Could you be a workplace numeracy champion?

Would you like to help others in your workplace overcome their fear of maths and numbers? Don’t worry – you won’t have to teach maths! If this interests you and you like the idea of supporting your colleagues, building their confidence and making a difference, read on!

What is a Numeracy Champion?

Numeracy Champions support positive conversations with others about numbers. They:

  • Talk positively with those who may feel anxious about maths, and inspire them to share their experiences
  • Engage and support others to have a more positive approach towards numbers
  • Signpost others to take the first steps in improving their numeracy skills using National Numeracy’s online resources
  • Utilise the tools and resources from the programme

Numeracy Champions do not teach maths!

You will support colleagues to develop a positive approach and build their confidence with numbers and maths, both in their daily lives and in the workplace. You learn how to signpost them towards opportunities to develop their skills, which, in turn, will boost productivity and wellbeing within your organisation.

Why do we need Numeracy Champions?

We’ve partnered with National Numeracy to offer a free course that has the potential to not only change your life, but open doors to others that might otherwise remain closed. Why is this important? Take a look at this:

  • Some adults feel ashamed to admit they lack confidence or skills in numeracy and hide the problem^
  • 31% of survey respondents said they are not a numbers person. Women are more likely to describe themselves this way (38%)^^
  • 25% of survey respondents said they would be deterred from applying for a job if it listed using numbers and data as a requirement^^
  • 78% of adults are working below Level 2 (GCSE grade 4/C)^^^
  • 49% of adults have the numeracy skills of children expected at primary schools^

Wednesday 22 May is National Numeracy Day, which is all about understanding just how important numbers are in our daily lives and where people can get help. And you can help too! Even if you suffer from maths anxiety, or you’re one of the 3 million people in the UK with dyscalculia, (a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers), the Numeracy Champion course could be for you.

How do you become a Numeracy Champion?

The Numeracy Champion course gives you the knowledge to support individuals to improve their confidence and skills with numbers. From the sessions you will understand:

  • The numeracy issue in the UK and the reasons for it
  • How poor numeracy affects individuals and workplaces
  • Maths anxiety and its impact
  • A positive approach to learning for adults with low confidence and skills in numeracy
  • The ways that National Numeracy resources and support can be used to engage others

Not only will you benefit from helping others, you will:

  • Join a CPD accredited training programme, enhancing your own professional development
  • Explore your own numeracy journey and how this can impact your everyday life
  • Have the opportunity to join a network of other champions across various industries to share best practices and collaborate
  • Have access to resources, key messages and further activities to support you in your role
  • Receive a calendar of events for you to engage in
  • Get ongoing support and continued relationship with National Numeracy to help you support numeracy within your workplace

Who can apply?

This course can benefit people in a variety of jobs, such as:

  • Supportive roles, eg. Human Resources, Staff Development or Health & Wellbeing
  • Leadership roles, eg. Team Leaders, Line Managers or Supervisors
  • Information, Advice & Guidance roles, eg. Advisors, Librarians, Careers Officers, Call Centre Operators or Financial Support workers.
  • Delivery roles, eg. Union Representatives or Tutors.

However, the beauty of this course is you don’t have to be in any of these jobs or have any qualifications to do it. You don’t have to be a maths specialist – just a supportive person to help others get started in improving their confidence and maths skills.

When does the course start?

There are several dates and times available! The sessions take place over Zoom, and the focus is on fun, and learning how to learn. The course consists of two sessions, and you’ll be fully supported with everything from videos and presentations, to polls and online chats. Once you’ve passed, you’ll get invites to exclusive networking events.

Take your pick…

  • 14 & 21 May 1.30pm – 4.30pm
  • 16 & 23 June 9.30am – 12.30pm
  • 3 & 10 June 1.30pm – 4.30pm
  • 5 & 12 June 9.30am – 12.30pm
  • 6 & 13 June 9.30am – 12.30pm
  • 14 & 21 June 9.30am – 12.30pm

Once you’ve decided what date would suit you, please email Tracey at SS&L and she’ll help get you enrolled. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more or have any questions, please do get in touch with Tracey.

Will you accept the challenge?

If you think this might be for you, have a crack at our National Numeracy Challenge. It’s not a test, and there’s no time limit or exams to worry about. Instead, it’s more about seeing how confident you are with numbers, and what you’d like to learn.

Are you a Champion in the making? Now could be the time to find out – so do get in touch!

^Source: Department for Business Innovation and Skills. 2012 – The 2011 Skills for Life Survey: A Survey of Literacy and ICT Levels in England.
^^Source https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/national_numeracy_day_2019.pdf
^^^OECD/INFE International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy Competencies (2016)