This document is designed to help you to have everything you need in place, so that your learning experience with Holst runs smoothly.

There are multiple ways you can access Microsoft Teams, either through a web browser, through the Microsoft Teams app for mobile devices or through a desktop and laptop application.

The Microsoft Teams application should be available through well-known app stores such as the Google Play store for Android or the App store for IOS. If your desktop or Laptop computer operating system has an application store you may be able to download it through there. Alternatively, please visit the Microsoft link below for more information about obtaining this software for your device.

www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/download-app

If this link is viewed in Windows it will download a windows installer, if viewed on a machine using MAC OS it will download the MAC PKG installer file, if viewed on a Linux operating system you will have the option to download a DEB or RPM file.

Some browsers do not support Microsoft Teams. If your browser does not support Microsoft Teams you will be directed to download the app. Or you can try downloading an alternative browser if you would prefer to use the web browser version/ or if the suitable app version is not available for download.

Where possible we would recommend that a desktop or laptop computer is used for the best viewing experience.
The app is recommended for the best functionality.

View the device or operating system compatibility list. 

Please download the Microsoft Teams app onto the device that you will be using at least 24 hours before your course (this is free to download via App Store or Google Play).

Once downloaded do not open the app or create an account. Simply click on the link provided to join the course and sign in as a guest.

You will be emailed a calendar invite to your training session. This will be issued a few days beforehand. If you have not received this 24 hours prior to your training session please email: hello@weareholst.com and we will resend this to you. Please keep an eye out for the email and check it has not gone into your spam.

Your working environment

Please ensure you that you find somewhere relatively quiet, private and free from distractions and will be physically comfortable. Make sure you have:

• A strong reliable internet connection using broadband. If necessary, the course can be accessed using a mobile connection with a smart phone or tablet, but you must have enough data allowance.
• A device with a front-facing camera so that your face can be seen.
• A headset or ear buds – these improve sound quality and reduce echo. If you don’t have these, it is fine just be aware that the sound may not be the best quality.
• Microphone – please ensure you have this along with your audio enabled.
• Access to Microsoft Teams (see note above).
• Sufficient battery life for the duration of the course.
• Materials for the training downloaded and printed out where requested.
• A glass of water

Starting the training session

• Arrive 30 minutes before the start of the session. The sessions start at either 9.30am or 1.30pm promptly. We ask you to join at either 9am for our morning sessions or 1pm for our afternoon sessions to ensure we can help troubleshoot any technical issues you are having before the session starts. It also allows you time to meet the other attendees on the session.
• Turn off all other web browsers, email etc to improve your internet connections and stop you being distracted by emails and phone calls.

Troubleshooting – when things go wrong

• If your video stops working check you haven’t turned it off. If it persists – leave the meeting, log out of MS Teams and re-join using the link. Just let the group know you’re leaving for a few minutes.
• If working from a laptop, tablet or mobile make sure you have it plugged in so that it does not cut out due to a flat battery.
• Make sure you have the producer/facilitator’s mobile number so that you can contact them direct if you need to.

For all public training sessions please contact the producer:

• Catherine Hordern: 07712 645793

For all specific client only training sessions please contact your facilitator for the day:

• Sara Jobson: 07711133060
• Verity Clifton: 07411 971903
• Dave Stent: 07748 652047

Sometimes it is the facilitator who loses connection. Often the session will continue without them. Stay online until they reconnect.

If there is background noise, you can cut it down by muting when you are not talking.