Reflections on the DOP Conference

A couple of weeks ago I went to the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology Conference after a gap of twenty or so years.

Time to refresh my Occ Psych credentials and be challenged and stimulated by the latest research findings.

It was a packed and well organised conference, with some familiar faces and a fantastic musical chairs networking session to open (to the tune of Call Me Maybe - inspired soundtrack!).

Here follows a few themes and ideas that I am committed to following up over the next few months - either through reading relevant papers or participating in CPD events.  I don't present these as a comprehensive summary of the conference content - but as triggers for me personally.  If they intrigue you too - get in touch, and maybe we can get some discussions going.

1. Mindfulness - one speaker talked of a study investigating the impact of mindfulness training on staff - with particular reference to perceptions of stress and wellness.  I am familiar with the concept and process as a strategy for those with ADHD.  Worth reading around - and exploring any research that establishes a link between mindfulness and productivity.  To build a solid business case for investing in programmes for the workplace.
2. To my mind a similar set of questions apply to the concept of Flow.  A state of absorption in a task - living in the present.  With connections to resilience (trait) and coping (process).  Again more to explore, particularly with regard to the creation of working environments that support Flow - and job roles where it is practically achievable.
3. A third theme for me - which relates very much to the sector that I work in - one speaker talked about the motivation that businesses have for supporting charitable causes.  Is it around guilt, offsetting harmful effects of the business?  I would like to dig into this a bit further, especially the positive benefits - emotional and practical - of philanthropy.
4. A broad observation of mine - some presented studies explored differences across cultures and across public and private sector workplaces.  But there was little on the charitable sector.  I feel that differences do exist, especially with regard to the characteristics of leaders, work-life balance, trade-offs that people make on a day to day basis.  Mavericks, visionaries, activists - all find a place in the charitable sector as charismatic leaders achieving change.  

I can see a few areas that could stand some rigorous research.  So there is the challenge. 

Do get in touch if these ideas resonate with you.

Review of 2012

Finally there is a small break in the busyness of life to pause and review 2012!

Business Planning and Sustainability continued to be a strong theme through different assignments.  Including:

• Drafting business plans for three voluntary and community groups...
• ... Which then formed the backbone for successful funding applications.
• Working for a funder to ensure that organisations receiving grants used the money prudently and effectively.

Research and Mapping assignments covered:

• Identifying organisations delivering arts projects and/or working with vulnerable adults - in two specific geographical regions.  This work enabled the client to explore expansion, through partnerships, into new areas.
• Researching and marketing a quality scheme for voluntary sector providers of after school activities.  This included training as an advocate for QiSS and QES - to support providers through the schemes.

Participation and Engagement covering:

• Including users in the shaping of services designed for them.
• Particularly where there are communication issues, mental health or disability.
• Researching perceptions of the psychological contract that exists between a corporate and their employees across a number of functions.
• Editing the newsletter for national disability organisation, including commissioning articles from medical professionals and profiling personal stories.

Recruitment and Development activities included:

• Design and delivery of a consultancy skills workshop for special needs advisors working in schools.  With a strong emphasis on personal skills and change management models.  To be repeated in 2013.
• Design and delivery of recruitment processes for clients.
• Provision of advice on a range of HR issues relating to the employment of sessional staff.
• Sourcing speakers for development workshops eg raising awareness of local FGM issues for health professionals

Interesting Events and Conferences always prompt new and creative responses to real needs, and also provide an opportunity to share best practice and talk about Flourishing Consulting's work.  There were an abundance of such activities during 2012.

• ENORB in Brussels - meeting at the European Parliament for the inaugural meeting to discuss faith responses to conflict across Europe.
• Babcock and TES SEN exhibitions offering the latest innovations in special needs education.
• Children England conference offering examples of effective models for mergers and partnerships for voluntary sector groups.
• Youth into employment - presenting a variety of practical models operating at a local level.
• Reclaiming London - developing faith based community responses to the London disturbances in the summer of 2011.
• Division of Occupational Psychology Conference - in January 2013 - where I spoke, albeit briefly, on self employment options.

On top of that - my first Published Article in SEN Magazine - looking at faith perspectives on disability.

So far, Trends for 2013 continue to be:

• Survival of third sector organisations through mergers, partnerships and consortia.
• Building capacity to bid for local authority tenders.
• Diversifying income streams through creative and socially enterprising activities.
• Smart ways to maximise staff potential - through flexible work patterns, clarity on core competencies, investment in tailored development.   

If you like the kind of work I do - and the concept of Flourishing - please get in touch at karen@flourishing.me.uk