Bird & Blend Tea Co have been featured in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, powered by WorkL! Here's what they had to say!

The article is celebrating companies that are doing a great job of engaging & supporting people of all ages with work that’s meaningful, purposeful and inspiring - which speaks directly to what we are all about, so we really couldn’t be more chuffed. "

The list highlights the UK’s top-ranking employers in six key areas: reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, instilling pride, and job satisfaction. To make the list, each company must achieve a minimum response rate (based on its size) and be ranked above 70 per cent by its own workforce. Although the final listing is determined by an engagement score average, a highly engaged workplace must perform well in all six areas.

Our founding mission statement (written on the back of a napkin over 10 years ago) was to: ‘Prove you could build a successful business that based its decisions on people & planet, not just profit’.

Fast forward to today, and our core strategic purpose is to be known and loved as a great place to work, and so to receive this kind of recognition is something we’re hugely proud of.

Check out all of the companies that made this year's Times Best Places To Work list. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/static/best-places-to-work-2024-introfeature/

Needless to say, we are thrilled to be celebrated for our ‘refreshing approach’ by The Sunday Times: ‘At Worthing-based Bird & Blend Tea, for instance, co-founders Krisi Smith and Mike Turner know all 164 employees by name and initiatives including paid volunteering days and a monthly tea allowance make life at work feel sweet.’

Huge shout out to our incredible, magical & trailblazing TEAm whose passion, dedication & creativity make Bird & Blend what it is!

New Chair and Trustees for Worthing Theatres & Museum 

Worthing Theatres & Museum (WTM) is an arts and heritage charity on the South Coast looking to recruit a new Chair and Trustees to join our Board. We are looking for committed, enthusiastic individuals who share our values and vision. We are keen to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experience, both locally and further afield, who could bring expertise that benefits the Charity. In particular we are interested in those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

● Theatre and Arts Finances

● Fundraising

● Subsidised and Commercial Theatre Producing

● Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

● Strategic Business Planning

● Digital

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who have previously been underrepresented at WTM and in the industry. Why join us?

Trusteeship at WTM provides an opportunity to participate in, oversee and lead a diverse, vibrant and growing charity. It is a chance to be impactful and have a voice in the local community, influence strategy, finance, operations and future plans for the Charity and collaborate with experienced individuals who share a passion for arts and heritage.

Most importantly we look forward to meeting people who are committed to driving WTM forward in achieving Our Vision of a community in which everyone’s lives are enriched through vibrant, exceptional arts and heritage.

How To Apply

The HR team will be accepting applications on behalf of the Board, to apply please send a covering letter outlining why you are interested along with a CV to hradmin@wtm.uk

Deadline to apply: 13th June 2024

If you would like an informal chat with one of our Trustees, have any questions or want to know more about becoming a Trustee please email hradmin@wtm.uk

Could you be an Industry Mentor at Shoreham Academy?

The Careers Team at Shoreham Academy are seeking employers to participate in their Thinking Futures programme for Year 12 students, which will take place from Monday 8^th to Thursday 11^th July. 

"You/your organisation would act as a mentor for a group of students for whom you set a project. ( The school will support you in this)  (The students choose a brief from those on offer that will enable them to develop skills relevant to their career aspirations.)

At the beginning of the week the mentor meets with the team of students to set the project. They then check in with them halfway through the week to discuss their progress. At the end of the week the students present their work to the industry mentor and receive feedback. Meetings can be in-person or virtual. Students are supported in school to produce high-quality work."

You can read this booklet for all the information  

Sussex Charity Turning Tides and National Charity StreetVet Forge Partnership with the Support of Hercule Van Wolfwinkle

In a significant development for community support services, Turning Tides and StreetVet have announced a new partnership, with Roffey Place becoming a StreetVet Accredited Hostel. This initiative has been made possible through the remarkable efforts of fundraiser Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, whose creative contributions have brought these two charities together. This marks a significant advancement in the support provided to the homeless community in West Sussex and their beloved pets.

Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, known for his unique and endearing pet portraits, has been a long-time supporter of both charities, Turning Tides and StreetVet. Van Wolfwinkle’s ‘rubbish’ portraits, as he humorously deems them, have garnered widespread attention, raising significant funds and uniting pet lovers in support of both Turning Tides and StreetVet. His recent joined fundraising efforts brings the overall fundraising to over £321,000!

“I’ve been fundraising for Turning Tides and StreetVet for the last three years, so it feels like two friends from different circles have eventually met. Roffey Place becoming aSteetVet Accredited Hostel is so much more than that though, this link between the charities means that, with the support of StreetVet, Turning Tides can now provide even greater care to the people and animals they are assisting at Roffey”. - Hercule Van Wolfwinkle.

Turning Tides, a leading charity in West Sussex, has dedicated itself to addressing homelessness with a comprehensive array of services, including outreach, advice, and accommodation. Since 1991, it has become the largest provider of homeless services for adults in the region, fostering community connections and transforming lives.

“I first moved to Roffey Place and then the [Turning Tides ‘Move On’ accommodation] farmhouse in West Sussex when I was made homeless due to my wife passing away, and then the home I was living for 15 years, was repossessed. In this time StreetVet has been Winston’s veterinary carers. This combination of great care, in my view prolonged Winton’s life. I was told that Winstons care, and the care they give to dogs like mine, is at the heart of what they do. StreetVet care is excellent, and I could not want better. Thank you for your expertise and knowledge for keeping him on the right track.” – Micky, a Turning Tides resident.

StreetVet, an award-winning national charity, provides free veterinary care to the pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. With a team of compassionate vets and vet nurse volunteers, StreetVet believes in maintaining the bond between owners and their pets, offering support through initiatives like the Accredited Hostel Scheme. Many people experiencing homelessness face the impossible choice between a roof over their heads or giving up their best friend, a choice nobody should have to make.

“Turning Tides is a fantastic charity that StreetVet is delighted to work alongside. Roffey Place has become the first StreetVet Accredited Hostel with Turning Tides and we have formed a strong partnership with staff to support their residents with pets on their journey to independent living accommodation. We look forward to our collaboration flourishing and seeing what we can achieve together.” Laura Sayer, Manager of the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme

The inclusion of Roffey Place in the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme marks a milestone in inclusive support for people that have experienced homelessness and their pets. This partnership ensures that residents at Roffey Place do not have to part with their pets, acknowledging the therapeutic importance of these companionships.

The collaboration between Turning Tides and StreetVet, championed by Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, exemplifies the power of community and the arts in driving social change. It is a testament to collective effort in forming collaborations to benefit those in need, including those who find comfort in the company of their pets.

Business Support Programme (2024/25)

Adur & Worthing Councils are pleased to be launching a Business Support Programme to assist our local businesses within the areas of innovation, sustainability and leadership & management. Additionally there will be support available for pre-start up and start up enterprises.

This support programme is funded with money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund awarded by central government, Section 106 contributions from developers and pooled business rates as part of a national retention scheme.

The Business Support Programme has available a very small amount of funding, available to specific, eligible businesses in the form of a grant. Businesses will be identified as eligible to apply, following engagement through one of the support strands. Grants are not guaranteed and will be reviewed by a separate grants panel in order to ascertain best use of the funds and secure the biggest impact for the amount of funding available.

The councils are pleased to be working with Freedom Works, Clean Growth UK and the University of Brighton to bring specialised support to this programme.

To celebrate the launch of the programme we will be holding two events on Monday 20th May 2024 to enable businesses and individuals to find out more about the support available including workshops and mentoring across the four areas of focus.

Please register on Eventbrite to join us on one of the following events:

• Worthing: Monday 20th May 2024 - 8:30am to 10:30am at Freedom Works
• Adur: Monday 20th May 2024 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea

Places will be limited so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Alternatively to be notified when this programme goes live please complete your details through the link below:

• Business support programme (2024/25) - register your interest

Could you be a Volunteer Enterprise Advisor?

