1AM talks

Episode 9 - Coaching Communities

Educational Coaching How does  Manager as Coach L&D  and support staff leading Student Services? And how do you go from MAC to a community of coaches?  🎉New Episode  * In this episode of 1AM Talks, Andry McFarlane is joined by Rebecca Henry-Litteck and Kieren McIntosh for a conversation about how Managers as Coach, peer coaching, and coaching communities of practice help managers in Higher Education and Further Education support staff, reduce silos and support managers who work in student services too.  * Together they explore how these practise based coaching  approaches can be embedded into day-to-day management practice, enhancing quality, strengthening relationships, building  trust, confidence and support across organisations. * Rebecca reflects on how MAC  programmes embedded practise, gave experiences of  being coached, being observed coaching all impacted positively and were meaningful for staff.   * We explore how the  MAC programmes alongside consultation created ongoing coaching peer support, stronger internal networks and a growing coaching culture in FE and HE.  * Kieren  briefly shares the participant perspective, including the value of peer coaching and learning alongside colleagues on a journey to support students in FE.  * Across the episode, the discussion points to the wider ripple effect of Managers as Coach,  the growth of  peer coaching and coaching communities. It highlights how helping managers,  strengthens  organisations, and ultimately benefits  students through better leadership.   For HR, OD and L&D practitioners, this 20 minute episode shows: * how Manager as Coach can help managers and leaders more effectively in day-to-day roles  * how peer coaching can build trust, confidence and stronger working relationships across teams * how coaching communities of practice can strengthen organisational cultures and internal networks * how these coaching learning  approaches can support managers in Higher Education and Further Education * how leadership development can create ripple effects that reach staff, organisations and student services * We begin to look at one manager’s learning journey with coaching and their peers - more in Episode 10!  ➡️ In the next episode, we continue exploring the impact and practical insights from  the  MAC learning and development programme with Kieren and Rebecca. Only 20 mins to listen? 💫  Follow , share and listen to 1AM talks episodes for free on Spotify [https://spotify.link/x29xJ8DNDXb]   Podbean [https://pod1amtalks.podbean.com/]   and  Apple podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1am-talks/id1846348556] Find out more To find out more about your hosts, Andry, Miranda, and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam [https://linktr.ee/andryam] Learning and development work in the UK https://thelearningmoment.org [https://thelearningmoment.org/] Connect with Andry Anastasis McFarlane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313] Follow the podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks [https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks] ⭐ If you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with colleagues, rating the podcast and subscribing to help others discover these conversations on learning, leadership and organisational development. Guest details Rebecca Henry-Litteck and Kieren McIntosh Rebecca Henry-Litteck — Guest Bio Rebecca Henry-Litteck has nearly  15 years’ experience leading learning, leadership and organisational development initiatives across Higher Education and Further Education. Previously Head of Learning and Organisational Development at St George’s, University of London, she is now Head of Learning and ODI for the School of Health and Medical Sciences at City St George’s. Kieren McIntosh — Guest Bio Kieren McIntosh is Vice Principal at Lewisham College, part of NCG.  Kieren McIntosh is Vice Principal at Lewisham College, part of NCG. He has worked in the Further Education sector for 18 years also previously at New City College before returning to Lewisham College. His role focuses on ensuring that teaching, learning, and assessment are well supported, that teams have the clarity and tools needed to deliver consistently, and that learners experience a well‑structured and supportive environment.   We’d appreciate your ideas: How is your organisation using Managers as Coach, peer coaching or coaching communities to support leaders, staff and students? #qualityeducation #HigherEducation #studentinclusion #inclusion #FurtherEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagersAsCoach #PeerCoaching #CoachingCommunities #CommunitiesOfPractice #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganisationalDevelopment #HigherEducation #FurtherEducation #1AMTalks

