Project gives Welsh workers a LIFT
A two-year project to enhance the leadership and management skills of Welsh employees working in the justice sector has been hailed as a success.
Business leaders came together at Cardiff City Hall on Tuesday 24 September to talk about the impact of the Leadership Integrated for Tomorrow (LIFT) programme, which has seen almost 400 workers from almost 50 organisations enhance their skills via collaborative learning methods, workshops and free Institute of Leadership and Management courses.
The project was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) via the Welsh Government European Funding Office. The ESF is dedicated to raising skills, job creation, and business support for organisations.
Employers taking up the offer of the training included Her Majesties Courts Tribunals Service (HMCTS), South Wales Police, Drugaid and Welsh Women’s Aid.
The project, delivered by Skills for Justice, was praised by guest speakers Rev Martin Blakebrough, the Chief Executive of substance misuse support charity Kaleidoscope, and Dr Barrie Kennard, the Director of Leadership and Management Wales.
Rev Martin Blakebrough said:
“Lift has enabled people to move up in their development and helped many to seize opportunities for promotion. There often is not time to reflect on one’s leadership skills but uniquely the courses provided were challenging in all the right places. I know from my own staff at Kaleidoscope the training gave them the confidence in their leadership skills, which in turn positively impacted on those they seek to help."
Dr Barrie Kennard said:
“Collaboration is becoming acknowledged as an integral part of business development. Collaboration within development programmes allows for a cross pollination of ideas from a wide range of organisational practice and is challenging the in-house, closed programme model that has existed for many years."
Feedback from participants said the programme had enhanced their multi-agency and partnership working, and helped to develop confidence and professional skill, particularly around conflict and change management.
To find out more about how Skills for Justice helps employers, visit www.sfjuk.com
