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Tania Townsend

@taniatownsend.bsky.social
328 followers 246 following 85 posts

Head of Strategic Programmes & Strategy. ❤️#localgov. Black & Jewish, Londoner, Mother, Gooner, Hackney lady and blogger. ♥️ diversity matters. Views my own. @TaniaTSays on X

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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
What is your favourite Shabbat dinner?
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Mazel tov!!
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Statement on arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances progressivejudaism.org.uk/statement-on... #jewsky
progressivejudaism.org.uk
Statement on arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances - The Movement for Progressive Judaism
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the antisemitic arson attack on Hatzola volunteer ambulances serving the Jewish community in Golders Green. These vehicles represent care in its most immediate fo...
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Reverend Jesse Jackson, thank you for helping me, a young Black girl growing up in the East End of London, to believe. youtube.com/watch?v=iTB1...
youtube.com
Sesame Street - I Am Somebody
YouTube video by LittleJerryFan92 *RETIRED CHANNEL*
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Richmond Station is back in its art deco glory. It’s stunning. This is placemaking. A reminder that public infrastructure can honour heritage, elevate design, & nurture belonging. Stations aren’t just transit points. They’re civic thresholds. Richmond now greets us with dignity, history, and hope.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
No form of hate will stop me from the deeply meaningful and symbolic mitzvah of carrying the Torah later on today. In the midst of community grief, my hope is that all communities will connect together and remain steadfast in strengthening love for one another over what threatens to divide.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Shanah Tovah. May this new year bring sweetness, courage, and collective renewal 🍎 #RoshHashanah #PublicService #DesignJustice #JewishNewYear #Leadership #EquityInAction
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Whether you're observing the holiday or reading this out of interest, I hope it brings clarity, courage, & connection. May we all step into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose - & may our collective efforts bring sweetness to the lives of those we serve & care for, here & across the world.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
#RoshHashanah reminds me transformation is possible, accountability is sacred & hope is a discipline. In 5786, I’m recommitting my leadership to building services that honour lived/living experience, challenges inequity, and create belonging - for every child, adult, family & every community.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
For me, this year, it means driving reforms that centre children, families with multiple challenges, & communities historically excluded from power. It means embedding anti-racist practice, design justice, and relational approaches into how we lead and serve.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
This work is sacred. It calls us to lead with compassion, to repair what’s broken, and to imagine boldly. The public sector carries the responsibility of shaping systems that touch people’s lives deeply.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
"Words only lead us to the edge of action, But it is deeds which bring us closer...and to each other." In public service, we are entrusted with the wellbeing of others. We hold stories, shape systems, & strive to build communities where dignity and equity are not just ideals, but everyday realities.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
🍯 It's 5786! As Rosh Hashanah begins, I’m embracing this season of reflection and renewal - not just personally, but professionally. The Jewish New Year invites us to pause, take stock, and recommit to the values that guide our work and our lives.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Excellent to see @hackneycouncil.bsky.social Hackney Year 6 pupils, which includes my son, crowned the best in the country for KS2 results. A far cry from my day when education in Hackney was so poor that my mum sent me out of the borough. news.hackney.gov.uk/news/hackney...
news.hackney.gov.uk
Hackney Year 6 pupils best in the country in 2025 | Hackney Council News
Hackney pupils ranked joined first in provisional KS2 SATs results
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
linkedin.com
London Borough of Islington - Director of Education | Tania Townsend
"Feeling lost is part of finding yourself." This powerful message of creative growth, discovery and development, seen on a wall outside our Islington office, resonates deeply with a unique opportunity...
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
The Champions of Europe, and always the leaders of North London! Well done and mazel tov to my beloved #Arsenal 💕
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Reposted by Tania Townsend
Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
“Children’s worlds have shrunk enormously over the last 50 years… We need to reclaim childhood.” > More than 80 per cent of 55- to 64-year-olds said they regularly played out on the street and had freedom to explore when they were young, compared with only a quarter of children today.
ft.com
‘We need to reclaim childhood’: UK ministers urged to restore right to play
A steady erosion of outdoor playtime is impairing the development of infants, say experts
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
📖 Read the full article www.adcs.org.uk/care-courage... 💭 I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on being a radical leader, and fostering care and connection in times of change. A special thanks to Noel Hatch for his inspirational words, who effortlessly leads change for social good.
adcs.org.uk
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Let's embrace the journey of reflection, renewal, and community support as we work together to create sustainable futures for our children and adults.
adcs.org.uk
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
In a time of significant transformation across health, police, and local government sectors, it's more important than ever to design our collective impact with intentionality and compassion.
adcs.org.uk
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Inspired by one of my favourite and recent Jewish festivals, Passover, I reflect on how these principles can guide us in navigating the complexities of change management with empathy and care.
adcs.org.uk
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
🌟 Change with Care, Courage, and Connection 🌟 I'm thrilled to share my latest ADCS blog www.adcs.org.uk/care-courage..., where I explore the profound themes of change, radical leadership, and resilience through the lens of relational practice. 🧵
adcs.org.uk
Care, courage and connection
ADCS is a membership organisation. Our members hold leadership roles in children’s services departments in local authorities in England.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
"Group of the year was made by youth clubs." What a brilliant salute to youth work. I love Ezra Collective - their music, ethos, and passion for community - to bits. Mazel tov for their #Brits2025 win. buff.ly/uwDkmKp
picture of Ezra Collective after winning the Best Group at the Brit Awards
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
