Month: March 2023

International Day of Happiness is dedicated to spreading joy and improving mental health around the world. It’s a reminder that happiness is not something we can achieve in one single moment, but rather it’s an ongoing journey. To mark this day, we spoke to a DataFlow applicant and clinical psychologist, Dr. Charlotte Cousins, about the importance of happiness in people’s lives and why communities, employers, and organizations must continue promoting happiness and well-being.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Dr. Charlotte Cousins. I’m a Clinical Psychologist. I work at Sage Clinics. I’m originally from the UK. I trained in the UK and have recently moved over to Dubai.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing mental health difficulties, neurodevelopmental difficulties, or difficulties attending school. I also specialize in working with women and men during pregnancy and the postnatal period, where there might be difficulties in adjusting to parenthood or bonding with the baby.

What key message would you like to send our viewers for International Day of Happiness?

A key message that I would like to send to the viewers for International Day of Happiness is that happiness is a journey, not a destination. Often we have unrealistic and unhelpful views of what happiness is, and we strive for something that is unattainable.

Happiness is not a state of being or a way of feeling that’s permanent. Happiness is a feeling that is felt to varying degrees and comes and goes over time, as with all other emotions. So, happiness exists and can only be experienced alongside all other emotions. So, a key piece of advice I would give to anyone that wants to feel happier is to start looking and cherishing any small amounts of happiness during each day. These might be small things like feeling the sun on your face or a hug from a loved one. The more we look out for and cherish these experiences, we start to notice these feelings of happiness regularly throughout each day.

What measures are you or your organization taking to raise mental health awareness?

The theme for International Day of Happiness is ‘Keep Calm, Stay Wise and Be Kind’. At Sage clinics, we’re passionate about improving people’s mental health and helping them to lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. We do this in a range of ways. Our Sage Team comprises international specialists that include psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, therapists, counselors, occupational therapists, and a dietitian. Collectively, we bring decades of experience and work as an integrated team using evidence-based practice to deliver the best outcomes for every individual and family or group that we work with. In addition to the treatment we offer within our clinic, we also offer a wide range of talks, workshops, training, and teaching sessions on topics related to mental health for various audiences, such as parents, schools, and corporate organizations.

What prompted you to choose this career?

From a very young age, I was absolutely fascinated by people. I used to spend a lot of time people-watching and was really intrigued by what people were doing. I desperately tried to understand why people said and did the things that they did.

Would you recommend a career as a clinical psychologist?

Yes, absolutely. I think it is an absolute privilege and incredibly rewarding to be able to work alongside someone and be a part of their journey to better health, whether that’s physical or mental health.

Happiness is a way of living, being, and serving communities and society. Does your role accommodate that?

Yes, I would really hope so. My role involves supporting individuals and their families to be the best versions of themselves and the versions that they really want to be.

What makes you happy?

I really try and practice what I preach. And so, for me, it’s the small things in life that make me happy. This includes spending time with my family and friends, enjoying being outside in the sunshine, and connecting with nature.

How has DataFlow supported your career as a clinical psychologist?

I first heard about DataFlow when I was offered my job here in Dubai. I used DataFlow to verify all my documents and get licensed here and in Dubai. DataFlow was incredibly helpful for me.

 

Take the first step towards kickstarting, changing or resuming your career with DataFlow. Begin your Primary Source Verification application today:

If you think you may need to Appeal your DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) application report, here’s some helpful guidance to help you understand what a DataFlow Appeal is, if you’re eligible and how to submit an Appeal.

What does an Appeal mean?

An Appeal is when an applicant disagrees with the result of the report and wants to re-verify the same document(s) initially submitted in their DataFlow application.

Why do Appeals usually occur?

Appeals occur when DataFlow is unable to confirm the authenticity of the credentials of an applicant. The most common reasons for this are, but are not limited to:

Discrepancy

• The issuing authority of the documents states that it was not issued by them or were tampered
• The issuing authority is not accredited or operating illegally

Unable to Verify (UTV)

• Verification results could not be obtained due to non-disclosure policies or non-cooperative authorities
• Issuing Authorities could not be contacted to do unforeseeable circumstances such as political unrest, national disasters, strikes, etc.

Am I eligible to Appeal?

You may be eligible to apply for an Appeal if your application status is ‘Discrepancy’ or ‘Unable to Verify’. To check the status of your application, please visit the application portal at www.dataflowstatus.com.

NOTE: If the status of your report is Unable to Verify due to insufficient information – DataFlow did not receive from your end the required documents or details required by the Issuing authorities to disclose the result, then a free-of-charge Appeal is not applicable. Instead, you may submit the document(s) directly under the ‘Additional Document’ section of the applicant portal. You will need to pay the associated fee as per the Issuing Authority.

Can I apply for an Appeal with a different document?

No, this will not be considered an Appeal. An Appeal is only when an applicant wants to re-verify any original documents submitted in their application.

To verify a new document(s) that was not part of your original application, select the regular you previously applied under and upload the document under the ‘Additional Document’ section of the applicant portal and pay the associated fee as per the Issuing Authority.

