University partners with Bellrock Group to launch bespoke leadership programme

University partners with Bellrock Group to launch bespoke leadership programme

(Image: Bellrock Group)

Huddersfield's award-winning People and Organisational Development team regularly delivers leadership training for the staff at the University. However, the team has recently shared their expertise beyond the University by partnering with Bellrock Group, which provides integrated technology-enabled consulting and property and facility management solutions for clients across the UK.

Having previously been awarded the CMI Outstanding Innovation and Delivery Award, the People and Organisational Development team is ideally placed to expand their training beyond academia into industry. The aim of this partnership is to encourage first-line managers to grow professionally and personally, gaining a Chartered Management Institute Level 5 certificate on completion.

A shared vision

The University of Huddersfield is driving an ambitious objective to award chartered manager status to 100% of its managers and leaders and Bellrock shares its passion for developing and investing in people by looking for innovative ways to nurture talent.

Reflecting on the partnership, Danny Benton, Head of People and Organisational Development at the University of Huddersfield commented:

"Working with the Bellrock Group has presented an exciting opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and experiences and combine our expertise to develop a programme tailored to Bellrock. We have many ideas for the future, so exciting times ahead for both organisations."

When asked about the launch of a bespoke in-house management and leadership development programme in partnership with the University of Huddersfield, Sophie Chivers, Head of Organisational Development at Bellrock commented:

"Line managers across the business were requesting management training for their people. We pride ourselves on internal progression and so it felt right that we launch a management programme to support individuals.

"Launching a management programme in-house was a first for us so it was important that we had a supportive partner. It was a no-brainer partnering with the University of Huddersfield because they've delivered CMI-accredited programmes for many years. Daniel Benton, Head of People and Organisational Development at the University, has guided us every step of the way, making what initially seemed like a complicated process feel easy. We are positive about our future with Huddersfield and I can only foresee our partnership expanding over time."

The University's partnership with Bellrock is designed to encourage first line managers to grow professionally and personally (Image: Bellrock Group)

The first cohort of 13 individuals are part-way through their first module and their feedback has been really positive so far, as Fern Bell, L&D Manager explains:

"The feedback I have received from the first unit has been fantastic. Some managers had been in their role for a long time but had not really been given the opportunity to do any kind of formal training so as well as giving our managers a qualification, the course is giving them the confidence to progress in their roles.

"The group represents a real cross-section of the business who are all at different stages of their career. There's a great mix of disciplines - from engineers who have been with Bellrock for over 15 years, to post-grads working in marketing who've been with us just a couple of years. It's been wonderful to hear what they have gained from the course already."

Building confidence and understanding

Russell Poston, Mechanical Operations Manager, who has been with Bellrock for nine years, commented: "I was attracted to the programme to get a better understanding of management. Ultimately, I want to be more capable in my role and be more of an asset to Bellrock. I'm really looking forward to completing the course to feel a sense of achievement."

Toni Carpenter, Head of Mobilisation and Transition, who has been with Bellrock for 19 years, added: "It had been a while since I had done any management training, and I liked the sound of topics included so I applied. My aim is to become a more confident leader for my team and to empower them to develop themselves. I'm really enjoying all the team-building exercises."