More about Maureen: blog.resy.com/2022/08/maur...
blog.resy.com
Maureen Tyne, Chef and Co-Founder, Maureen & Verna’s — Resy | Right This Way
Years before London’s supperclub scene took off, Maureen Tyne was cooking in her Brixton home and selling it to a growing base of loyal fans. She shunned social media and a website, instead using the ...
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Caribbean and other cutural food businesses bring London to life, creating the world in one city. Their social value can be understated. Keith Lee, American social media personality and food critic, visited Maureen's Brixton Kitchen. You have to watch until the end. www.tiktok.com/@keith_lee12...
tiktok.com
Maureen’s Kitchen taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕#foodcritic @Maureen’s Kitchen
TikTok video by Keith Lee
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made last week so special. Here’s to continuing our Child-Friendly Islington mission with creative vigor, dedication and love! 🚀 #ChildrensServices #TeamWork #Inspiration #Diversity #Achievement #OfstedOutstanding
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
our work, the strength found in diversity, and how individual achievements are intrinsic to collective team success. Kriss also spent time with our current children in care, leaving a lasting impact on them just as he did with our staff.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
reignite our passion for the vital work we do. I had the distinct honour of introducing the incredible Kriss Akabusi, who grew up in Islington's care and I've had the pleasure of working with on ways to support care-experienced adults. His inspirational talk reminded us of the immense power of.....
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Last week was a momentous one for us! We received an outstanding Ofsted report for our Children's Services—an achievement that we couldn't be more proud of. 🎉 To celebrate, we hosted a staff conference to not only recognise our accomplishments but to also discuss the challenges ahead and....
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Reposted by Tania Townsend
Research in Practice @researchip.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Recent rises in living costs are putting incredible pressure on both services and families. We are looking for professionals to take part in research about families facing persistent financial challenge and the impact this has on children’s social care. ow.ly/uYxT50UAoLE
ow.ly
Take part in research on the impact of financial pressures on children’s social care
Take part in a study designed to inform the development of evidenced-informed policies and support that improves families’ financial circumstances and outcomes for children.
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Reposted by Tania Townsend
Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
This accomplishment is a testament to their exceptional skills steeped in the culture and the vibrant artistic spirit within the Congolese community. 📺 buff.ly/3BYXMNn #Islington #DRC #CongoleseCommunity #WickedMovie #Hairdressing
buff.ly
Wicked: Meet the London braider behind Elphaba's wig
Marie-Josee came to London as a refugee from Congo.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
One remarkable example is Josee's Pro Braiding Studio, a hairdresser with a small salon in Finsbury Park. They recently achieved an incredible feat by creating the iconic micro-braided wig for Elphaba in the highly anticipated "Wicked" movie.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
Islington is home to a thriving Congolese community, with many individuals having fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeking refuge and a better life. Their resilience, creativity, and talent enrich the borough in countless ways.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
How is #Islington and it's fantastic Congolese community connected to one of 2024's highest grossing films, "Wicked?" 🧵
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
...volunteering in care homes is a heartwarming and joyful reminder of the power of care, the loving use of our gifts and community. 📺 youtu.be/fEFUIzbCz74?...
youtu.be
DJ AG Volunteers in Care Homes as Part of 1 Million Minutes Campaign
YouTube video by Good Morning Britain
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
The power of care and volunteering can't be underestimated. Last year, the festive period for my family and me was awful. My granddad, one of my last remaining Windrush generation family, passed away in his care home. This Xmas, watching the iconic DJ AG..
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Hope whoever the present was for appreciates it!!
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Thank you, Ann. He was, and will always be, the best and most insightful boss. Seeing him as his authentic self in action and as a leader was inspirational for me. I wouldn't be where I am without him.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
How fabulous. Please pass my thoughts and love onto Jeremy.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
O fiscal devo, fiscal devo, wherefore art thou fiscal devo?
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
On the one hand, a focus on #localgov workforce development. On the other, secondments between the central and regional tiers only. Interesting. #devolution
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
I may currently be in a London borough however I can't wait for the Devolution White Paper. The opportunities for the future, form and function of local government and #localgov family don't come around often.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
🤺 At this point in the DEI journey that many have committed to, it shouldn't still need Black colleagues to raise their heads above the parapet to emphasise that the situation isn't OK. Feel free to take the mic, be outraged, demand better performance improvement, and be the upstander. FIN
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
✊️🎯 My assumption is that those in the room were those who recognise the issues & ready for change. However, it would be beneficial for those who are furthest away from this to be in this space. This impacts on getting things done by those who have power & status to make a sustainable change.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
⛔️ When Black colleagues across the sector and I raise these points to emphasise the need to swift change and action, we do so at a risk of how it will be heard or how we will be perceived as individuals which can impact on our professional growth.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
💆🏾‍♀️ These conversations become cyclical. And, when it has been a lifetime of experiencing the discussion rather than impactful action, it becomes emotionally and physically draining. This takes its toll on our health and emotional wellbeing. It impacts on living and ageing well.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
🫂 I was not angry. I work hard at not presenting as the 'angry Black woman' trope. I was disappointed & pained. As well as working in the sector, I am a Black mum & aunt. The safety of our children is not up for debate or slow inaction. They become a lost generation to the impact, which is lifelong.
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Tania Townsend @taniatownsend.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
At the #NCASC24 race and racism session, I was one of the Black audience members who commented. I have had to take a couple of weeks to reflect and reorientate. Here is why 🧵
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