Buckinghamshire Council

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.

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.

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”.

Sarah, Jane, Andrea, Sonia and Rose, members of our Carers Staff Network, tell us about their experiences of being a carer.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.