On a muggy, overcast yet hot day in June, in the heart of post-industrial Digbeth, Birmingham, a renovated Unitarian chapel provided the glamorous setting for HDN’s first-ever Development Conference. Replacing the regular celebration event at the end of the Staff Development and Mentoring Programme, the new Development Conference aims to celebrate our mentees and mentors across our programmes and give them information and inspiration to kick start them on the next stage of their career.
With mentors and mentees travelling from across the country, contributions from sector leaders and the CIH, and an inspiring closing keynote from Tom Manning, the event proved a success and a springboard for further support for the mentees, mentors and alumni who engage with our programmes.
Expertly chaired by HDN Associate Zara Mohammed, the day began with a clear and informative session led by Sarah Davis, Policy Manager at the CIH. Sarah explored the new Competence and Conduct Standard and its implications for housing organisations and their staff. Reflecting on the tragedy of Grenfell nine years on, she grounded the discussion in the real-world reasons behind the changes and the importance of maintaining professional standards.
Next came the Living Library, which gave attendees the opportunity to gain insights into a range of career-boosting strategies, from networking and career flexibility to professional membership and volunteering. Lunch and networking followed shortly afterwards.
The next session literally brought some people to tears as the mentees and their mentors reflected on their journey. Carol Ross of Amplius and Claire Stanhope of SNG shared their experiences of the mentoring programme, before inviting their mentor to join them on stage. Their reflections highlighted the confidence, growth and fulfilment that mentoring can help unlock, and it was a proud moment to witness the positive impact of the programme.
After celebrating this year’s mentees and offering special thanks to all of the mentors, we concluded the day with a keynote address from Tom Manning of Pathway Academy. He provided a rousing finale, speaking about personal accountability and the impact it can have on our careers.
Reflective, humorous and highly relatable, Tom shared his journey from a dyslexic schoolboy to a champion of development and leadership, inspiring attendees to consider their own paths to success.
We cannot wait to keep developing this conference for future years.
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