PhilRichards

TALKS

Delivered as dynamic performances, integrating characterisations, storytelling,
and audience involvement.
Using an entertaining ‘stand-up style’ delivery, Phil explores practical methods
of working mindfully in challenging situations, backed up with the science.
Talks work in both large - and small-scale settings.
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"Phil was outstanding at our Annual Conference.

His calm and insightful delivery shed light on why children often struggle to communicate, while powerfully reminding us of the importance of understanding and managing our own emotions as we support theirs.

Phil is a professional, thoughtful speaker whose interactive, authentic, and engaging session left a lasting impression. He reminded us that we can meet even the most challenging behaviours with empathy, warmth, and connection."

Shane Roberts
Head of the Whole Education Secondary Network

"Phil’s talk was not only well-informed on the subject of neuroscience but also on challenging behaviour, of which clearly, he has a good deal of experience and quite a remarkable repertoire. Either theme could have made a very heavy session but were interwoven with a good deal of humour and visual materials, making the whole experience a most enjoyable and informative session."

Chris Lawrence
Coordinator of London Drama and Publications Officer of National Drama

"Phil has a natural rapport with audiences – PGCE students find his sessions most memorable because the principles shared could be put into use the next day, in the classroom. Engaging, approachable, humorous, and warm!

Phil’s experience and expertise are engaging and generate genuine deep interest in how young people learn."

Amanda Kipling
Senior Lecturer and PGCE Drama Programme Leader, Goldsmiths College.

BIOG

Over 40 years of experience at the chalkface, motivating students to learn and honing his skills in mindful leadership.
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Phil's journey was sparked by an epiphany during actor training in 1984, which led to a multifaceted career in drama, encompassing acting, directing, and teaching.
With a focus on using drama for transformation, he taught in schools, ran workshops, and became the Director of Drama at the Brit School.

He founded The Complete Works Charity in 1999 and transitioned to an advisory role in 2016. Alongside drama, Phil nurtured a passion for yoga and meditation.
Blending mindfulness with creativity, he developed methods of working with young people who exhibit challenging behaviour and training employees how to
work with them successfully. He continues to offer training and consultations and was given the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Award for Lifetime Achievement in June 2023.

Keep Calm & Be Creative
Work mindfully with the ‘drama’
Turn ‘NO’ into ‘YES!’

Every young person conceals an inherent drive for learning, even if they outwardly seem to reject education. The integration of creativity and mindfulness forms the core of Phil’s educational philosophy, in enabling young people to reengage with learning. It stands as the cornerstone of success at The Complete Works School, which was given ‘outstanding’ for behaviour in their recent OFSTED report.

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