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Apricots

A little about me

My journey into people development

Headshot photo of Sarah Acton wearing a blue top.

I discovered my passion for people development early in my career, entirely by accident. Fresh out of uni, I started temping on a very quiet reception desk, nagging for more challenging work. I was handed a stack of CVs to screen, and became fascinated by people's stories - their career paths, studies, and ambitions. 

 

Since then, I've spent 15 years in senior HR and organisational development roles in the public, private, charity and not-for-profit sectors, where I've coached, trained and developed people of all levels - from admin assistant to chief executive - during times of enduring uncertainty, upheaval, and the odd bit of chaos.

A bit about me

I'm based in South Manchester, UK, where I've lived since I first moved here to study aged 18.

 

When I'm not coaching and training, I enjoy walking in nature, visiting local comedy clubs and museums, spending time with my nieces and nephew (who are all growing too fast!) and tending my marine aquarium, which is a blissful slice of calm in my busy life.

My background

  • Leadership experience: 15+ years in senior HR and organisational development across a range of sectors
     

  • Research experience: Spent two years at Manchester Metropolitan University's Good Employment Learning Lab, discovering what makes leadership development and coaching truly effective.
     

  • Educational qualifications: I hold a Master’s in HR Management, and an MBA.
     

  • Specialised training: I have a Level 7 ILM Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, an ILM qualification in action learning set facilitation, and am licensed to use a range of psychometric tools such as Lumina Spark and Hogan. I'm also a licensed Firework Career Coach.
     

  • Professional memberships: I’m a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, committed to upholding the highest coaching standards, and I’m a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. 

About Me: About Me
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