Ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 March), we are pleased to launch the third edition of the annual Neurodiversity Index, commissioned by the City & Guilds Foundation team, in partnership with Do-IT Solutions.

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Relationships & Communities Executive
“Na-ta-sha Kal-ing-ah” | she/her
Natasha works on the development of impactful communities and collaborations in the Foundation.
She is focused on the Princess Royal Training Awards employer network and our work on the Foundation Collective.
She is very focused on building activating and maximising relationships across our network to deliver impact and ultimately our purpose.
Natasha is born and bred Kenyan! Often day-dreams of the white sandy beaches and safari’s back home – when not at work, she is somewhere enjoying some yummy food, chasing sunsets and keeping active and socializing, always!Â
achiever | responsibility | arranger | positivity | learner
The latest stories from Natasha Kalinga on the City & Guilds Foundation website:
Ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 March), we are pleased to launch the third edition of the annual Neurodiversity Index, commissioned by the City & Guilds Foundation team, in partnership with Do-IT Solutions.
Ever wondered what it really takes to climb the career ladder as a woman? Or how to navigate the challenges of imposter syndrome? Join host Polly Rowe for a special International Women’s Day episode of Foundation and Friends, as she sits down with three remarkable female leaders from the Princess Royal Training Awards.
Welcome to the second episode of the brand-new season of Foundation and Friends! This time, we dive into the world of learning and development with a special guest, Peter Coats, Group Protection Academy Manager at Legal & General. Hosted by Fenella Tallon, Chief Assessor for the Princess Royal Training Awards, this episode explores the transformative impact of exceptional training initiatives and what it takes to achieve award-winning L&D success. Peter shares his journey into the...
In this episode, we dive into the world of HX Expeditions and their award-winning training programme for expedition guides working in polar bear territories. Jim Mayer, Expedition Team Training Manager, shares insights into how their training has evolved to ensure safety in extreme conditions, and how this unique approach led to their recognition with the prestigious award. Key highlights from the conversation include: Real-life training, real results:Â Jim discusses the importance of hands-on,...
What if recognising subtle signs of struggle at work could revolutionise your team's productivity and well-being? In this insightful episode of the Foundation & Friends podcast, City & Guilds Chief Executive, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, sits down with Professor Amanda Kirby, MBBS MRCGP PhD FCGI, CEO of Do-IT Solutions and an internationally acclaimed expert on neurodiversity, to explore the crucial importance of understanding neurodivergent conditions in the workplace. The conversation...
Young people now face unprecedented challenges, including financial worries, employment and climate concerns - with implications for a new generation’s mental health, and the health of the UK economy. In this Foundation & Friends podcast, host and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Foundation, City & Guilds, Faiza Khan MBE, is joined by Thora Eberts, Director of Network Delivery, UK Youth, and Maddie Dinwoodie, Director of Engagement Programmes, Engineering UK, for a wide...
How employers can harness the potential of refugee candidates While many UK employers will be aware of the social value associated with supporting refugees, not all will be aware of how best to harness the talent and experience that refugees can bring to the workplace. In this podcast, host Lauren Roberts is joined by Jessica Ridgewell, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Breaking Barriers, who shares her experience of helping major UK businesses to access, integrate and benefit from refugee...
Successful DEI training within organisations can foster innovation and creativity as well as attract and retain top talent. To explore this topic, host Charmain Bucho, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at City & Guilds, is joined by Taye Training Director, Consultant & Facilitator Tammy Banks. The esteemed author and TED Talks speaker explores how investment in skills opens opportunities for staff in the social care and criminal justice sectors. Tammy discusses the transformative...
A successful early talent strategy and strong learning culture can help organisations to attract, engage and retain early career employees, leading to a more productive workforce and a thriving future for your organisation. To explore this topic, host Manuel Thompson-Ọ́lọ́kọ̀, Early Talent and Apprenticeships Partner at City & Guilds, is joined by Lesley Bamber, Early Careers UK & I Lead at award-winning firm WTW, who shares his proven strategies for developing young talent and...
At City & Guilds we are all connected by our common purpose: to help people develop their skills. And our City & Guilds Foundation was established back in 2019 to really amplify our purpose and particularly with a focus on supporting individuals who face significant barriers in developing their skills. In an era where inclusivity has become a cornerstone of organisational success, championing and supporting neurodiversity in the workplace is more important than ever. In 2022, we...