Drum roll please!……



Introducing Grace & Peter – newly qualified i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training – Managers!

In line with ISO45003 – workplace psychological safety – Grace and Peter now have the tools, steps and effective communication to not only build their mind muscle but be aware of the emotional temperature of those around them.

With over 50 tools and 90+ referral organisations, i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training was designed specifically for any workplace to be used by anyone – no matter their level of medical understanding.

Its pro-active approach smashes the focus we are brought up with to put everyone else first. How can we do that if we aren’t thriving? Building our own mind muscle is critical – not ‘nice to have when I’ve got time’.

As an i-act (for positive mental health and wellbeing) training. Mental Health Training Instructor, I deliver the Manager level to those going into employment through Growing Talent for two reasons:

✅ Where they start is not where they finish! They will me leading others in time.
✅ Every employee should be aware of their manager’s responsibilities to them both morally and legally.

Grace and Peter now know how to start flexing their mind muscle with the micro techniques I teach.

What were their thoughts?

“This course gave practical tools to recognise signs of stress or mental health struggles, both in myself and others. It helped me feel more aware, supportive, and better prepared for the emotional demands of the workplace and community.” Grace

“A key learning for me was how to support someone else in the workplace who might be struggling using cues” Peter

We know Grace and Peter will have awesome careers with CIS-Security and be equipped to support their teams and clients. 👏 👏

The wait is over for Owolabi!

The 41st Growing Talent programme has been the most interesting and challenging so far!

Some got roles and are on the Orientation and Holistic week currently, others have been going for meetings with different managers to identify the right fit.

The waiting game.

We all know how tough it is, waiting to hear results on anything – but especially whether we’ve secured that job or not is painful!

Owolabi was, until yesterday afternoon, waiting to hear and wondering if his life was about to change.

Now he knows it is.

Stable employment and a regular income enable unemployed people to start taking back control of their life, make their own choices and close their own social mobility gap.

This is even more important for those with challenging back experiences. A permanent job really does change lives.

A huge thank you to Matthew Izekor of Southwark Care Leavers who referred Owolabi to Growing Talent and supported him throughout the process.

Also a massive thank you and nod of respect to Gina and the team CIS Security Limited for joining us in doing things differently.

If you are looking to gain some amazing talent with hidden skills that will add value to your business in London – why not join us?

Next programme starts September 2025. Contact me for details.

Who hates Mondays?

Many in the wrong job will know that Sunday night feeling of dread.

Boomtown Rats had a No 1 hit about this very subject back in ’79.

At Growing Talent – we LOVED this Monday! Our 38th Employer Speed Dating event – aka 1st mutual stage selection.

Uniquely, this followed an in-depth ‘getting to know you’ event held for the first time last week – so there was already a connection between candidates and employers. Takes the heat out of nerves a little.

Conversation flowed. As did the laughter and smiles. Who thought recruitment could be this much fun?

In small groups, Antoinette, Dejanae, Elizabeth, Filsan, Hosil, Luliia, Leena, Mark, Jibrail, Niketa, Rahime, Riaz, Sarah & Yohana met the employers again from SPS CIS Security Limited #NGBailey, ISS A/S & Portico to get to know each other a little more.

Feedback on the new format from employers and candidates was 100% positive – so it’s a keeper!

Next steps are currently being decided by the employers – so the suspense for our awesome candidates continues a little longer.

A huge thanks to our employers for giving their time to be part of Growing Talent including Daisy Dean-Grundy, Stacey Walker, Bernie, Lois Collins Tom & Soraya, Alison Compton & Rakesh Joshi, Gemma & Nikki, Gina & David, Lillian, Nid & David from NG Bailey – also Phil and Esther who joined in the fun for a while.

How amazing for the new partner at our sponsors Alex to make diary time to come along with Adam Bushell to see Growing Talent in action! Thank you!

Check back to see what happens next!

Thanks also to the cheerleaders at JobCentre Plus and Southwark Care Leavers

David Steeds

Rob Matthews (Anna)

Matthew Izekor

The numbers are in!…..

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been mobilising the latest Growing Talent which sees the launch of a new format where applicants and employers get to know each other BEFORE the selection stage.

Let’s take a look at the numbers:

71 applicants referred by JobCentre Plus and Southwark Care Leavers requested the virtual Zoom information session.

36 talented, currently unemployed people joined the virtual presentation to learn the new format, additional resources available to them and the benefits they will get from participating.

17 registered to attend the next stage on 8 October!

Employers, get ready to meet some awesomely talented people on Tuesday!


Thanks to everyone involved….. including your awesome teams behind the scenes 👏 👏 👏
David Steeds
Rob Matthews (Anna)
Matthew Izekor
Pertemps Network Group
SPS UK & I
Portico
CIS Security Limited
ISS A/S

Also the magical Adrienne Simpson who makes everything happen and Growing Talent sponsors Allen Salmon Adam Bushell 🎉 🎉 🎉