Big Eye Innovation’s Post

🌟 Making Real Change Starts with Getting Involved 🌟 Change doesn’t happen by sitting on the sidelines — it’s about stepping up, getting involved, and making a difference where it matters most. One of the most impactful ways to drive change in your industry is by becoming actively engaged in professional associations. 🔑 Why Professional Associations Matter: Influence: These groups often play a pivotal role in shaping industry standards, policies, and best practices. By participating, you can help steer these discussions and create a positive, lasting impact. Networking: Engaging with others in your field opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships that can accelerate both your career and the industry at large. Knowledge Sharing: Associations are rich with expertise, offering access to training, resources, and insights that can fuel your professional growth and keep you at the cutting edge. Advocacy: Many professional associations advocate for policy changes, diversity initiatives, and ethical standards that can uplift entire communities within the profession. Whether it’s volunteering for committees, attending conferences, or contributing to thought leadership, being part of a professional association is a powerful way to be the change you want to see in your industry. 💡 Take Action Today: Find an association that aligns with your values and expertise, and start getting involved. Small actions, like sharing knowledge or mentoring others, can ripple out and create larger transformation. Let’s work together to shape the future! 🙌 @NationalFuneralDirectorsAssociation, Cremation Association of North America, ICCFA - International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, @CaliforniaFuneralDirectorsAssociation #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #IndustryChange #Networking #CareerDevelopment #GetInvolved

Building Trust.   Reflecting on the May conference season, several consistent themes emerged. At both CIH Brighton and UKREiiF, numerous talks focused on the industry's challenges and the pressing need for new, affordable housing. In challenging times, our industry desperately needs trust, yet it is often elusive. It feels as though the larger players have to retreat and wait for better conditions. I see Homes England as a vital player in building trust, acting as the glue between organisations looking to emerge and continue building. In uncertain times, smaller projects can proceed (albeit slowly) as the cost and risks are lower. Many of the conference talks I attended spouted the usual buzz words of collaboration, sharing risk, and aligning beliefs – in other words, trust. But as an SME, I believe we are already practicing these principles, simply because we have to. Homes England recognises the important role SMEs play in delivering new homes, and they have been the glue binding smaller organisations together for some time. Swipe through the slides to see how we are Building Trust, in partnership with Cottsway and Cotswold District Council. 

The Melting Pot Edinburgh did a phenomenal job of hosting a series of events in 23-24 on the theme of 'Bridging Communities'. The Team built connections with 33 community groups and hosted almost 350 people across five different events. Why did events work? 1. If you look at the video (gorgeously shot and edited) from their conference earlier in the year, you'll see the investment in creativity. Doing things with a bit of 'pzazz' and colour reaps rewards. 2. People want to cross-pollinate. In our algorithm-ed world, we want to take time to find people who are 'not like us' and learn from them. 3. Relationships were real. This wasn't a quick, 'Hi, you don't know me but can we borrow your community to look like we co-designed'. This was genuine investment and mutual benefit. 4. Behind every sleek event is a range of skilled professionals who make it look easy, and often glossy and slick. Among them were Helen Denny and Anna Brow. 5. Conversations weren't taken for granted. Facilitators were poised and ready to help people connect. Well, that's all lovely. Where next? Have a watch of the video, digest the report and please, please get in touch with the team if you are able to sponsor or partner the next iteration of events. The future is all about turning energy into action.... #CommunityDevelopment #SocialEnterprise https://lnkd.in/dbKraBbX https://lnkd.in/d_qndeec

