Business West: Workforce for the Future (WFTF) - Peer to Peer training programme - Completed Winter 2021

Business West received funding to develop management and leadership skills of business owners, in order to ensure business sustainability, growth and that they build skills in the Workforce for the Future - this was a joint EU, WECA programme of investment.

The Challenge

We had worked with Business West on other training programmes and we asked to build this leadership and management training programme for their WFTF cohort of business owners. The six-month training programme included five sessions split into two programme cohorts of 10-12 businesses each, with a peer-to-peer coaching approach.

What we did

We designed the course content based on best practice in business management and HR theory. We used evidence based practice and action learning, with real life examples to bring the training to life and ensure knowledge transfer. A learning cycle was established through evaluation and feedback, with a whole programme approach, ensuring a comprehensive outcome for learning programme attendees.

Sessions included: 

• Pilot training session including feedback, review and adjustment of content

• Introduction to WFTF, Peer to Peer support and the coaching approach to leadership

• Wellbeing and Diversity – being a supportive and inclusive leader

• Skills – developing your leadership skills and your teams skills

• Planning and Accountability - Improving your own and your teams focus and productivity

• Innovation and Problem Solving – Growth and development of your business and team 

Leaders who attended the learning stated that they were better equipped with a toolkit and framework, plus ongoing peer support, to implement sustainable change in their businesses.