Trailer 9 - Educational Coaching

Educational Coaching  How did a Manager as Coach programme grow from one cohort into a wider leadership coaching community? 🎙️In this mini trailer for 1AM Talks, your hosts introduce a conversation with Rebecca Henry-Litteck and Kieren McIntosh about how Manager as Coach, peer coaching and coaching communities help managers support staff, strengthen organisations, and ultimately make a difference for reducing silos and for students. Starting with one cohort of Manager of Coach at St George’s, the programme became four cohorts over four years. It  built momentum through word of mouth, senior leader role modelling and a growing appetite for coaching in  daily practice.  Rebecca reflects on how that led to the development of a coaching community of practice — shaped with staff, supported by senior sponsorship, and designed to help  the coaching culture continue to grow in conversations with staff and learners.  ⏰This short trailer gives you a flavour of full episode’s focus on how coaching is grew in Higher Education and Further Education, from one cohort as Rebecca Henry-Litteck and Kieren McIntosh reflect on how Managers as Coach, peer coaching and coaching communities impact on them, on trust and on staff careers. 🎧 You’ll hear about: * * How Manager as Coach  grew through multiple  practise based cohorts * Why a consultative approach and senior support mattered for  developing coaching communities in a university   * How a coaching community of practice emerged from a MAC programme and staff wanted the coaching community to look and feel like * How coaching cultures can grow across organisations in Higher education and Further education * Beginning the chat about…What one  Student Services manager experienced as he began his  coaching learning journey (more in Episode 10)   Only 20 mins to listen? 💫  Follow , share and listen to 1AM talks episodes for free on Spotify [https://spotify.link/x29xJ8DNDXb]   Podbean [https://pod1amtalks.podbean.com/]   and  Apple podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/1am-talks/id1846348556] Guests Rebecca Henry-Litteck Rebecca Henry-Litteck has more than  14 years’ experience leading learning, leadership and organisational development initiatives across Higher Education and Further Education.  Previously Head of Learning and Organisational Development at St George’s, University of London, she is now Head of Learning and ODI for the School of Health and Medical Sciences at City St George’s. Kieren McIntosh Kieren McIntosh is Vice Principal at Lewisham College, part of NCG. He has worked in the Further Education sector for 18 years also previously at New City College before returning to Lewisham College. At  Lewisham College, Kieren is the operational lead for Curriculum and Quality, overseeing the implementation of curriculum strategy, quality assurance processes, and performance improvement across all programme areas.  His role focuses on ensuring that teaching, learning, and assessment are well supported, that teams have the clarity and tools needed to deliver consistently, and that learners experience a well‑structured and supportive environment.   Hosts To find out more about your hosts, Andry, Miranda, and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam [https://linktr.ee/andryam] To find out more about the team’s workshops, coaching, and consultancy work with UK organisations for your staff: https://thelearningmoment.org [https://thelearningmoment.org/] Part 1, the full 20 minute episode drops later this week. #LeadershipDevelopment #qualityeducation #HigherEducation #studentinclusion #inclusion #FurtherEducation #ManagersAsCoach #PeerCoaching #CoachingCommunities #CommunitiesOfPractice #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganisationalDevelopment #HigherEducation #FurtherEducation #1AMTalks

Episode 8 : Leading through growth.

Leading through growth 🎙️Educational leadership, learning design and organisational growth. What do learning leaders in growing educational organisations really need to help teams and learners thrive?  In this episode of 1AM Talks, Andry McFarlane and Rachael Palmer are joined by David West and Kirsty Fyfe from Brunel Academies Trust  (a MAT) to explore what learning leaders in growing educational organisations really need.  We discuss how a coaching and one-to-one masterclass programme was designed to support managers and leaders in education,  through challenge, growth and change, and how that was shaped around the real context of the organisation,  rather than a one-size-fits-all model. This is also a conversation about courageous leadership in education: being willing to learn, adapt, reflect and take others with you on the journey. David brings the organisational and programme lead perspective, while Kirsty reflects as a participant on growth, leadership and what it means to develop in role. Together they offer a deep discussion about supporting staff -  and the impact on  learners -  through a whole-organisational approach to development. For HR, OD and L&D practitioners, this episode shows: * how to design  leadership learning around the real needs of an educational organisation * how coaching and masterclasses can support leaders, staff and impact on learners during growth and change * The impact of gender on leadership in MAT  * how courage, reflection and adaptation  enable strong leadership development programmes We’d appreciate your ideas What do learning leaders need most when a MAT  organisation is growing and changing? How is your organisation supporting managers and leaders to learn while they lead? Find out more To find out more about your hosts Andry, Miranda, and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam [https://linktr.ee/andryam] Our learning and development services  in the UK https://thelearningmoment.org [https://thelearningmoment.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] For Global L&D /OD support,   connect with Andry Anastasis McFarlane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313] Follow the podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks ⭐ If you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with colleagues, rating the podcast and subscribing to help others discover these conversations on learning, leadership and organisational development. Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/ [https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/] Guest details Kirsty Fyfe and David West – Brunel Academies Trust David West — Guest Bio David West is Director of People & Culture at Brunel Academies Trust. He has worked for the NHS in employment law,  in an FE & HE College as a HR Business Partner, in the Motor Industry as HR Manager and currently, now back  in Education at Brunel Academies Trust. He speaks in this episode from the perspective of leading the programme and supporting organisational growth through learning and development. Kirsty Fyfe — Guest Bio Kirsty is Head of Resourcing Services at Brunel Academies Trust. In this episode Kirsty shares her personal participant perspective on her leadership development, growth and learning in practice at Brunel Academies Trust. A bit about Kirsty’s career journey:“I studied for my MREC and moved into internal Education recruitment because although the idea of being a teacher was great, I knew I was better placed to work behind the scenes to find and place the right people in the right roles. So, I headed up Recruitment for a large Multi Academy Trust with 33 schools at the time and Central Office for seven years before joining Brunel Academies Trust.”  Find out more: https://www.brunel.org.uk [https://www.brunel.org.uk/]   #1AMTalks #EducationalLeadership #MAT #FEleadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganisationalDevelopment #Coaching #Masterclasses #BrunelAcademiesTrust #LeadingThroughGrowth #PeopleAndCulture

