**NCIA Autumn Away Day 28th September 2023: A Day of Collaboration and Professional Growth**

We recently had the privilege of attending the NCIA Autumn Away Day, held on September 28th, 2023. This event brought together the NCIA partners with a common goal: to develop a sense of team and focus our energies towards developing wiser working strategies and sustainable behaviours. As a professional services and academic community, it was crucial for us to avoid burnout and stagnation while clarifying our objectives and fostering a shared sense of direction.

The setting for the event, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) , perfectly embodied our civic mission. Led by Rob Copeland, we learned about the incredible impact the AWRC has on both local residents and students at 英国谢菲尔德哈莱姆大学 . It was inspiring to see how their work positively affects the lives of people in their local community.

One of the highlights of the day was Julian Dobson 's Theory of Change presentation. As CRESR's Senior Research Fellow, Julian guided us through the importance of this theory in progressing our project. We explored how we can collectively apply the Theory of Change to our own elements within the NCIA project, fostering collaboration and a shared vision in all aspects of our work.

Gemma Adams and Zoe Williamson from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) facilitated an engaging workshop on building effective connections. This session highlighted the importance of developing strong relationships and networks, which are crucial for professional growth and success. It provided a valuable opportunity to learn from one another and strengthen our connections within the partnership. As a team, we examined our organisations and collectively decided on how we would present ourselves to others. We received feedback and evaluation from our partner peers, allowing us to reassess and improve how we present ourselves and use shared language.

Throughout the day, we had the chance to visit the Advanced Food Innovation Centre with a tour led by Prof Martin Howarth, the Director of NCEFE at Sheffield Hallam University. This experience provided us with insights into cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of food engineering, further expanding our knowledge and understanding.

Sophie Duncan from the NCCPE led an incredibly useful session on planning the next steps of our project. This collaborative discussion allowed us to come together as partners, focusing on specific elements and formulating concrete action plans. It was truly inspiring to witness the commitment and dedication of everyone involved. We are thrilled to say action has already started on these plans, as we understand the importance of prioritising this.

The event concluded with a vibrant skills market place, where we showcased our diverse range of skills and talents. Beyond work-based skills, we discovered shared interests, hobbies, and recreational skills sets, recognising that personal connections are the foundation for growth and achievement. As Ben Stein wisely said, "Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows."

We would like to extend our appreciation to the two Sheffield Hallam students, Ben Collins and Reece Pinches, who captured the essence of the day through their fantastic photography. Their presence reminded us of the importance of connecting with our students and harnessing their innovative ideas to drive meaningful change.

Attending the NCIA Autumn Away Day was a remarkable experience that left a lasting impact on us both professionally and personally. It reinforced the significance of collaboration, shared values, and continuous learning. We are grateful to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking community, where our collective efforts can shape great change and impact beyond our individual capacities.