Mark Thornton

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Just over a week since I was at Middlesbrough College- assisting with an input for their Uniformed Services students. This young man was awarded a copy of my book “M223” for his hugely valued contribution. His life position is roughly where I was in Chapter 1.#ACA #leadership

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Really enjoyed my day; assisting 2 of @peterstanleytrainingltd learners enter the world of Level 4 Command; & help them develop their skills as “Chairs” of a SCG(Strategic Coordinating Group). Also great to catch up with some of the PST team. #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Not a big user of the train; but a day in London tomorrow see’s me travelling this evening. What a beautiful sky; sometimes we miss things when we are dashing about. Tonight I am able to be more observant & “Let the train, take the strain!”#ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Monday & I am on the road with @peakadvantageltd. Our team building days are very popular; this time a relatively small group. Who were committed, professional, open to learning & development but most importantly had fun & enjoyed the day. #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

1/2 of last week was “future” focussed. Wednesday with students of our future uniformed services @ Middlesbrough College. Thursday at Hartlepool College talking about staff development in 2026 & Friday coaching a future Police officer. Very rewarding for all#ACA #leadership #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

A detailed but very rewarding day writing a proposal for some international work in 2026. Whilst doing so I was also reflecting on where I found myself just over a week ago. I really do love the travel & meeting people aspect of what I do! #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

And just like that I draw the curtains in my Doha hotel for the last time. My 2nd day in a command room, I was able to witness more of our training content put into practise during a live operation. Very rewarding to see. Thanks team, cracking effort. #ACA #leadership #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Great to be back in a functioning Command Suite. This taken just minutes before Gold opened & focussed on issues connected with the first 2 football fixtures of the FIFA Arab cup. Better seeing the training delivered being transferred into operations. #ACA #leadership

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Sunday morning & the new working week starts here in Qatar. Sadly, our last few days. 1st stop for us is Training Admin to check in with the amazing team who have both looked after us & choreographed students, rooms etc. Thank you all. #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

As my rest day begins in Doha, I reflect on what an amazing opportunity I have been afforded to come & work in Qatar. The students are amazing; the bond that has been formed in the team, in such a short time has been outstanding (including Mani (sorry not caught on camera)).#ACA

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

To many the Command Chain is G/S/B; modern thinking is Strategic / Tactical / Operational. Here in Doha on this visit, @peterstanleytraining has been focussed on the development of Strategic & Tactical commanders. We can also focus on Operational commander if you wish. #ACA

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Time to start another day of Strategic Assessments in Doha. The candidates will arrive at work shortly & very quickly they will find themselves working through detailed scenarios designed by @peterstanleytraining. Great to see them implementing their learning. #ACA #leadership

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

JESIP, the backbone to all we are covering with @peterstanleytraining client, here in Qatar. Great to see that in advance of our arrival the models are not just kept in manuals & lesson notes. they are prominent & visible for use by commanders at all of the 3 command levels. #ACA

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

After our rest day, the @peterstanleytraining team are back on the tools. Today’s group are focussed on their Silver (Tactical) assessments. “The scenarios are both very real and immersive”; their words not ours!#ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

The sun is shinning in Doha but not much on the team from @peterstanleytraining. We are operating in the environment our students will default to should they be activated. My group are Gold (Strategic) commanders & the ECR would be there office during a Major Incident. #ACA

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

The venue we (@peterstanleytrainingltd) are operating at, is on the outskirts of the city of Doha. A trip on the train is the quickest route. Clean, fast & efficient service & the train is driverless. You would never know; so the day begins.. #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Arrived in the dark after a very early start yesterday. However, what a view to wake up to! I am in Qatar, meeting with clients of @peterstanleyltd. The conversations are very informative & will help many in the weeks & months to follow. #ACA #leadership #teambuilding #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

9 months planning but it certainly was a huge success. Over £1,700 raised for @theroyalbritishlegion a very generous group of friends &family joined to dine, dance, sing & enjoy the evening sponsored by @ACALtd & @peakadvantageltd. Thank you each & every one of you! #ACA

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Time flies by. Nearly 1 year on since the 1st ACA Ltd & Peak Advantage Ltd charity night. Saturday will see us repeating the event seeking to support @theroyalbritishlegion. These are just the auction items, huge support from local business-thank you all. #ACA #leadership #M223

[Mark Thornton @Mark_is_ACA]

Another informative day for six of @peterstanleytraining students. Working through Gold (Strategic) Command refresher training online. It started very early for me as we crossed time zones but i lost nothing in terms of their enthusiasm to learn. #ACA #leadership #M223