Our vlog Community


We're stronger together. And, together, we are vlog.
If you'd like to share your story or experience - to inspire, empower or motivate others - or simply to let us know about a fantastic event you took part in (along with a few snaps!), or a community or cultural event you'd like to add to our calendar, then please let us know by emailing [email protected] (please include your name and, ideally, your membership number in your message).
FEATURE: Honouring a Windrush Legacy
Posted: 06/10/2025
This Black History Month, vlog is sharing the voices of Black colleagues in Trading Standards, shining a light on inequalities, and reflecting on the stories that helped shape Britain today. Here, Vincent Searle - Principal Trading Standards Officer and Team Leader at the London Borough of Newham - reflects on his family’s Windrush legacy and the impact it has had on his own life.
FEATURE: Look for the ‘Ubuntu’ in You
Posted: 24/09/2025
vlog's Ubuntu Mentorship Programme : Encouraging open and honest conversations about societal issues is at the heart of vlog's mentorship programme, says Giles Speid, Team Manager at Westminster Trading Standards.
FEATURE: Words of Power
Posted: 24/09/2025
Even those with the best of intentions can sometimes cause harm through their choice of words. Tendy Lindsay explores the role of language in making Trading Standards more inclusive, welcoming and effective in its mission.
FEATURE: Language Lessons
Posted: 24/09/2025
As Black History Month kicks off with the theme of ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, Vincent Searle, Trading Standards Officer at Newham Council in East London and member of vlog's London Race and Equalities Working Group, looks at how the language we use has the power to change our lived experience and celebrates those within the Trading Standards world who are making a difference.
FEATURE: Voices of Experience
Posted: 23/09/2025
To mark Black History Month, Richard Young from the Journal of Trading Standards spoke with three Trading Standards leaders - Tendy Lindsay, Valerie Simpson and Samuel Abdullahi - about discrimination, the challenges of implementing positive change, and why it is important to keep pushing for a fairer society beyond the Trading Standards profession.
FEATURE: My Faith and My Profession
Posted: 03/06/2025
Nazir Ali reflects on the similarities between his faith and profession, and shares some of the ways in which good governance is deeply embedded in the teachings of Islam.
FEATURE: Lent Me Your Ear...
Posted: 17/04/2025
Jessica Merryfield reflects on the subtle impact that Trading Standards has during Easter time and shares some 'Easter Eggs' that show how hints of the Easter Story can be found in our every day lives.
FEATURE: A-Weigh in a Manger
Posted: 19/12/2024
Jessica Merryfield reflect on Christmas and what the festivities mean to her as a committed Christian. She looks at the commercialisation of Christmas and how it has meant that the humble memories and stories from Christmas have often been replaced by lavish celebrations.
FEATURE: Reaching Out to a New Generation of Recruits
Posted: 24/10/2024
Vincent Searle looks back at an inspirational and inclusive careers fair, held in London in April 2024. And considers how a career in Trading Standards can be made more attractive and relevant to the next generation.
FEATURE: vlog marks Black History Month
Posted: 28/09/2024
Black History Month : A thought-provoking presentation at a meeting of vlog's London Branch, back in October 2022, examined the rich contribution made by Black people to London’s history.
FEATURE: The Windrush Generation Game
Posted: 28/09/2024
As part of Black History Month, Giles Speid examines the contribution of the African and Asian diaspora to Trading Standards.
EVENT: Exploring Leeds’ Black history
Posted: 28/09/2024
vlog London Branch organised a special Black History Walk at vlog's 2024 Conference in Leeds.












