Alison Woodward
Active advocate for positive change in education, conservation, wellbeing and community involvement. School Governor, work for a charity, believe in empowerment. @starempath
Location Norfolk, UK
Activity
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Hey all,
I am Vice Chair of a county school governance network here in England and it is here that I want to show how governance can make a difference for children and young people through the power of digital storytelling. All with no money, some skills but heaps of passion.
Alison
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I need to mix my paid part-time remote job with my school governance work which is a bigger part of my time, with the possibility of children being at home.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi all, I am from the UK - I will like many be working remotely from late this week, I am also building a digital school governance presence and will be having virtual meetings. I am used to digital but less used to working remotely at least properly.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Success means that I realise the social entrepreneurial targets that I have internally set.
Second question is key, I now realise that although I am highly focused, I have missed the links. To get to C, I must work through B sub points, I Also need to externally capture the extent of what I want to achieve. -
Alison Woodward made a comment
I have dual goals, one to be a leader and advocate of change in school governance. Two to move away from my more maverick methodology to a more sustainable and palatable leadership role in my charitable role.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
This is useful for me. I have always sought direction, learning has guided me away from what I was not suited to and gravitated me towards what I want to be good at. Using all of this!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hard to define, my measures of success are positive impact and long-term change. The reason - delivery, I offer disruptive, leap or behavioural change concepts. I am not so good at connecting where we are now to those concepts. Strategic over operational.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I tend to suggest work that needs doing, introducing a concept, this comes back to me, supported and I carry on with my development.
To be honest, I am not good at having work delegated to me or delegating work out. I tend to try to get a few months ahead in my thinking, if not years in some cases. I sketch out a strategic plan, then fill in the gaps. I... -
Alison Woodward made a comment
First - produce minutes, earlier is better with minutes and it will take less time if tackled quickly.
Second - call Alex 're order issue - says query, not complaint but needs handling
Third - respond to Sophie 're order, likely a quick response needed
Fourth - Speak to Ray, arrange a face to face meeting as priority
Fifth - Head out of office to shop... -
Alison Woodward made a comment
Chat in the office, huge time-waster but equally an investment in working relationships which generally pays back.
Lack of response to key questions from decision makers - I ask better questions or anticipate questions earlier.
Finding the information- manage digital filing better, remove non-essential comms -
Alison Woodward made a comment
There are things that we do and a place for our working strategies. Putting it all into a framework of understanding supports our self-confidence and subsequently our successes.
Great first week.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
For me it has been either knowing that something isn't right and therefore gaining the knowledge and confidence to challenge and then to support improvement.
Or being stopped completely on a career path that I was travelling, it gave me the impetus to rise up and to follow a less vulnerable path which is mine not my employers. -
Oh I can, I found this incredible playlist called Superior Study Playlist (no endorsement but on Spotify) which is perfect to listen to. I am involved in a significant amount of school governance workload on a tight schedule and this helps me get that focus vibe!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I came out as 2 7 6 so auditory by a whisker - I had a couple of duplicates. This is something I haven't really thought about too much before, I tend to read through piles of research, usually with study music playing through noise cancelling headphones and just work. So perhaps it is auditory space I am given to allow the work to come out. As I don't find...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I always believe that we all need a mentor, I tend to be my own but I have mentored others to realise that they themselves can learn from what is going on around them. Separating that out from the workload is quite difficult but once achieved you can realise that you are actually progressing your career through your workday. Not bad for a day's work.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
S1: Firstly I would examine my reasons for wanting to attend the meeting, as we know meetings are only useful if there is something to be gained other than through reading the minutes. If I had something to raise then I would prepare a short report with headlines and share this prior to the meeting.
S2: Has happened, it depends on the situation, I would...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I am known as a researcher, I always like to know something thoroughly and although that is not always possible, I prepare for most eventualities and prefer the indepth thought through approach over the blagging it approach. Though the latter can help as a filler, just remember to write down the aspects that are new or that you had not considered.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
To lose confidence for me is not quite the dealbreaker that it used to be, I tend to use the loss of confidence as a useful tool and open a door to reflection and regrouping rather than despair. It will usually happen when I have missed something, a key aspect of a job that I had not considered. To be honest I expect that it is a defence mechanism, a shutting...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I have learnt to listen to but glide over the times of doubt, I collaborate more these days and at an earlier point and will create a project which I am prepared to have critiqued but to ultimately let it go. I am generally considered to be brimming with self-confidence. Sometimes though, I have to split things up to ensure that I give myself an achievable...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I have learnt over the years that knowing which way we should go and each step that needs to be taken isn't always popular. I am a systems person, I see the pattern and solutions albeit sometimes years in the making. This doesn't fit in with a lot of companies so I have had to moderate my approach to problems and to not get to step C before others have...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
From my experience there certainly is a need to take ownership of your own personal development, it won't always be on offer or even encouraged. See appraisals as a way to manage your own career, plan for them.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
A strong organisation will consult, listen, adapt and grow. If your employees are informed beyond their role then your business will become enriched.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I like many who achieve the level of self-actualisation did it in a haphazard and largely unsupported way. I filled voids and learnt to let projects go after delivery. I realised that even when the project is dismissed, the concept was good, if not I adapted and resubmitted.