Have you got your pitch ready for Talk It Up? 🤔 In the build-up to the hottest unconference of the year, we're sharing some content that has got us thinking and talking… Earlier this week we pitched 'What if Luxon is right? How will that influence the way we engage with communities?' In light of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's recent speech advising Local Government to rein in the fantasies. Pick up the rubbish. Fix the pipes. Fill in potholes. And more generally, maintain local assets quickly, carefully, and cost-effectively. This framing of local government as a utility company that needs to get its spending under control is wrong and unhelpful. Blaming one another and undermining the value of the critical work Councils do in local communities will not help communities, nor will it help build trust in government - either central or local. If those of us working in Local Government want to counter this narrative in a constructive way, we need to get better about how we frame conversations - helping people to see the systems and the changes in it that will have the greatest impact. Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw and team provide awesome practical guides on how to talk about the big issues. In particular, we think everyone should read the 2021 report Mapping the Landscape: How to Talk About Systems Change in Aotearoa. This report provides advice on how to talk about systems change to deepen understanding and build public support for the changes we are all working towards. Could we as a sector paint a common picture of what we’re working towards? Or have we already done that? What does that picture look like, and given the practical recommendations in this report, how could we improve it? Did this pique your interest? 💡 Dive into the report for more detail (link in comments) and pitch your questions as a session at Talk It Up! 17 and 18 October, Ōtautahi Christchurch - get your tickets at https://www.talkitup.nz/ before 30 Sept.

Have you got your pitch ready for Talk It Up? 🤔 In the build-up to the hottest unconference of the year, we're sharing some content that has got us thinking and talking… What's the opposite of removing the four wellbeings (again) from the Local Government Act, and telling councils they need to stop spending money on nice-to-haves? Well, that could be a Talk It Up session in itself - but maybe it's focussing on the big picture…   One of the biggest challenges that we find in our roles is being so busy. But operating in a world of 'busy' or putting out fires (metaphorical ones of course) means that we struggle to look ahead and understand the shifts that are necessary to lead change in our communities.   If you're interested in that big picture and the shifts we need to make collectively, we recommend reading the ‘Navigating Critical 21st Century Transitions’ report published by Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa back in 2021. The report looks at that big picture and sets out how local government can lead communities through 'era-scale' change, to actually deliver on wellbeing and increase equity.   The report sets out five critical transitions the sector needs to make together: • Transition to community interconnectedness • Transition to learning-empowered communities • Transition to low-emissions living • Transition to living in a disrupted climate • Transition to low waste society    If you work in local government engagement, comms or policy - how might your work contribute towards these shifts? Are there things we could do together that would move the dial? Or have you already had successes in these spaces we could all learn from?   If you want to know more check out the full Navigating Critical 21st Century Transitions report  (link in comments) and share your thoughts below.  Or pitch this as a session at Talk It Up! 17 and 18 October, Ōtautahi Christchurch - get your tickets at http://talkitup.nz before 30 Sept.

🌟 The Power of Associations: Driving Impact, Fostering Connection 🌟 Have you ever stopped to think about the profound role associations play in shaping industries, professions, and even entire communities? At Leladijo Consulting, we believe that associations are not just organizations—they are powerhouses of collaboration and innovation that bring competitors together, solve shared challenges, and elevate entire sectors. Why Are Associations Important? 📌 Facilitators of Collaboration: In industries where competition often defines the landscape, associations create a neutral space for knowledge-sharing, fostering partnerships, and advancing common goals. 📌 Advocates for Change: Associations amplify the voices of their members, driving policy discussions, influencing regulations, and shaping industry standards. 📌 Catalysts for Professional Development: By offering training, certifications, and networking opportunities, associations empower professionals to grow and thrive. 📌 Community Builders: They nurture connections, strengthening bonds among individuals and organizations that share a vision. Why Do They Matter? 📊 A recent study by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) revealed that organizations with robust association involvement are more likely to report higher innovation levels, better member retention, and stronger brand reputations. Additionally, research from Oxford Economics underscores that the $1 trillion global meetings industry is driven largely by association events, providing an economic and knowledge-sharing boost to sectors worldwide. Why Do We Care? At Leladijo Consulting, we recognize that while associations are masters at supporting their industries, they are often underserved themselves. Associations dedicate their resources to empowering others but seldom get the tailored support they need to thrive internally. That’s where we come in—helping associations optimize their structures, align their strategies, and foster the well-being of their teams. 🤝 Our Vision: We envision a world where associations not only support their industries but also learn from one another—sharing best practices, scaling their impact, and creating even greater value. Your Turn to Join the Conversation: 👉 What do you think makes associations valuable? 👉 How has your association made a difference in your industry or career? Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of industries everywhere—our associations. Together, let’s ensure they get the recognition and support they deserve. #Associations #Collaboration #Innovation #CommunityBuilding #LeladijoConsulting

