consultancy: in-service training and organisational development
From the earliest days of the HPRP, we offered in-service training to staff in organisations. These were often in a managerial role, for example, John Heron worked with the most senior Police Officers seconded to Bramshill College for training to step into the Chief Constable ranks. Many of our inputs were also for trainers. This became something we advertised in our programme explicitly. The description below was taken from the 1988-9 programme of the Human Potential Resources Group because it was the most fully delineated.
We provide in service staff training and organisational development programmes ranging from one day to long term programmes spanning years. We have at our disposal the facilitation and consultancy skills of our core HPRP staff team and our international network of associate facilitators. Some of these facilitators work in the industrial sector and others work as consultants in both public and private sectors. In addition we draw upon the computer and distance learning expertise, audio-visual material production and other resources within the University.
In-House Staff Development
Our consultant will negotiate with key people in the Organisation with regard to:
- diagnosis of training needs
- design of training, development or other action programmes
- delivery and evaluation of training.
The content of the programmes may include tailor-made versions of topics shown on our own workshop programme and other related topics (see "News from the HPRP" section for some examples). The programmes could involve one or more of the following:
- training events for groups
- individual tutoring and guidance
- team supervision and/or trouble-shooting
- organisational change.
The learning procedure may include expert input, discussion, roleplay, simulation, problem-solving, structured and unstructured experiential exercises, etc. Strong emphasis will be placed on reflection, assimilation and application of learning and on ensuring consolidation of new learning.
Training the Trainers
We offer individuals, professional groups and organisations which have a training function a range of development opportunities.
For individuals who may need help to identify a trainer development pathway we offer:
- a facilitated self-assessment
- guidance in producing a development plan
- tutoring support while following their plan
- live training placements with experienced facilitators
- invitation to join a relevant self and peer assessment support group.
For groups of trainee facilitators we offer any of the following:
- help in identifying gaps in training skills
- a range of skill development opportunities
- assistance in setting up support, monitoring and assessment structures and procedures to consolidate their development.
For organisations who may or may not have already identified both a training programme and/or the prospective trainers to implement it, we offer:
- help in identifying specific educational requirements
- assistance in designing a training curriculum or package to suit their needs
- production of resources, training manuals, audio/video materials, etc
- provision of training to implement such a model or package
- trouble-shooting on demand basis and/or an ongoing monitoring to ensure successful implementation of training programmes.
- guidance or assistance in evaluating the impact of the training on the organisation's staff.
Apart from the range of offers mentioned above we are willing to discuss other proposals related to specific needs or problems. We also offer "Training the Trainers" workshops in certain models from our programme, i.e. Six Category Intervention Analysis, Practical Methods of Dealing with Stress, Assertiveness Training.
