Exploring the Power of Shadowing: Learning from Diverse Organisations

Shadowing days are about more than observation, they allow participants to step into a new world, build confidence, and see first-hand how different organisations shape our city. Recently, Ignite participants had the opportunity to spend time with a wide range of organisations, offering a window into how diverse sectors operate and serve their communities.

Our Ignite team shadowed professionals across museums and cultural institutions, the NHS, Testlands, Southampton City Council’s Community and Inclusion team, and the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Grassroots charities such as Feed The Community and community arts space Gallery Grounds offered valuable insight into local engagement and creative programming, while Abri’s Housing Development Team and Marwell Zoo opened up opportunities to explore events and audience-focused work. Others members of the team spent time with Southampton Voluntary Services, PR and marketing professionals including Lee Peck, and Go Southampton, gaining hands-on experience in communication, community mobilisation, campaign delivery and project management.

Across these placements, our Ignite cohort observed everything from heritage and cultural management to community leadership, social inclusion and health services. They also learned about environmental education and conservation, while building knowledge around volunteer coordination, safeguarding, partnership working, branding and communication.

Shadowing days have helped our team develop practical skills such as teamwork, leadership and creative problem-solving, whilst growing their confidence in professional environments. By seeing how organisations work day-to-day, participants gained a deeper understanding of different sectors and fresh inspiration for their own personal and professional journeys.

Shadowing is a reminder of the value of learning by doing, and of the many ways organisations contribute to culture, health, community and the environment across Southampton. A huge thank you to all our partners for welcoming Ignite participants and sharing their time, knowledge and expertise.