L&D Professionals
Conferences, connection and Copilot: a journey of learning
Valerie Merrill shares her reflections from attending three dynamic conferences, exploring leadership in crisis, the rise of AI in comms and L&D, and the enduring power of real-life connection. Packed with insights and standout moments, it’s a timely reminder of why face-to-face learning still hits differently in a digital world. We spend a lot of our time in front of our screens, working on content, delivering and on Teams or Zoom and in our hybrid world we can sometimes miss…
Beyond the badge: Why accreditation is about continuous improvement
From aligning learning outcomes to verification processes, accreditation supports continuous improvement, boosts credibility and ensures impactful, learner-centred programmes that meet industry standards. Donna Ward-Higgs shares insight for practical guidance on designing accredited training that goes beyond compliance and prepares you for accreditation. And it might matter more than you think. As an Approved Accreditation Assessor for EMCC Global (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), and with over a decade of experience designing and delivering accredited training programmes, I’ve seen first hand…
Diversity isn’t enough: L&D’s role in helping future leaders be seen and heard
Charlotte Otter explores how L&D can move beyond hiring commitments to support genuine career growth for diverse talent. With visibility, support and structured development, learning professionals can help underrepresented leaders step into their power—and the C-Suite—at a time when some companies are pulling back from their DEI promises. Hiring diverse talent is only the start. It’s much harder to create pathways for promotion so that diverse leaders can grow into increasingly senior roles. Some of this responsibility lies with individuals…
From four walls to open fields: What SOFest taught us about connection and curiosity
TJ Editor Jo Cook takes us inside SOFest — the joyful, curious, and beautifully unorthodox learning festival in a field. With sessions ranging from AI coaching to human design, wild swimming to silent discos, this is professional development done differently — and maybe just how it should be, learning in the wild! This video captures the spirit of SOFest (School of Facilitation Festival) — a learning event like no other, complete with glamping and a festival atmosphere. Featuring interviews, reflections…
The evolution of workplace wellbeing: It’s more than words, it’s a leadership practice
Back in the 1980s, it was all about toughing it out. Now, workplace wellbeing means so much more. Dr Lesley Aitcheson looks at how mental, emotional and physical health became business priorities. She explains why leaders make the real difference, and why it’s time to stop talking and start doing As a middle manager in the 1980s, I quickly learnt to acclimatise to the prevailing workplace ethos: tough it out, whatever the personal cost. Vulnerability was rarely welcomed. Admitting to…
Making skills shareable: The rise of digital credentials
Digital credentials promise to make skills easier to prove, harder to fake and quicker to share. But old habits die hard. What’s holding things back? And how can open-source platforms help? Sergiy Movchan digs into the perks, pitfalls and practicalities of swapping paper for a smarter way to record achievements In the past, printed certificates were considered the gold standard of credentials, with learners waiting weeks to receive physical proof of education, completed courses or training. Losing one of these documents,…
Psychological safety for neurodiversity: One size does not fit all
Psychological safety is the secret sauce of brilliant teams, but how does it actually play out, especially when neurodivergent minds are in the mix? We explore what it means to feel safe, seen and supported at work, and why listening better might just be the leadership superpower we all need Psychological safety has become a cornerstone for effective, innovative, high-performing teams. But what is it actually like in practice? And how can we recognise its presence, particularly in environments where…
The myth of leadership versus management: Why the best managers do both
Too often, leadership and management are treated as opposing forces. But what if the real value lies in knowing how and when to switch between them? Paul Matthews explores how modern managers can blend both to get results without the drama, and why clinging to old distinctions just doesn’t work We often hear that leadership is somehow superior to management – as if one is purely about vision and inspiration, while the other is only about checklists and control. But…
Clear, kind and real: How to make communication count
Your communication skills can go from clunky to clear with just a few tweaks. From knowing what kind of chat you’re really having to handling tricky moments with empathy, it’s all about keeping it real and human. Jo Henwood explains how to keep your cool and make your message land Recently, I delivered back-to-back sessions on wellbeing, communication, coaching and feedback. While these were separate sessions, there are themes across all the topics that can make our communication more impactful. …
L&D at a crossroads: Innovate like Netflix or fade like Blockbuster
Learning and development teams are facing a turning point. Ravinder Tulsiani explains what needs to change to stay useful and effective. From using smart technology to making learning quicker and easier to access, it is time to move on from the old ways and build something that really works today Learning and Development professionals are facing an existential choice – evolve or become obsolete. Just as Netflix revolutionised entertainment by leveraging AI, data and on-demand content while Blockbuster clung to…
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