I have needed to trust my instincts and to counter apathy with action. I am now...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Removing the ceiling of potential.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
As a layperson I will comment in such terms. There is credence and robust arguments with both manifesto's one seemingly sprung out of the chemical reactions within our individual brains; the other placing us within the larger system.
The latter seem to be more of a critique than a manifesto. I am intrigued by the service user group section - just because...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
If we stream people into one of only a few paths that result in medication then the prescriber needs to complete the equation. If the drug of choice for that person is meant to dampen a chemical reaction then that means there is an imbalance within that person.
If the patient has a limited access to useful information regarding their current mental state...
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Being in a hospital for a physical malady when one has a mental malady is fun, well a sadistic fun that is. Watching some Drs looking uneasy and others sorted in their own mind what the issue is. The nurses never have these issues - they treat the whole person. Access to mental illness care in England is tough, not consistent and dependent somewhat on...
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It is interesting to consider the difference between psychological or mental health and physical health. If there is an apparently clear physical change within our brain chemistry (I am a layperson) then it could be argued that this is a physical issue. By separating physical and mental health or facilitating a demarcation are we then forcing a barrier to be...
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This part of the course has caused me to pause - it is a way of thinking that I had not really entertained. It is one that I cannot quickly walk by either. I am enjoying the muddying of my current limited understanding - let's see what emerges.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I would say from personal experience that early disruption and dysfunction in childhood development seemingly could lead to abnormal - as in not regular - brain function. N.B. I am not saying detrimental or beneficial but different.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I am inspired by everything around me, I tend to see the world as a challenging problem which energises me with possibilities.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
For me, it was Simon's hopes of bringing forth change, a different type of activity that was inspired by his visit to Canada.
Holding onto that vision and formulating a business idea and being bold when needed was obviously key.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
reflective, involved, strategic
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Alison Woodward made a comment
My interests are at an intersection with an overall focus on wellbeing. Incorporating education and encouraging a drive for the empowerment of children and adults; tackling issues relating to mental illness and creating resilience of mental health. I work in the environmental sector and care passionately about conservation projects and their ability to bring...
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If only everyone in the medical profession took a course such as this.
Those who have mental illness emblazoned on their medical notes, usually in the top slot, feel less, are made to feel less and are treated differently. A hushed conversation amongst nurses and doctors, then the words "how are you feeling today?" words laced with the knowledge that they...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Predisposition to coping mentally to challenges (a catch-all term I prefer to use) at a young age is a factor? The child who parents herself, self-nurturing and using capacity to intellectually deal with a situation(s). Free will - yes to choose a path that leads to fulfilment but guided by some internal compass and aided by a rebellious streak of not...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi to All,
I am Alison, single mum of three, work for a conservation charity and I am an active Primary School Governor. Circumstances have meant that for most of my life I have had challenges to mental health, I also believe strongly that interventions can offer some protection and resilience.
Also an advocate for children's wellbeing and feel more can...
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Alison Woodward replied to Darren Beecher
Hi Darren I would be interested in your experiences with BBC Micro bits, although I am a governor at a primary school I think there is an increasing need to get kids switched on to engineering and coding at an earlier age.
Alison -
Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi All, I have a son who at 6 is already very keen on robotics but frustrated with off the shelf ones. He is learning to code and I want to support him by encouraging him to build his own robots. I am also a school governor and I am a huge believer in all STEM activities and believe that engineering can come in much earlier.
As well as all the above I am a...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
A Karel of robots after the playwright Karel Capek noted for first coining the term.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I feel I owe it to those who have gone before me, us, the global ancestry. I want people to live well, it is not just poverty, famine or war that tears at people. Social injustice, lack of will to change, no paths open, ill-health, normative inadequate lifestyles.
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Just linked up in one way or another to all the links!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Really useful video with lots of encouragement and potential avenues for advice and funding.
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Norfolk Community Health & Care
Our Vision:
“To improve the quality of people’s lives, in their homes and community, by providing the best in integrated health and social care…”
CGM Group
Brand vision
To continuously learn, embrace change and improve so we can develop a culture of confidence and pride. -
Alison Woodward made a comment
It can seem somewhat indulgent and I can imagine getting more than a little lost if, for example, I broached the subject in a Governors meeting. Not that it should not be there but we are unaccustomed to consider this as an important part of our work lives.