How much time do I have to request an Appeal?

You can request an Appeal for free once within 180 calendar days of the date the DataFlow report is issued showing an ‘Unable to Verify’ or ‘Discrepancy’ status. Charges will be applied to any Appeals submitted and considered after this time.

Please note: For the Ministry of Education UAE (MOE UAE) application, applicants must submit requests within 90 days of the DataFlow report issued date.

How do I submit an Appeal?

First, log in to the applicant portal at www.dataflowstatus.com.

Secondly, enter your DataFlow case or reference number and registered passport number on the portal.

Finally, click ‘File an Appeal’ and upload any supporting document(s) or additional information.

If you are not eligible for an Appeal, a message will appear on your screen with a reason for ineligibility. If you still need clarity or have any concerns regarding the eligibility of your Appeal submission, please raise a support ticket via the DataFlow Support Centre for further assistance.

The International Women’s Day 2023 campaign looks beyond equal opportunities to #EmbraceEquity.  At DataFlow, we believe that success should be equally accessible for all – regardless of gender, background, culture or job role.

We joined in the conversation about what it means for everyone to have equal opportunities and access to success by speaking with our colleagues across the globe. Hear how equity has shaped their journeys – inspiring us to build a fairer future for everyone, no matter where you start in life or who you are!

Meet our team:

1. Ahed Mustafa
2. Batool Al Abdelqader
3. Chatrina Sietereales
4. Niharika Singhal
5. Mira El Farra
6. Hind Ayache

1. Ahed Mustafa – Team Leader – Project Management – Jordan

It’s easy to confuse equity with equality. What is your understanding of equity?

Equality is giving everybody the same opportunity and expecting them to achieve the same result, but equity means giving each person what they require depending on their circumstances. This will assure that we all have a fair chance to reach the same result.

What message would you like to send to women on International Women’s Day?

Never let anyone underestimate you or your ideas. Be strong, believe that you are valued and that you matter to a lot of people.

2. Batool Al Abdelqader – Graphic Designer & Web Developer

How do you embrace equity in your everyday life?

I believe the best way to embrace equity is by helping and supporting others, especially women. Also, by doing my part and creating a fair world.

What career advice would you give to women?

The most important thing is to keep learning and developing, and the more you do, the closer you are to achieving your dreams. Nothing will get between whatever you want and what you want to achieve.

3. Chatrina Sietereales – Associate – Applicant Support Team – Philippines

What does gender equity mean to you?

The first thing that comes to mind is fairness. I think we should all advocate for ourselves in promoting equal opportunities for men and women, especially in workplaces, the community, and our homes. Being a woman should not lessen your chance to prove that you can make things possible. We should not only address a person by their gender but instead by their ability and their contributions.

What’s your message to women on International Women’s Day?

I want to thank all women for being the woman that you are. You deserve to be treated fair and given the same opportunity as everyone else. Women are strong-built individuals. We are driven, passionate, ambitious, and capable of making things possible. Don’t let others tell you what you can and cannot do. If you want to change, we cannot just sit around and wait.

4. Niharika Singhal – Team Leader – Verification Team – India

How do you think we can all embrace gender equity?

It is not about making women strong – It is about changing the way the world perceives that strength. It’s very important to show how powerful a woman is, which can lead to a successful and supportive nation. A multicultural work environment is also good to express values and show support. But, timely talk shows, campaigns or releases should be part of the plan.

What message would you like to send to women on International Women’s Day?

This quotation from Michelle Obama – “There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish. Just be yourself, and keep the self-motivation in your mind that you can do it. Remember, a strong woman stands up for herself, but a stronger woman stands up for everyone else in the world.”

5. Mira El Farra – Partner Success Manager – Dubai, UAE

How has gender equity benefited you at DataFlow?

When I was contacted for this position at DataFlow, I was pregnant, but when I had my interviews, nobody knew. Before I signed the offer, I contacted HR and told her that I was pregnant. I didn’t know what to expect because usually there will be additional expenses for the company, or they will be afraid that I won’t be on time. But they got back to me saying of course there’s no problem with you being pregnant, and you’re welcome. There was no discrimination and I really appreciated this.

What message would you like to send to women on International Women’s Day?

I just want to tell all women to be strong, be independent, be themselves and don’t settle for less. And always know your value because you deserve the best thing in the world.

6. Hind Ayache – HR Manager – Dubai, UAE

How do you embrace equity?

In organizations, I want to be treated because I’m a performer. But, if I were to have an issue or a matter come to light that is specific to my gender or to me as a woman, I would like the matter to be treated as such. I appreciate an environment that supports and provides flexibility for a woman or a female performer. So, it’s more of individualized ’people treatment’ according to their performance, requirements, and expectations, whether a woman or a man.

What key message would you like to send to women in celebration of International Women’s Day?

Walk proudly. You have a lot to bring to the table. You are in control of every conversation as much as the other person, and you are where you are because of the things you have gone through, the fights you’ve fought, and your talent and skills.

The DataFlow Group is committed to #EmbraceEquity this International Women’s Day and beyond!

Interested in a career at the DataFlow Group too?