Trailer 8 - Leading In MAT & SEND

Leading in MAT and SEND 🎉 New Season, New Episode When the education sector is under pressure, how do you support leaders, staff and students? 🎙️In this mini trailer for 1AM Talks, your hosts introduce a conversation with David West and Kirsty Fyfe from Brunel Academies Trust about leadership development in a demanding education environment. The discussion explores how coaching and masterclasses can support leaders and managers to grow, adapt and lead well — not only for their own development, but in ways that ripple outward to colleagues, classrooms and students. As David reflects, leadership development needs to be fit for purpose in a sector where roles are demanding and retention matters. Kirsty speaks about the importance of being open to change and challenging ourselves to adapt so that we can become better versions of ourselves. Together, they offer a glimpse into an episode about leadership, learning and development across the education and SEND sector. ⏰This short 1AM Talks trailer gives you a flavour of the upcoming episode, where leaders from Brunel Academies Trust reflect on how coaching and masterclasses supported leadership development, mentoring, and practice across the organisation. 🎧 You’ll hear about: * Why leadership development needs to be fit for purpose in a demanding education sector * How coaching and mentoring can influence practice beyond leaders themselves * The value of being open to change, challenge and adaptation * How leadership learning can shape support for staff, teaching assistants and students * What programme leads and participants would advise others developing staff through coaching and masterclasses Guests David West — Director of People & Culture, Brunel Academies Trust David West is Director of People & Culture and a member of the Executive Leadership Team at Brunel Academies Trust. A CIPD Level 7 HR professional, he leads people strategy across recruitment, learning and development, employee relations, and organisational change. https://www.brunel.org.uk [https://www.brunel.org.uk/] Kirsty Fyfe — Brunel Academies Trust Kirsty Fyfe works in recruitment and resourcing within the education sector and has previously led recruitment for a large multi-academy trust. At Brunel Academies Trust, she focuses on strategic recruitment and the wider people journey for staff. https://www.brunel.org.uk [https://www.brunel.org.uk/] Hosts To find out more about your hosts, Andry, Miranda, and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam [https://linktr.ee/andryam] To find out more about the team’s workshops, coaching, and consultancy work with UK organisations for your staff: https://thelearningmoment.org [https://thelearningmoment.org/]   For Global work connect with Andry Anastasis McFarlane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andry-anastasis-mcfarlane-00617313]   Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/ [https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/]   Part 1, the full 20 minute episode drops later this week. #MATleadership #SENDleadership #LeadershipDevelopment #L&D #OrganisationalDevelopment #WorkplaceLearning #1AMtalks #podcasttrailer #podcastepisode #SEND #SpecialEducationalNeeds #SENDLeadership #MultiAcademyTrust #StaffDevelopment #EducationLeadership