I'm super excited to say our group, The Future of Meetings, has helped design the virtual space for the Astronomical Society of Australia Annual Science Meeting this year! The space is extensive, with places to hang out and chat, exhibits to explore, and posters to examine. It's the first time we've designed a virtual space on this scale, and it's still new tech, so please have patience with the odd bust! All conference content will of course be also available on slack and zoom, but this is a place to meet, chill and discuss with astronomers from all around the country. The virtual space is cross-platform, and you can wander inside just from your web browser. Of course, if you have a VR headset, it's even more epic! Headsets could be something for universities to consider in the future? The cost is small compared to even domestic meetings.

Another step on the journey. Today marks a transition as the Consultation Institute’s website has finally gone offline. For those who may not have known, the Institute had already closed, yet the website’s presence might have suggested otherwise. But do not fear—some of the former Fellows and Senior Associates are working behind the scenes to bring you the #CentreforConsultation. While the Institute may have closed its doors, we remain very much open for business. Watch this space for upcoming events and information! In the meantime, if you need advice and support with public consultation and engagement projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. #PublicConsultation #AdviceAndGuidance #StakeholderEngagement Peter McColl | Andy Wright |Bruce Whitear | Susan Ritchie MA BA (Hons) FRSA FtCI

In November 2023, Safe to Create's ‘Governance and Dignity at Work in Ireland’s Arts and Creative Sectors’ survey asked Chairs, Board Members, Trustees, and Executive/Senior Management to reflect on their level of knowledge and experience of Dignity at Work policy and process from a Governance perspective. Respondents were asked to share their own experiences and reflections on practices in the organisations they work. The analysis of these responses - Influencing Change: Pathways to Dignity at Work Through Good Governance - launches today and is available to download from the Safe to Create website. The research has evidenced the positive appetite in the sector for good governance but it has also identified areas of concern. This piece of research will assist Safe to Create in the development of further toolkits, guidelines, training and other materials designed to promote Dignity at Work across the arts and creative sectors. Read the Report: https://loom.ly/NSggB_I SAFE TO CREATE is a Dignity at Work programme. It is managed by Irish Theatre Institute , in partnership with the Arts Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds , on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media . #SafeToCreate #DignityAtWork #InfluencingChange

Thank you to the Local Government Association for conducting our Corporate Peer Challenge this week. We would like to thank the Peer team, Kathryn Trant, LGA Adviser - Local Government Support (South West), Ian Morris, Chief Executive Spennymoor Town Council, Cleo Newcombe-Jones, Regeneration Services Manager-Bath & North East Somerset Council and Councillor Mike Drew Yate Town-Council & South Gloucestershire Council, for their work this week in guiding us through the Challenge. Over the course of the challenge, the team conducted 6 focus groups, 3 external visits, 3 feedback sessions and have spoken with 48 people including Councillors, officers, local partners and stakeholders. We appreciate the time given by everyone who participated in the process. At the end of the challenge, the peer team presented a summary of their findings: • The Council should be commended on its openness, the welcome extended to the team and the drive for improvement demonstrated by inviting this peer challenge. • Chippenham Town Council is fortunate to have the staff it does – they are passionate about what they do and speak of caring about the town. • There is a shared sense of pride amongst councillors and staff in the quality of services that the town council provides for the town. • Strategic partners speak highly of the town council and how it works effectively as a partner for the benefit of the town. The Town Council demonstrates sector-leading performance in this area. • Community partners also recognise the work that the council does and would welcome coordination of a cross-organisational approach to help build capacity at a community level. • The council benefits from a large number of volunteers who are a valuable resource in providing services to the town. • The council has introduced Key Performance Indicators which will evidence service delivery performance. Monitoring and developing these KPIs will allow intervention and mitigation if performance goes off target. We await the full report which will be published on the Town Council’s website once it is received from the LGA. bit.ly/PeerReview25