Inclusive Board Member Training by Ella Sky – IMAS Non-executive Director

Members of the IMAS board met in Birmingham for inclusive board member training that was delivered by Sam Prowse and Ella Sky, both of whom have lived experience of disability and have recently been appointed as Non-Executive Directors. The training was followed by a mini board meeting.

On the Monday evening the Directors met for the first time for an informal meal in Central Birmingham, at a Greek restaurant called Santorini followed by a nightcap in a local bar.

The board meeting training was held on the Tuesday in the boardroom at Fazeley Studios, a former warehouse and church it is now a stunning venue in the heart of Digbeth.

In the morning the new board members Sam and Ella delivered some inclusive training to the other members of the board. Ella spoke about her own personal experiences and challenges that she faces living with Autism. Ella led with a talk and visual PowerPoint showing how everyone can work together to make the environment more inclusive. Covering sensory overload, difficulty with social cues and body language, challenges with eye contact, communication style differences, the processing of verbal information, the fear of interrupting or speaking out, needing time to process information or questions and needing time to respond and looking at anxiety by using the ‘Anxiety iceberg’. Sam discussed reasonable adjustments by using TEACH (Which stands for Time, Environment, Attitude, Communication and Help). Sam also explained how the ‘Spoon theory’ analogy can be used to understand how much more effort can be required for autistic individuals to negotiate everyday tasks, by showing a very interesting and informative video.

The board members were also shown the music video that local artist and alternative rapper Wilko Wilkes helped to co-produce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rVHJIZLo-A

After a spot of lunch in Fazeley social cafe there was chance to walk around Digbeth with is a vibrant area formed of restored Victorian Factories, part of the area is the iconic Custard Factory (The former HQ of Bird’s Custard). The streets of Digbeth  are bursting with colour, as street art is supported and encouraged around the area. There may have even been a rugby ball thrown around the streets by a couple of the board members!

In the afternoon members of the board had a mini board meeting that covered areas including discussing the upcoming IMART.