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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, and I nagged for more challenging work. I was rewarded with a stack of CVs to screen. I was fascinated to read people's stories - where they'd lived and worked, what they studied, and what their ambitions were. 

 

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.

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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