Learning at Work Week 2018: Our ongoing development journey

Learning at Work Week is the biggest celebration of learning at work. And as the 2018 awareness event kicks-off, we’re delighted to be sharing how we’re playing our part and the ways we actively promote learning at BPS World.

Our company was founded on the principle that ‘people can be more’. So it’s perhaps no surprise to know that ongoing learning and development is a cornerstone of our business.

We take a multi-pronged approach. It’s one that encourages individual accountability, backed up by business-wide support.

We’ll provide the tools for success so that individuals can grow.

Our learning starts from the very first connection

We invest in development from the very moment anyone comes in for interview. We ask candidates to complete a Personality Profile Analysis (PPA) and General Intelligence Assessment (GIA).

This means that even before any successful applicant has walked through the door we have a good idea of their make-up and how to get the best out of them.  

We own our learning and development

Everyone at BPS World has their own MAP (Monthly Action Plan) and PDP (Personal Development Plan).

They’re owned by the individual – not their line managers. This ensures we all have clear accountability and responsibility for our own development throughout the year.

Both are intrinsically linked to our four company values: Commitment, Passion, Delivery and Excellence.

We use these values to guide us and set SMART objectives to stay on track and realise ambitious but achievable goals.

Award winning programme nurtures raw talent

We don’t like to brag but…our Stars Programme was awarded the 2017 Best People Development Business Award by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation!

This was a landmark win for our People & Culture team, and P&C Manager Jo Rapley in particular. You can read more about her story and what the award meant to her here.

The Stars Programme, in particular the Rising Stars pathway, is all about nurturing talent and creating the platform to shine.

Our Rising Star apprentices are handed the opportunity to learn new skills, gain invaluable experience and earn the nationally recognised REC Level 2 qualification. All over a 12-month period.

We’ve had loads of success stories, with Bradley Carton landing the REC Best Recruitment Apprentice award in 2016 and Natalie Winterton following up a year later (OK, that’s enough showing off for now).

The progression doesn’t stop there either.

Anyone with over 24 months’ experience is eligible to become a Shining Star while those who are really smashing it can land the prestigious Rock Star accolade. This award is recognition that the Rock Star is the expert in the room and the rewards include a healthcare package and a permanent seat at the management table.

The ongoing journey

We give all of our colleagues access to invaluable learning resources. As a global organisation we find that LinkedIn Learning courses are particularly useful, although our video conferencing technology also enables us to hold Masterclass sessions across multiple regions.

A Masterclass will be delivered by a member of our People & Culture team or one of our in-house experts. They’re interactive workshops, designed to promote the sharing of skills and knowledge in an informal setting.

The themes vary, with typical subjects covered including: resilience, how to set expectations and presentation skills.

We even offer basic Spanish and German lessons for colleagues looking to head to new destinations on our global journey.

How we’re supporting Learning at Work Week 2018

This year’s LAWW theme is ‘Networked for Learning'.

With that in mind our super-talented bunch have been invited to hold their own themed workshops. The aim is to encourage the sharing of knowledge via organised peer-to-peer learning.

Events include an introduction to manufacturing your own beer (sure to be popular), Serbian for beginners, and for the bakers amongst us there’ll be a cake piping demo.

Simply follow us @bps_world or check out @bps.world on Instagram for a snapshot of what we’re up to!