As an organisation that thrives on collaboration and cross-organisational learning, the disruption to gatherings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for ASDAN.
To bring staff together, ASDAN arranged a learning and social day with the title of ‘Celebrating Connection’. Colleagues from all over the country gathered at the Engineers House venue in Bristol, and there was a palpable air of excitement about everyone meeting face to face since before 2020.
The day kicked off with a ‘connecting and reconnecting’ session, a chance for familiar faces to have a long overdue catch-up and newer members of staff to meet colleagues for the first time. A series of activities enabled all to discover more about each other and what they have in common. The morning concluded with an ASDAN themed quiz, with teams working together to win a selection of prizes. Congratulations to the red team!
Focus then shifted to learning and ways of working. Staff attended and contributed towards three workshops, aiming to make practical progress in specific areas. An inspiring range of ideas and insights were accumulated and are now being used to inform organisational development, helping ASDAN to maintain a high level of support for their members.
Rob Popejoy, Student Welfare Manager at Bath College delivered a fascinating presentation on student welfare in the afternoon. A challenging listen, Rob gave honest and informative insights into the mental health crisis in young people that has been exacerbated by the residual effects of the pandemic. This dovetailed into a reminder of ASDAN’s safeguarding responsibilities towards their learners and rounded up with reflections on the day.
Staff concluded the day with the social event at The Clifton Coppa Club. After so long apart, this day of connection was the perfect way to celebrate the community spirit of ASDAN.