ted Learning started to work with Ipswich Borough Council in 2018, initially training all of their leadership team over several sessions in their theatre, on our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion product. This landed so well, a wider rollout was agreed, and we delivered the training to all of their employees across multiple sites.
In 2022, Ipswich Borough Council tendered the contract again, and ted Learning was delighted to be appointed again for a further two years.
We have worked closely with their L&D team on how to differentiate the product from the previous rollout and make it bespoke to their teams and organisation. We have been working on completely new scripts and scenes, all based on lived experiences and case studies. These are being filmed in September and we will launch the new digital course in October. The main difference with this product is that we have worked more closely with people from each of the protected characteristics to understand their lived experiences and incorporated these into the scripts. Working with experts, people have lived and breathed the challenges, makes the scripts and scenes feel more authentic.
Ipswich Borough Council Learning HuB
Around pregnancy and maternity, we are utilising the talents of a pregnant actor, so it feels real when we deliver the lines. A non-binary and trans person delivering the script for this scene will also add depth.
In addition, ted Learning has been asked to work with the elected members of the council and put them through a very different product. The main focus is on helping the elected members understand the experiences of their constituents so they can better support them and consider their situations when making policy decisions. We have written completely new scenarios and are using a wide range of disabilities in particular to help them hear, see, and feel first-hand the challenges some people face on a daily basis.
When we first set up the business our focus was very much on delivering fun training – and although this is still part of our DNA, we have become more sophisticated in our approach to drama. Sometimes this will make people feel uncomfortable, provoke intrigue and questions and by doing this, we hope we will make the workplace a more compassionate and understanding place. Safe for everyone to be their authentic selves.
Justin Smith-Essex
Justin is the Group MD of Squaricle Group & one of the co-founders & Managing Director of ted Learning.