I would say though that the more I learn about wellbeing as a reasonable social aspiration the more...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I have a great bubble inside filled from beyond memory of words, feelings and an indignation about the state of things which is at odds with the happy stoic that I am these days. My journey as with some of the writers started at a young age, though not as a difinitive desire - my teachers did not encourage me, instead berated me for writing such darkness or...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I choose to ignore instruction, that rebellious core that always sets my mouth into a smirk. There is rarely a day that I don't feel the pull of 'down with society and away with the system'. Breathe and relax, feel your fingers make music not nonsense - catch the moment before it falters and please stay calm.
The day started with a smile and a calm look at...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
How inspirational - wheels of change and all that. The answer is so easy sometimes except when it is denied us through socio-economic boundaries.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
As soon as you venture away from your core objectives slippage can occur, measurable indicators of success are key.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
There is nothing wrong with a robust business model aimed at creating a financially sustainable hybrid social enterprise whose prime aims are to its founding documents and ethos. There must be some rigid accountability.
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Organisational purpose - organisations I have worked for have a sometime flawed appreciation of their (pseudo) responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees. A moral questionnaire is a useful tool but not if it does not exist in a morally sound organisation. A tick in a box to appease staff will go nowhere to making staff feel more than ok about their...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
We need to share with friends and our circles courses such as this, they open up and direct focus. A door unlocked, a barrier lowered, an opportunity offered must all be encouraged and nurtured.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
The issues where I am do not seem to be being addressed at an acceptable cost or rate. They are not monumental to an outsider but they diminish wellbeing and expectation across the age brackets. Hence this course.
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Apathy for taking responsibility of self, children and locale.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Working within the system can at times create a better outcome than breaking out, many system boundaries are not physical or legislative but instead are cultural or taught.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Those with freedom to connect in to the global picture and those not through societal pressures; poor education; poverty; apathy and insufficient resources.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi All, I am Alison, I live in Norfolk UK with my three children, social enterprise for the wellbeing of the local and beyond is my goal.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Essentially no for one organisation, too entrenched in policy perhaps. Of course although it is easier to have consideration of employee's wellbeing company wide, it can sprout from the bottom, searching for light. A wellbeing rebellion!
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I did follow my thought process into action, it worked and a different facet of communication and empathy has unfolded.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Reflection - it is an important yet often much neglected exercise. Just having that time to consider actions and attitudes can help digest or even reevaluate.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
It is how I see the world, except sometimes oddly I don't. A particular person (for example) can derail the positivity or empathy. I think it is a clash of personalities that is hard to overcome, perhaps stepping back and looking at another's situation objectively will reengage empathy. Trying it today.
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While trying to read this my youngest who is currently building a robot kept interrupting to share his thoughts, issues, successes (it went on!) however as with most things involving children we have a choice to be interrupted or to take the opportunity to interact with the child. In this instance I chose interaction. Improving my happiness and his. Win-win.
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I lost the use of my legs in 2014 and suddenly my world was tiny, one of the things I did while rehabilitating was Future Learn. I guess it allowed me to express myself in a way I was not able to do in person. Now I am mostly back to normal but it was a long ride, nowhere near as long as your journey though...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I want to change the world - at least my little bit of it, so I need tools to help me grow and learn, advocate and consider.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Starting a conversation, being open and welcoming to potential interaction. I am aiming with a diverse group of friends to encourage social change near us. From being present in our surroundings to recognising areas in need of help, socially excluded groups, litter issues, modes of transport, shopping local and being generous in nature.
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Alison Woodward replied to Alison Woodward
Hi Mackens,
Yes definitely keeping away from kiwi fruit!
Agree regarding higher flight costs, however I used to be a travel agent and know how to find a good deal.
Take care, see you on another course.
Alison
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Alison Woodward made a comment
The SCRAP approach makes a lot of sense particularly for those not used to letter writing, email writing especially in the workplace needs a sensible format.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I don't usually buy cancellation insurance as I usually book closer to departure but I do buy a specific policy that covers an existing medical condition. In addition to my new severe food allergy which actually will mean I cannot fly with certain airlines I also have another pre-existing medical condition. These insurance costs are not much higher than...
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Oh and home insurance definitely, but not over the odds.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Travel insurance definitely - I visited Gran Canaria Easter 2014 and the day before we were due to return my youngest then 4 came down with a severe dose of chicken pox. We were unable to fly, needed medical care and clearance plus somewhere to stay. The insurance company sorted and paid for all but the small excess.
