Since completing the training – which was provided via the Multiply scheme supported by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – Kerry has been supporting staff with improving their numeracy skills and confidence, including by encouraging them to try the National Numeracy Challenge.
Kerry spoke to National Numeracy about the training and the importance of creating an engaging environment within which to challenge perceptions of maths and remove barriers to learning.
How did you find out about Numeracy Champion training?
I was emailed by National Numeracy, giving me an introduction to the programme. We then arranged a Teams call where I met one of the relationship managers. They explained the programme in depth and how it would work within Go Green and answered any questions that I had.
What made you sign up to take part in the Numeracy Champion training programme?
After the call, I looked at the benefits of the programme and how I could utilise it alongside my training role. I support colleagues daily with learning, so I thought it could be another opportunity to support our employees. Numbers play a crucial part in many aspects of our daily lives and strengthening your proficiency with them has both professional and personal benefits.
What were your biggest takeaways from the training?
To be a Numeracy Champion, you don't have to teach maths.
It's about fostering a supportive environment, being approachable to build confidence, encouraging team members to share their numeracy experiences and celebrating those small successes to motivate improvement. Signing up to have an account means you can use the resources every day and keep building on the solid foundation you have started with your maths learning.
How have you used what you have learned so far, in your role?
Participating in the programme has motivated a reassessment of how maths is approached in our business. We want to focus on creating a fun and engaging environment which will boost confidence and make maths more accessible and enjoyable for all.
This positive approach can help to start removing barriers and change perceptions of maths.
I'm not only improving my own skills but also positioning myself to support my child in their learning journey.
Have you found the resources provided useful?
Yes, they are clear and informative. There are templates you can use to communicate with your teams and posters you can utilise in staff rooms and on notice boards. The website is clear and easy to navigate and having a dedicated account manager means I've got a point of call. They're in regular contact and keep us up to date on resources and tools and other ways in which they can help to support us.
How do you plan to use what you have learnt in the future?
By focusing on understanding and addressing the negative perceptions surrounding maths, we will continue to create a supportive community that empowers individuals to embrace numeracy.
The hope is to train more Numeracy Champions in the business who can also continue to support and contribute to a positive culture around maths.
How have you encouraged employees at Go Green to become involved with National Numeracy and the National Numeracy Challenge?
Our employees at Go Green are split into four teams which we call houses and they all have house names. We run challenges throughout the year to give them chances to earn house points. This encourages them to work as a team and to foster a positive environment.
Staff signed up to the Challenge and completed the quick check. The house that had the most people sign up and complete the quick check earned themselves house points.
Have you been involved in National Numeracy's campaigns?
Yes, we completed Checktember last year and made it a fun challenge, encouraging everyone to get involved. It was received positively. I could hear people chatting through the questions with their team and really encouraging each other. I think some people were really surprised by their results. We also ran an event in November for Number Confidence Week.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering taking part in Numeracy Champion training?
I would say: “Sign up!” It can be a real benefit for your own personal development, but also enhance your workplace, creating a positive workforce culture and a desire to succeed in your employees.
Photo credit: fauxels, Pexels
