Training
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Pancreatic Cancer UK needed crucial support during a significant time of change and growth, including implementing new internal policies and organisational structure.
We provided comprehensive HR consultancy, ensuring the charity's documentation was compliant, clear, and perfectly aligned with its new strategic direction.
The Challenge
Building Management Capability and Streamlining HR Processes
Pancreatic Cancer UK, a vital charity dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by pancreatic cancer, faced internal challenges that were impacting team efficiency. Their Human Resources Director, Sheri Holding, identified that the organisation needed a renewed focus on leadership as a key driver of success. There was a clear desire for leaders to champion high performance within their teams, contribute meaningfully to both operational goals and collective leadership efforts, and foster a culture of openness and collaboration. The cultural shift is intended to cascade from the top down, building on strong existing foundations through a range of leadership development initiatives. In this context, Pancreatic Cancer UK partnered with The HR Consultants to deliver a bespoke management development programme—one that would empower managers, reduce reliance on HR, and align leadership capability with the charity’s long-term vision.
The Solution
The consequences of these challenges were clear: inefficiencies within teams and managers spending valuable time addressing issues that could have been proactively managed. HR was frequently called upon to "rescue" managers, consuming significant time and preventing them from focusing on strategic initiatives.
Pancreatic Cancer UK's objectives were clear:
- Increase managers' confidence in managing their teams effectively.
- Establish clear expectations and consistent application of people management processes.
- Empower managers to handle employee relations issues independently, reducing the reliance on HR intervention.
Sheri Holding and her HR Manager, Pete, explored various training providers. However, they were particularly drawn to The HR Consultants' bespoke approach and flexibility in delivery. Pete noted that the tailored nature of the training offered by The HR Consultants was a key differentiator.
A Bespoke and Engaging Management Development Programme
Pancreatic Cancer UK's key requirements for a solution were:
- Tailored Content: Training modules that directly addressed the specific people management challenges they were experiencing.
- Flexible Delivery: A programme delivered over a 10-month period, accommodating pre-defined manager cohorts.
- Inclusive Approach: A training style that was accessible to managers with varying levels of experience, encouraging participation and peer support.
- Interactive Learning: Engaging sessions incorporating diverse tools and resources.
The HR Consultants responded with a comprehensive management development programme designed specifically for Pancreatic Cancer UK. The implementation process involved:
- Detailed Project Planning: A clear roadmap outlining the training schedule and objectives.
- Cohort-Based Delivery: Managers were divided into groups to facilitate focused learning and peer networking.
- In-depth Desktop Research: The HR Consultants took the time to understand Pancreatic Cancer UK’s existing people processes and policies to ensure relevance.
- Collaborative Content Development: Training session content was drafted and reviewed with the HR Manager to ensure alignment and buy-in before delivery.
The Results
Increased Manager Confidence and a More Strategic HR Function
Since implementing the management development programme delivered by The HR Consultants, Pancreatic Cancer UK has seen significant positive changes.
The training equipped managers with practical skills and tools that they could immediately apply in their day-to-day roles. Key users of the programme were the management team across various departments within Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The bespoke nature of the training modules and the depth of information provided were particularly beneficial. This approach directly addressed the managers' lack of confidence and empowered them to handle situations proactively, allowing HR to shift their focus towards coaching and strategic support. The HR Consultants' ability to tailor the training precisely to Pancreatic Cancer UK's needs set them apart from more generic training providers.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Increased Manager Confidence: Feedback indicated a noticeable improvement in managers' self-assurance when dealing with people management issues.
- Reduced HR Intervention: Prior to the training, HR was involved in approximately 85% of manager-led employee relations issues. While specific quantifiable data on the reduction is still being collated, anecdotal evidence and feedback suggest a significant decrease in the need for HR to "rescue" managers.
- Positive Feedback Scores: Post-training surveys consistently scored the content and delivery at an average of 4 out of 5.
- Timeline for Results: Positive changes were observed progressively throughout the 10-month delivery period.
Qualitative Impact
Beyond the numbers, the partnership with The HR Consultants has had a broader positive impact:
- Improved Manager Relationships: The cohort-based training fostered stronger relationships and peer learning among managers.
- More Consistent Team Management: The training has contributed to a more standardized and equitable approach to managing teams across the organisation.
- Increased Overall Satisfaction: Pancreatic Cancer UK reported an overall satisfaction score of 10/10 with The HR Consultants' services.
A Trusted and Evolving Partnership
The relationship between The HR Consultants and Pancreatic Cancer UK has evolved into a trusted partnership. The HR team feels comfortable approaching The HR Consultants with ongoing challenges, demonstrating the embedded trust and the positive impact of the initial training. This open communication will allow The HR Consultants to continue supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK as their needs evolve.
The Future
The training equipped managers with practical skills and tools that they could immediately apply in their day-to-day roles. Key users of the programme were the management team across various departments within Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The bespoke nature of the training modules and the depth of information provided were particularly beneficial. This approach directly addressed the managers' lack of confidence and empowered them to handle situations proactively, allowing HR to shift their focus towards coaching and strategic support. The HR Consultants' ability to tailor the training precisely to Pancreatic Cancer UK's needs set them apart from more generic training providers.
The Testimonial
“This programme has been a critical first step in developing our line managers. We know from feedback that participants benefited from learning about helpful models, such as SBI and DISC that they can bring back to their role. The workbooks have also been great for our managers to keep and reflect on as they embed their learning.”
The Conclusion
The HR Consultants provided Pancreatic Cancer UK with a tailored and impactful management development programme that directly addressed their key challenges. By focusing on building manager confidence and providing practical skills, The HR Consultants have empowered Pancreatic Cancer UK's management team, streamlined HR processes, and fostered a more consistent and effective approach to people management within this vital charity.