Easter this year off to Florida and I had... -
Alison Woodward made a comment
My cost cutting should and is working, if I can keep this up I may actually save!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
We are currently in one of the more challenging periods of my financial history. Eldest 18 decided last month to not return to College for second year but is being (hopefully) fast tracked into the army. However, he is not working, the benefits (UK) I got to help support him have ceased, his dad has stopped child support, him getting any benefit is delayed by...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I got there except for the first one but doubted myself in all the later ones but was actually right!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I cycle everywhere within the town I live, I don't therefore pay parking charges, waste money on short journeys so don't need to go to the gym! Also I shop often, I have a trailer so can do all my shopping for a week but choose to go a little more often. I buy a lot of reduced food items, bread, vegetables, cheese, items for a meal that night. I spend much...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Marketing dictates. When my first child was born (now 18) the marketing was insane and we bought into it! Second child similar, third child and vastly different financial situation it was all on a less than £100 outlay, secondhand, good will, friends, gifts all perfect!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I didn't know the finer details of the padlock so good to know.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I can be very sensible when there is a fixed aim, we pay more for food items but spend quite low overall on groceries. I love charity shops for clothes and household items.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi All,
I have always found mathematics beautiful, I am a school governor at a primary school and would love to bring the magic of math to my own children as well as the school.
Also I enjoy seeing the patterns in the world.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
A report can be easily dismissed in a single swipe, I tend to attempt engagement early on to create something more of a communicator rather than a flat report.
Sound bytes, a well thought out and timely given input also can change course. -
Alison Woodward made a comment
Communication is really important in my role. I am better than I used to be, I find written better though can make quite an impact speech and I have also spoken to students and the wider public. I am about to start as a school governor which will require another set of skills, mostly transferable. My biggest stumbling block is falling over my words and losing...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
A whole week and a bit behind due to a camping trip last week and caught up with another Future Learn course. I am addicted!
I work in the third sector in conservation and additionally want to get involved (well further) in social enterprise. Therefore I need to improve my communication skills as I can be more maverick and opinionated than is ideal....
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Alison Woodward made a comment
We need an entrepreneurial society that is also moderated financially. The majority of us may stay in a lower income bracket paying little if any income tax, we do however keep the cogs moving. There is always a backlash with budgets, I tend to blinker myself somewhat. If a business that I (just might) set up prospered and payed me a higher wage which ventured...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Hi all, just caught up on week 1 as I was camping last week. Really good so far.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
This is the video that explained how the world is for the microscopic, great explanations!
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I guess they are that bridge between biotic and abiotic.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I found that video fascinating, I wonder just how much we owe our moon for how much light reaches different levels of phytoplankton in the never ending cycles of tides...
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Alison Woodward made a comment
The incredible living but hidden world
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Alison Woodward made a comment
incredible how species adapt to such extreme environments, particularly herbivores.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Certainly gliding offers advantages in less dense forests, not needing to expend the additional energy that would be needed by other mammals crossing at ground level. Presumably there may be some conscious decision of which tree to head to from considerations of competition for food.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
The most fascinating video so far, just proves how important soil health and security is.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
A good diverse woodland ecosystem is a joy, loved this video.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
Thank you All for such a wealth of information and thought provoking discussion, it has certainly changed and challenged my understanding of such a complex but vital topic. Education should be for All.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
I applaud anyone on their enthusiasm to make a difference, I wish Marta well. With platforms like Future Learn is there an opportunity for such a course as part of a way forward?
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Alison Woodward made a comment
There is definitely a need for global awareness wherever you teach, the consideration of children worldwide and their access to education is paramount to future global health and sustainability.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
This is where schools need friends in the community who can facilitate learning in a wider capacity. I have tried to do this from outside a school to enable students to carry out habitat surveys at a low cost.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
When does treating people differently emphasise their differences and stigmatise or hinder them on that basis?
Children especially from later in primary education need to feel empowered at their level, knowing that there are indeed varying levels of normal in learning and varying levels of speed in learning. A child can feel panic when end of term reports... -
Alison Woodward made a comment
Some really good additional reading links. Though I am not a teacher I do teach, a field studies practical for A Level biology students, an assembly about wetlands my own children and children of my friends. Passion for learning and a respect for learners, empathy, belief and goals. Vital.
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Alison Woodward made a comment
One area of the community has always caused me to wonder of the best way forward. Children of parent(s) who do not support learning due to apathy, poor experiences or missing educational opportunities during their childhood or poor role models etc.
I have experience of this from my own traumatic childhood, aside from the key issues, my parents did not engage... -
Alison Woodward made a comment
There are definitely many things we can take from this great example to our schools, youth groups and communities.
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Stephen, I tend to run with a topic then realise I was not sure what my original intent was. I tend to go with my gut feeling and the acquired knowledge that is slowly emerging. I have repeated previous Future Learn courses simply because the stuff had not sunk in. Learning gets easier at least for me. It would be great if there were something that could ease...
