Governance Matters

• Engaging and Adaptive Communication Styles: Why They Matter

  Unlock the secrets of effective communication and transform your workplace dynamics with our latest episode of Governance Matters. We're thrilled to feature Lynn Mead, our associate and a career transition coach, who brings her wealth of knowledge on DISC behavior profiling to the table. Discover how the four communication styles—dominant, influential, conscientious, and steady—can enhance your self-awareness, adaptability, and ability to connect with colleagues. Learn to tailor your interactions by recognising these styles in others, fostering a more harmonious and collaborative environment. This insightful exploration promises to equip you with the strategies to better navigate diverse personalities and improve team relationships.But there's more. We also delve into the profound impact of effective listening skills. The episode challenges you to move beyond hearing and truly listen, emphasising authenticity, honesty, and respect in every professional interaction. Through practical techniques like active listening and providing feedback, we offer ways to fully engage with your conversation partners. With personal anecdotes and actionable insights, we illustrate how genuine attention can significantly enhance professional relationships and organisational culture. Tune in to redefine how you communicate and listen, making every interaction count.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to this episode, or any other Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts – we have lots of great episodes coming up in the season

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• Breaking Through Myths About Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities – Why Understanding Difference Matters

  Jake Bowers is a Romani journalist, producer, media teacher, film maker and blacksmith who joins us on Governance Matters for an insightful discussion on the critical role of governance, particularly for ethnic minorities such as the Gypsy and Traveller communities. Listen in as Jake's unique perspective as he explains the significance of executing governance with morality and equality in mind, and the potential pitfalls when it falters. He also guides us through the appropriate terminology when referring to his community and challenges the misconceptions perpetuated by sensationalised media portrayals. Jake emphasises the importance of aligning perceptions with the reality that these communities are recognised ethnic groups with protected racial identities.In another chapter of our conversation, we explore the barriers Gypsy and Traveller communities face in accessing essential services like healthcare and education, often exacerbated by their nomadic lifestyle and lack of secure housing. Jake shares insights into the discrimination these communities encounter and the reluctance of institutions to include them, while also highlighting efforts by organisations like the NHS in Surrey to bridge these gaps. He shares his personal experience as a blacksmith creating sculptures to celebrate Gypsy and Traveller culture, highlighting a project in Appleby that, despite facing resistance, holds the potential to foster inclusion and fulfill race equality duties. This episode underscores the need for proactive governance and community engagement to address these challenges.A Gypsy life for me https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/news/2011/11/gypsy-life-meOnline FAQs Pack Gypsies and Travellers produced by Travellers Times and written by Jake Bowers:chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/sites/default/files/paragraphs/filelink/Gypsies%20and%20Travellers%20Lifestyle%20History%20and%20Culture%20FAQs_0.pdf

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• Informed Councillor Allowance Reviews: Why Evidence-Based Decisions Matter

  What if the backbone of a well-functioning society isn't just its people, but its governance? Join me, Kirsty, as we continue our new series, Governance Matters, with a deep dive into the intricacies of allowances. Our special guest, Mark Palmer, the Director of Development and Governance at South East Employers, shares his insights on their critical role of independent remuneration panels, which play a pivotal part in setting councillor allowances and ensuring accountability across councils. With the advent of parental leave policies for councillors, our conversation highlights the evolving landscape of local governance.In our discussion, we emphasise the importance of recruiting a diverse Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) and share effective strategies for attracting a balanced mixture of representatives, especially from younger generations. Mark elaborates on how councils can efficiently manage the IRP process with elements like training Panel members, chairing the process and data analysis whilst exploring the support offered by South East Employers. We also underscore the annual members' allowance survey—a key resource councils shouldn't ignore and encourage all councils in the region to participate in this initiative to be able to access this comprehensive and enlightening data.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to this episode, or any other Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts – we have lots of great episodes coming up in the season

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• Navigating conflict in meetings: Why Chairing Skills Matter

  Discover the art of conflict management in public forums with our returning guest, Councillor Minas-Bound from Basingstoke and Deane. Minas-Bound shares how asking the right questions can transform discord into productive dialogue. We discuss the nuances of chairing meetings and why ensuring that every voice is heard is crucial for achieving meaningful outcomes. Get an inside look at common sources of conflict, from community disagreements to overlapping efforts, and gain insight into Minas-Bound's strategies for balancing perspectives and facilitating open dialogue.Engagement with the community is more than just a buzzword—it's a long-term investment in harmony and understanding. We explore the benefits of connecting through both traditional public forums and modern platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Hear about the significance of mediation services and the subtle art of coaching for those tricky conversations. Whether it’s mastering chairing skills or knowing when to step back, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Embrace the discomfort and step into effective governance and public interactions with confidence and clarity.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to this episode, or any other Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts – we have lots of great episodes coming up in the season

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• Behind the Decisions: Why Resilience in Public Life Matters

  What if prioritising mental health could transform your career and personal life? Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Beeney, a former commercial director who has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the workplace. David candidly shares his own story and discusses the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by local government councillors.  It's easy for councillors to neglect their well-being while tending to others' needs, but recognising early signs of burnout, like fatigue and difficulty concentrating, can be lifesaving. We unpack the vital importance of self-care for those in public service roles, focusing on balanced living to prevent burnout. Using relatable analogies, we emphasise the need for a supportive network and offer practical advice for maintaining mental resilience. This episode aims to inspire local government officials and beyond to take their mental health as seriously as their professional responsibilities. We explore the transformative power of self-compassion and the importance of creating supportive work environments, fostering genuine connections and regularly checking in with colleagues to build a culture where mental health is a priority. As we conclude, we encourage listeners to practice self-kindness and consider its profound impact on mental health and success. Don't forget to explore our resources and subscribe for more insightful discussions, including our upcoming episode on handling conflict within meetings.If you are a member of SEE and have any questions related to this episode, or any other Governance or HR issues facing your organisation, please get in touch at [email protected] remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts – we have lots of great episodes coming up in the season

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