Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS) staff have recently participated in key training sessions designed to enhance their emotional intelligence, improve accessibility, and advance their photography and videography skills. GCS, on behalf of the Ministry for Culture, is committed to the continuous professional development of its staff, ensuring the highest standards in service delivery. 

A statement continued: “Understanding and managing emotions effectively is crucial for a positive and productive workplace, improving customer care and the staff’s ability to deal with difficult conversations and situations. The Emotional Intelligence training session, delivered by Lourdes Barea from On Purpose International, provided GCS staff with essential tools to recognise, understand, and regulate their own emotions while also navigating the emotions of others. Equipped with these skills, staff can improve communication, teamwork, and overall efficiency, leading to a more collaborative work environment and enhanced service delivery for the community. 

“Staff also took part in a Photography and Videography training session. The session, delivered by GCS’s Naomi Duarte, aimed to equip participants with the technical and creative skills necessary to capture high-quality images and videos that reflect Gibraltar’s rich cultural heritage. By mastering these skills, staff can effectively document and showcase GCS’s activities engaging the public through dynamic visual content. 

“Naomi Duarte also recently completed a BSL Level 1 course. The 20-week online course was taught by Deaf Tutor Elizabeth Bojad and was organised by SigncodeUK through the College of Further Education. These skills aim to enhance GCS’s ability to communicate effectively with the Deaf community, improving accessibility and inclusivity at events and public engagements. Having staff trained in BSL also contributes to a safer environment, ensuring that important information can be conveyed clearly in various situations. 

“These training sessions form part of GCS’s ongoing commitment to staff development, ensuring that employees are well-equipped with the necessary skills to enhance their roles and better serve Gibraltar’s cultural community.”