University of Sheffield

The end of March saw 33 managers and team leaders from the University of Sheffield Accommodation and Campus Services (ACS) complete management and leadership training programmes that had started in November 2008.

During this period Managers, supervisors and team leaders from cleaning, portering and catering teams took part in a series of one-day training events designed and delivered by Abbeydale Training. Abbeydale specialise in providing practical training courses that are linked to Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) qualifications and they are one of the UK’s leading ILM accredited centres.

This was the second year of this training for ACS staff with several of the delegates from the previous year’s programme moving onto higher level courses. The University Estates department also worked with Abbeydale in 2008 to create a course for their team leaders. Their three- day leadership programme resulted in 22 of their staff gaining ILM awards.

ACS Training and Development Manager David McKown is delighted with the programmes and full of praise for the staff who took part, ‘Not only have they worked hard during the training days they have also put a great deal of effort into the work based assignments and assessments they had to complete in order to gain their ILM qualifications,’ he said.

Management and leadership training for the top team

In order to respond to the current economic climate the management and leadership skills of the senior team in every organisation is key. The way managers are seen to cope with difficult situations and use their intuitive leadership skills to motivate their staff in what are times of rapid change have never been so important. Staff look to their leaders to instil passion and commitment into their handling of change.

The need to develop business skills, adopt appropriate leadership styles and learn to look at things from another angle, should be at the forefront of every organisation’s policy. Even in these very difficult times playing the small percentage game can make the difference, remembering that even small changes can have a big impact on results.

Abbeydale have devised a proven method of senior management development aimed at individuals rather than groups. It is a bespoke programme, developed for individual managers, offering a blend of support that is frugal in terms of resources – both time and cost. It is designed and delivered by established business consultants.

The aims, objectives and content of the programme are decided after discussions with our client. It will then commence with an initial 1:1 session between consultant and manager. At this stage the manager’s preferred learning style will emerge and the programme design put in place. The method of support and tuition will blend short coaching sessions with on-line and telephone coaching, the use of coaching logs and on-going mentoring. The key to the success of the initiative is the building of rapport between consultant and manager; the relevance of the programme to the organisation’s strategic requirements and the fact that performance improvements will be measurable.   

Why not contact us to arrange for a phone call from one of the consultants when they can discuss possible development options with you. They will then be able to provide you with a proposal for action and a quotation.

Lone workers

Employees who deal directly with the public may be subject to aggressive or violent behaviour. They may be sworn at, threatened or even attacked. Some groups may be more vulnerable for example; those who handle money, those who provide care, give advice or training, or those who work with disturbed, intoxicated or potentially violent people. Workers who may feel particularly at risk are Lone Workers.

All employers have a legal duty under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of employees. This duty can extend to protecting employees from assaults.

Our one-day course provides delegates with an understanding of the potential risks they might face while working alone and how to minimise such threats. They will become fully conversant with the physical warning signs of violence and in the event that conflict persists they will be able to use tactical communications to defuse the conflict or make space to escape. As a last resort they will be able to demonstrate a range of self-defence techniques using the appropriate minimum use of force.

Contact us to receive full details of the programme content.

Customer Service

There has never been a time like now when it is more important than ever to retain customers. Abbeydale offer a selection of short courses that cover all aspects of customer care. From dealing with face to face customer contact, answering the telephone effectively, to handling that difficult complaint and ensuring a positive outcome. Contact us to receive details of programmes that will be tailored to meet your exact requirements.

Coaching

Coaching is all about identifying, creating and sustaining practical, positive change. It’s a powerful tool that can take individuals and organisations to the next level – and far beyond.

We work with business people and professionals, helping you make a real difference to your performance, efficiency and profitability. For business professionals who are serious about managing change and making progress contact us and talk through how coaching can help you and your organisation.