Saltbox Training & Events Ltd
I design and deliver workshops, training programmes and organisational development events for trustees, senior managers, and managers and employees at all levels in charities, ethical businesses, and organisations with a purpose beyond profit.
My main areas of work are:
I am the author of The Holistic Learning Handbook and also contributed to the book Neuroscience for Learning and Development: How to Apply Neuroscience and Psychology for Improved Learning and Training by Stella Collins.
I believe that learning is one of life’s greatest pleasures - it should be a joy and an adventure. Evidence shows that deep, transformational learning only really happens when the body, mind, heart and spirit are all engaged in the learning experience. This is why I draw on the latest findings from neuroscience and behavioural psychology as well as taking inspiration from nature, music, creative arts, and ancient wisdoms to create powerful, memorable, transformative, holistic learning experiences which lead to behavioural and attitudinal change.
My creative approach, power to engage people, ability to turn ideas into reality and sense of fun have earned me a reputation as an inspiring leader and innovative trainer, and my knowledge and experience in the field of neuroscience and learning have earned me a reputation as leading facilitator, trainer, author and influencer within the training sector.
Some of the charities that I have worked with include: Abbeyfield, AgeUK, Autism Independence, Brandon Trust, British Red Cross, CLIC Sargent, CURO housing group, Development Initiatives, Dorothy House Hospice, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, HFT, Housing For Women, North Somerset Housing, Orchard Vale Trust, Oxfam, Rethink, Second Step, Send a Cow, St Mungos, Stonewater Housing, SWALLOW, Soil Association, Willow Tree Housing Partnership. In addition to charities I work with public sector organisations (including City College Plymouth, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Devon County Council, Learning Partnership West, North Somerset Community Hospital, North Somerset District Council, Somerset County Council, Wessex College, University of Bath. I also work with commercial organisations who have a purpose beyond profit (including Pukka Herbs, The Organic Herb Trading Company, Triodos Bank, and Yeo Valley).
I am the founder and director of Saltbox Training & Events Ltd which I set up in 2009 after more than 20 years’ experience of leading, managing, training, and developing people in the charity and social housing sectors.
In 2019-2020 I took a 10 month secondment from Saltbox to work on an interim contract for Oxfam as Head of Leadership Development.
Prior to setting up Saltbox, I was Head of Learning and Development for Carr-Gomm (a national supported housing charity) where I set up a new L&D function and developed and implemented a corporate L&D strategy which led to us securing the Investors in People award.
Before working in L&D I worked in the field of service user/tenant involvement for over 10 years, prior to which I worked in supported housing, firstly as a support worker and then as a manager in projects for homeless ex-offenders, people with mental health needs, and people with alcohol dependency. My career in training began through teaching life skills to people coming out of prison and psychiatric hospital, where I discovered I had a flair for helping people to learn, develop and grow, and I have been following this passion ever since.