Young people need to engage with employers and experience workplaces to raise their aspirations and broaden their post-16/18 horizons. We need your help to inspire young people, educate them on current pathways to work and advise them on what to expect in your sector.

West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub are looking for a Volunteer Enterprise Advisor for Bohunt School in Worthing

If you can commit to at least one year to support a school or college, you can work with a Careers Leader in a school or college to review and develop their careers programme. Enterprise Advisers are an invaluable mix of business consultant, critical friend and mentor. This is a hugely rewarding opportunity to make a clear difference to the lives of young people in your community. 

If you are interested and would like to know more email penny.daly@westsussex.gov.uk

Bohunt School needs local business volunteers!

They are looking for employers to support their Careers Masterclasses in June 2024

Each MasterClass helps students construct a good CV and consider the skills and personal qualities employers value and how to evidence these skills. Let by a Young Enterprise Manager, volunteers use their real life experience to support students with activities.

Sessions needing support:

Monday 17th June 9am - 12pm

Monday 17th June 12.30 - 3.30pm

Wednesday 19th June 9am - 12pm

For more info or to offer your support please email careers@bohuntworthing.co.uk

Sussex Transport’s Very Own UK Lifting Expert Takes Expertise To Ghana

We’re pretty proud to announce that our Appointed Person for lifting operations, Andy Packham, has expanded his training expertise internationally. Andy was approached by Paterson Simons & Co (Africa) Ltd, the leading supplier of heavy lifting equipment in West Africa, to deliver a detailed training course in Tema, Ghana.

The course was held at Pasico Ghana, a subsidiary of Paterson Simons, and focused on the Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) certification. Despite the challenging heat and humidity of Ghana, the dedication and eagerness to learn from the participants was impressive. The course covered in-depth aspects of lifting operations, including the selection of appropriate mobile cranes (favouring brands like Manitowoc Grove and Franna), undertaking technical drawings, and calculating lifting accessories. The participants successfully completed their course, which included theoretical exams and practical scenarios requiring technical planning and execution of a lift, showcasing their newfound skills.

All participants met the high standards required and have since received their certification and photo ID cards, marking a significant achievement in their professional development.

Andy’s trip was not just a testament to his expertise but also highlighted the hospitality and professionalism at Pasico Ghana. The team’s helpfulness and politeness made the challenging task much smoother, and for that, a heartfelt thank you is extended to everyone involved.

This successful international venture not only broadens the scope of Sussex Transport’s training capabilities but also strengthens our commitment to advancing the skills of lifting professionals worldwide.  Take a peek at a few snaps below taken by Andy during his trip.

Visit Lancing Prep Worthing 2024

We offer parents a range of opportunities to find out more about the school from open mornings in October, February and May each year, and personal visits. 

Open Events and Visits

Our next Open Morning will take place on Saturday 11 May 2024. Please book your places on the link below. If you wish to visit the school before May, please make an appointment by contacting Mrs Catherine Fauvel, our Registrar, by phone 01903 201123 (term-time) or email worthing@lancing.org.uk

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/ZGfbhrwTQAzL

Are you  in the Creative Sector?

If so you can apply for funding of up to £30000 for innovation projects to grow your business

Innovate UK is providing a finance fund to help creative businesses in Create Growth Programme regions to explore new innovation projects that will stimulate growth and attract private investment. This fund will be made available through a grant competition.

The virtual briefing event on 10^th May 10am – 12pm will outline the programme further and provide attendees the chance to ask questions about what this opportunity can provide them.

UK registered micro and small businesses in the creative sector can apply for funding of up to £30,000 for innovation projects to grow their business.

Applicants must:

• be from the creative industries
• be from DCMS Create Growth Programme region
• focus on a clear growth opportunity and the proposed innovation to address it
• demonstrate the impact funding and support can have on the growth plan of  your business
• engage with the regional support if your application is successful

For more details visit https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/dcms-create-growth-fund-competition-3-briefing/