Written by Andrea Davis, UK Account Director
We were proud to collaborate with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to deliver the Festival of Learning, a dynamic and inspiring event attended by approximately 150 participants. Centered around three key themes - Business Administration, Communication, and Wellbeing - the festival offered a diverse range of sessions designed to enhance professional skills, boost productivity, and promote overall wellness.
The Need
The Communities and Skills Directorate working group within the GLA, made up of senior managers and colleagues from across the directorate's five units, recognised the need for a Festival of Learning. Each unit held discussions to identify existing skills gaps and key priority areas. A shared agreement emerged to launch the inaugural Festival of Learning, aiming to unite the directorate for a collaborative learning experience.
Our Contribution
The Civil Service College played a key role in organising and contributing to the event, with our expert trainers and distinguished speakers leading engaging sessions on impactful topics such as policy making, emotional intelligence, public speaking, AI for productivity, team and personal wellbeing, systems thinking, and holding honest conversations.
Event Highlights
The festival’s agenda was thoughtfully designed to reflect its core themes, offering a balanced mix of informative and interactive sessions. Business administration workshops delved into policy development, systems thinking, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiency. Communication-focused sessions equipped participants with practical techniques for managing difficult conversations and refining public speaking skills. Wellbeing discussions emphasised emotional intelligence and strategies for promoting a healthy and supportive work environment by creating positive habits at both individual and team levels.
The day kicked off with an energising opening speech from Ayodeji Akande, Assistant Director of Skills and Employment at the GLA. He not only welcomed attendees but also highlighted the exciting milestone of the first-ever learning and development festival hosted by the Greater London Authority. With a call to action to fully embrace the impactful sessions ahead, Ayodeji set the stage for a day of dynamic learning and inspiring growth.
Following this, an inspiring keynote address was delivered by Evelyn Forde MBE, former President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and a highly respected headteacher. She shared her personal journey in education, highlighting her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, while reflecting on the challenges she overcame growing up. Evelyn's passionate words about the power of connections and relationships set a thoughtful and motivating tone for the workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities that followed.
Participants praised the seamless flow of the day, noting how each session complemented the others, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. There was also a strong appreciation for the variety of offerings, which blended structured learning with more informal activities like yoga and walking tours, adding depth and balance to the event.
Impact & Engagement
With its diverse content, high-calibre speakers and interactive format, the Festival of Learning exemplified GLA’s commitment to continuous development and innovation. Participants left feeling empowered with practical strategies to enhance collaboration, communication, and well-being in both their personal and professional lives.
A key highlight of the event was the opportunity for networking. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the chance to connect in person, emphasising how face-to-face interactions created a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. The Q&A sessions sparked particularly lively discussions, fostering shared learning and deeper connections.
Positive Feedback & Lasting Impact
With 97.9% of participants expressing interest in future workshops, the festival’s success was clear. Its well-organised structure, engaging content and interactive approach provided a truly valuable experience. Common themes in the feedback included the high quality and variety of workshops, abundant networking and interaction opportunities, and the practical exercises that offered actionable insights for personal and professional growth.
Participants shared their enthusiasm, with one attendee describing it as “a very well-organised event where the sessions flowed smoothly, complemented each other well, and were perfectly timed for the new year.” Another highlighted the sense of belonging it fostered, saying, “I appreciated the opportunity to see everyone together—it strengthened my sense of camaraderie and belonging within the Directorate. Well done to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.” Others simply described it as “the best GLA event I’ve attended to date.”
The Festival of Learning not only provided valuable professional development but also reinforced the importance of connection, collaboration, and lifelong learning within the GLA community.