Ep 7: Educational leadership through growth

📈As organisations grow, leadership needs to grow with them  - for both staff and students to thrive. How does L&D support that?  🌱Growing Leaders During Organisational Expansion: Coaching and Masterclasses at Brunel Academies Trust 🎙️In this 1AM Talks 20 minute deep dive episode, we speak with David West and Kirsty Fyfe from Brunel Academies Trust about how a coaching and masterclass L&D programme supported leaders during a period of significant organisational expansion. 🌱As Brunel grew from around 375 staff to more than 1,100, senior leaders were stepping into new roles, navigating different leadership styles, and learning how to work collaboratively across a fast-growing organisation. The programme combined 1-to-1 coaching and focused masterclasses, giving senior leaders skills to reflect, strengthen their leadership practice, and apply learning directly in their day-to-day roles with staff that ultimately impact positively on learners. 🙋🏻‍♂️David West offers a People & Culture perspective on why investing in leadership development mattered during a time of rapid growth, and how strengthening leadership capability helps organisations stay focused on what matters most — supporting staff so they can do their best work with students, learners, children and young people. 🙋🏻‍♀️Kirsty Fyfe shares how her career journey from corporate recruitment into education was driven by a desire to help children and young people by ensuring the right practitioners, support teams and leaders are in place. She also reflects on how the learning helped her rethink how she approaches leadership challenges as a woman, navigating complex dynamics, and building resilience that she could then pass on to her own team. 🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♂️🙋‍♀️For HR, OD and L&D practitioners, this 20 minute episode shows: * how L&D in Multi-Academy Trusts can support leaders as organisations expand * how leadership development strengthens staff resilience, which ripples through teams and learning environments for students and learners * how FE and school leadership benefits from coaching conversations and structured reflection * how coaching and masterclasses create practical strategic learning for growing organisations * how investing in people/HR staff development ultimately supports students,  strategy development and also supports resilient leadership *  A thoughtful episode for anyone interested in Multi-Academy Trust leadership, staff resilience, organisational growth, and learning cultures in education. ➡️ In the next episode, David and Kirsty return to discuss the impact of the programme on them personally and across the organisation. 🔗 Find out more To find out more about your hosts Andry, Miranda, and Rachael: https://linktr.ee/andryam [https://linktr.ee/andryam] 🌐 Learning and development work in the UK https://thelearningmoment.org [https://thelearningmoment.org/] 💼 Connect with Andry Anastasis McFarlane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrymcfarlane 📱 Follow the podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pod1amtalks ⭐ If you found this episode useful, consider sharing it with colleagues, rating the podcast and subscribing to help others discover these conversations on learning, leadership and organisational development. Podcast recording and production team: https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/ [https://www.artifactfilms.co.uk/] Guest details Kirsty Fyfe and David West – Brunel Academies Trust https://www.brunel.org.uk [https://www.brunel.org.uk/] David West — Guest Bio David West is Director of People & Culture at Brunel Academies Trust and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. He leads recruitment, learning and development, employee relations and organisational change to support  staff experience and effectiveness and untimately better outcomes for children and young people. Kirsty Fyfe — Guest Bio Kirsty Fyfe leads recruitment at Brunel Academies Trust, helping schools attract and appoint the right people to support children and young people with SEND. She brings experience from agency and MAT recruitment, with a focus on strategic resourcing and candidate experience. ⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:06 – 🎙️ Introduction Introduction to 1AM Talks and the focus on real learning and organisational development projects. 00:43 – 🧭 Episode context Overview of the coaching and masterclass programme supporting senior leaders at Brunel Academies Trust. 01:34 – 👥 Guest introductions Kirsty Fyfe and David West introduce their roles and backgrounds. 04:16 – 📈 David West The leadership challenge of supporting newly appointed leaders during rapid organisational growth. 07:10 – 👤 Kirsty Fyfe Leadership pressures and navigating complex leadership dynamics. 10:15 – 🛠️ Kirsty Fyfe Personal experience of the coaching and masterclass programme and the role of reflection in leadership practice. 15:15 – 🔚 Closing Closing reflections and preview of the next episode on programme impact. #MATLeadership #EducationLeadership #FELearning #SchoolsLeadership #LearningAndDevelopment #OrganisationalLearning #LearningForGrowth #SystemLeadership #EducationSector   We’d appreciate your ideas: What do you want to hear on future episodes? How is your organisation supporting leaders and staff while it grows and evolves?