On the 9th and 10th of May 2025, Apasen hosted its annual Managers’ Away Day at The Palms Hotel in Hornchurch. This two-day event brought together leadership teams from across the organisation, including colleagues from Home and Community Services, Day Care Centres, Apasen Lodge, Information, Advice and Advocacy, Finance, HR, Media and Communications, and Training, along with Chief Operating Officer Mark Foulds.
The away day provided a valuable opportunity for reflection, learning, and strategic alignment. After a warm welcome and check-in on Friday afternoon, attendees gathered in the conference room for the official opening. Apasen’s Chief Executive, Mahmud Hasan MBE, delivered an inspiring welcome speech, reminding everyone that:
“Our strength as an organisation lies not just in what we do, but in how we do it — with empathy, unity, and a shared purpose.”
This sentiment set the tone for a dynamic and purposeful series of training sessions led by Paul Bragman, a highly experienced facilitator known for his work on leadership and organisational development.
The training sessions spanned a range of key themes, including:
- Strengthening team cohesion and collaboration across services
- Embedding Apasen’s core values into daily practice
- Enhancing leadership effectiveness through self-awareness and action planning
Over two days, managers participated in group exercises, open discussions, and action-oriented workshops. The agenda was carefully structured to balance intensive learning opportunities — ranging from informal networking over light snacks to thoughtful evening reflections..
One of the standout aspects of the event was the focus on translating reflection into action. Managers were encouraged to identify specific steps they would take to build stronger teams, deliver more impactful services, and champion Apasen’s mission within their respective departments.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as “energising,” “insightful,” and “a much-needed space to reset and reconnect.”
As Apasen continues to grow and evolve, events like the Managers’ Away Day play a crucial role in uniting leadership around a common vision — one where compassion, accountability, and innovation shape every aspect of service delivery.
