional industry contact with whom I could chat candidly. And I know she kept in touch with so many of the people she met through her work. Debbie always made me think. What an education she was! I and all her ‘learning family’ mourn her sad passing.”
Disability, inclusion and modern life
In a video interview with Jon Kennard, Debbie highlighted how important it was that people ensured her inclusion: “As a permanent wheelchair user who has been in the world of work since the late 1970s, it was refreshing to work for Fenman and subsequent companies, attend events and meet people in the industry because they were so inclusive.”
“I didn’t feel that I didn’t belong. In many organisations before that, it had been difficult to make your mark because you couldn’t join in with everything. Things were difficult, and perhaps the support was not available then in the way it is now.”
Brian Calvert comments:
“I was lucky to have known and worked with Debbie for almost 25 years, since our Fenman days. There was a magazine article that Debbie wrote about her disability and how it had sort of shaped her life but also really didn’t because she is who she is. She didn’t know any different and basically you have the hand you’re dealt and you have to get on with it.”
“She was a kind person who had a very busy social calendar and a lot going on, but she knew all her friends well and had a lot of time for them. If you had any kind of problem or worry, she’d put them in perspective and challenge your viewpoint and make you realise that it’s nowhere as big as you thought.”
“Debbie was always off to London to the theatre, or had some photos to show you of her most recent trip away, and many of her chats came with some delicious homemade sponge cake. Also, she’d always ask how the children were and would tell you to bring them next time. She had a great way of connecting with the shyest of little people!“
Brian Calvert, Jo Cook and Debbie Carter
at the Training Journal Awards 2016
Jon Kennard writes:
“Debbie was my former boss at TJ and good friend. As a wheelchair user, she never let her disability define her or hinder her passage to the top of her profession in HR publishing. That said, she was an understandably fierce advocate of equal rights and disability awareness.”
“I loved my time working with her at Training Journal, even if I often ended up being relegated to her tech support as she never could quite get to grips with the content management system.”
Work and fun
Debbie was well known for her passionate and professional approach to her work, demonstrated by staying with TJ through repeated ownership changes.
Rob Clarke, Jo Cook, Jon Kennard and Debbie Carter
at the TJ 60th Anniversary Conference
Rob Clarke comments:
“I admired Debbie greatly as an editor and journalist. She shaped Training Journal over many years and, in doing so, made an important contribution to the learning and development profession. Working in the same field, I always appreciated her journalism. She gave a platform to people and ideas that moved the profession forward.”
“Debbie never sought the spotlight, but her influence has been felt by many. Her legacy lives on in the standards and integrity she brought to Training Journal, and in the countless conversations, careers and ideas the publication has fostered. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and everyone at Training Journal.”
Martin Couzins shares:
“I first met Debbie around 15 years ago, pitching ideas for articles for Training Journal. Over the years we worked together on articles and conference talks. She was always keen to talk and interested in, and open to, ideas. She was also very positive and encouraging which I always appreciated despite her having her own health challenges. These were never a part of the conversation.”
“Debbie was a lot of fun and had a great sense of humour. We always had a laugh in conversations. As Training Journal Editor for so many years, she really was the voice of the industry. So encouraging of L&D professionals and always advocating for the industry. She helped give voice to so many. And as a true journalist, she let others tell their story, never pushing her own status. She had integrity and credibility.”
Nigel Paine writes:
“What I loved about Debbie was her no-frills, matter-of-fact, get-it-done-attitude. You knew when you engaged with her she did not bullshit or prevaricate, she just focussed on the job in hand and that made her a joy to work with.”
“I also loved her sense of humour and grit and determination. She was good to be around and a good friend when you needed advice. She had been around and she knew everyone and her insights were spot on. I never once ignored her words of wisdom. It will be hard to imagine L&D without her.”
Donald H Taylor reflects:
“Debbie was a stalwart of our industry, who cared deeply about fostering the L&D community.”
“We will miss both her complete professionalism and her infectious humour.”
Debbie Carter and Donald H Taylor
People and lasting impact
A consistent theme in the discussion of Debbie at any time, and especially this week, is the effect she had on people beyond the workplace.
Harri Le Claire remembers:
“I met Debbie during the early stages of my L&D career and found her to be someone who always carried both professional authority and personal generosity with ease. Debbie was the kind of person who made you feel seen, capable, and welcome, whether you met her at an industry &D event, or socially around Ely. She was so welcoming when I moved to Cambridgeshire.”
“Debbie was authentic and sincere, and her advice wasn’t just about the industry itself, but about personal confidence, curiosity, and finding your own voice within the profession. She modelled what it meant to be both knowledgeable and influential yet still so approachable and kind. Although she is no longer here, the impact she had will remain very present. I’m grateful for the moments we shared, both professionally and personally.”
Andy Lancaster writes:
“All of us have people who help shape the course of our careers. Debbie was one of those for me. I was privileged to win two Training Journal Gold Awards with different organisations, which gave my career real momentum. Debbie was passionate about recognising and championing excellent practice in learning and development.”
“Through that passion and her commitment to Training Journal, she helped shine a light on the very best of our profession, encouraging and inspiring so many to aim higher. Thank you, Debbie, for everything you did for the learning and development community. You will be greatly missed.”
Debbie Carter and Laura Overton
at the TJ Awards
Laura Overton comments:
“I spent many years in active partnership with Debbie as Editor of TJ and always marvelled at her deep caring, daring commitment and wise counsel, not just for our industry but to the people around her. She was a joy to work and be with, and I became a better person because of knowing her.”
Liggy Webb shares:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Debbie, and my thoughts, love and support go out to all her family, friends and colleagues. Having known Debbie for 35 years she made a deep and lasting impression on my life both professionally and personally for which I am eternally grateful.”
“Debbie’s brilliant insights, literary craftsmanship, humility, warmth and humour were, and will continue to be, an inspiration for so many.”
Belonging and kindness
Debbie posted in LinkedIn: “As a disabled woman and wheelchair user I’ve always found kindness key to all my relationships personal and professional. My disability means that I rely a lot on others to get things done and from my earliest memories I always loved being with people and connecting with them.”
“Showing kindness and understanding to others has served me well and this is the value I pride above all others. I tell my children and grandchildren the most important thing they should do in life is to be kind to others and themselves.”
You can read more of people’s thoughts about Debbie on LinkedIn, which her family have also read.
Debbie’s influence can be seen in the publication she helped shape, the careers she encouraged and the many friendships she sustained over decades. Her professionalism, generosity, humour and unmistakable voice will continue to be remembered across Training Journal and the wider L&D profession.
For my 40th birthday, Debbie and her husband David, a keen gardener, gave me a rose.
It’s always been called “Debbie’s rose”, and always will be.
The rose itself starts as a lovely pink bud, and develops hues of peach and yellow as the petals open. It signifies to me the changes we go through our lives and the beauty we can find within it.
Debbie’s rose will bloom every year and help me remember my friend long into the future.
