Training Manchester Clients
Case Study: Aimia Foods
In 2008 OSR was pleased to be asked to assist Aimia Foods with the redevelopment of their appraisal processes.
OSR reviewed all appraisal documentation and audited actual practice over the past 12 – 18 months. Managers and staff views were obtained through surveys and focused interviews. Discussions were held with Senior Managers to explore ways in which appraisal could be better linked to the business planning process.
As a result of our involvement and discussions we designed an integrated system, linked to the business planning process, which would apply to all staff, simplified and clarified the existing competence framework and developed guidance and briefing materials. Through a series of workshops led by OSR we developed the knowledge and ability of line managers to lead appraisal discussions and set challenging and relevant objectives for staff.
The new process was launched in June 2008. A staff conference was held at which the business objectives and plans for the following year were outlined – this helped ensure that employees were fully aware of the company direction and led to focused discussion during personal reviews regarding objectives and training needs. An internal review shortly after the first round of appraisal identified a greater knowledge of business direction and how each individual could contribute, more relevant objective setting, and an increase in employee satisfaction with the process.
Having worked in conjunction with OSR for a number of years, I would have no hesitation in recommending their services, both as a training provider and consultancy. The implementation of the new appraisal process has been a huge success, with all performance development reviews now complete. After conducting stakeholder interviews with staff and management, OSR provided a comprehensive report which gave the business a clear indication of the areas which we needed to address .OSR delivered on all that we asked and equally as important - did so on time. Overall an excellent result.
Lorraine Mercer
Case Study: Manchester City Council
Assignment: Business planning
Location: Manchester City
In 2008 OSR were approached to assist the Internal Training Team from Manchester City Council with Business Planning Skills to be able to deliver effective Business Planning interventions to the management population of Manchester City Council.
There was a need to make support and guidance more accessible and more practical for those in the management population that had not previously completed integrated business plans. Internally it was agreed that the Training Team within the Council would be the vehicle for providing practical and accessible support through providing practical training sessions and toolkits in business planning skills.
The programme was developed taking into account all the client requirements but also to ensure that it maximised delegate learning.
The vehicle for learning was for the internal training team to produce the basis of their own business plan.
In addition, for each area of Business Planning a series of practical tools / activities were provided to enable the internal trainers to roll them out within the Council to their audience group.
In order to support the learning, the delegates were given a comprehensive pack of materials including all the slides, the tools and other supporting documentation which included a reading list.
OSR practical examples were excellent and it was very useful, lots of different tools to use with managers. A very experienced skilled trainer with good style and good interaction with participants. It is not easy to train a group of trainers however the pace was good and the areas covered were done in an engaging and interesting way
Andrew Makinson