Organisation Development

Competency Framework and Assessment & Development Centres (2006-ongoing)
In order to develop the sales force at DS Smith Packaging, the company had designed a set of sales tools. These tools required a higher level of skills within sales. Therefore, Harrington|Young researched, designed and helped implement a sales competency framework for DS Smith Packaging. The competency framework is currently being used as:

  • A guide and template for external recruitment, including assessment centres;
  • The basis for internal assessment and development centres, which we are managing;
  • Ongoing training.

Team Merger (2005)
Following a merger/acquisition by DS Smith Packaging and Linpac, two IT teams were brought together. This project focused on assisting the members of the new senior team to:

  • Identify and appreciate the different working styles within the team, using the Team Management Profile, and understand how to apply these most effectively in problem-solving
  • Identify plans for areas of individual responsibility, using a 1-2-1 coaching format
  • Identify the approach they wished to use to appoint candidates for the new positions.

Team Development (2005)
For the CCFR (Centre for Child and Family Research) team at Loughborough University, designed and facilitated an event for members to address key issues around communication and strategy. The design included:

  • Interviews with each member of the team prior to the event
  • Needs analysis with the senior manager
  • Facilitation of the event
  • Write-up of the event, including action plans
  • Follow-up discussions with the senior manager

As with all our team events, the focus was on facilitating communication, identifying key strategic issues and ensuring follow-up action.

Organisation Development Consultancy (2005-2007)
(Undertaken as an Associate Consultant of The National Youth Agency)

Consultancy support to Bolton, Hackney, Haringey and Redbridge Youth Services to:

  • Produce curriculum framework and develop implementation strategy
  • Produce quality assurance policy and develop implementation strategy
  • Produce staff development policy and develop implementation strategy
  • Management development and supervision training
  • 1-2-1 coaching for front-line managers to improve effectiveness and performance
  • Support senior management team to develop common approach to supervision and performance management
  • Support senior management team to develop strategic direction and leadership.

Integrated Youth Support Service (2007)
Consultancy to support Milton Keynes Youth Service to undertake a review of local services for young people in order to develop the most appropriate organisational model for delivering the local youth offer through an integrated youth support service.

Diversity Training (2005)
Design, delivery and evaluation of a programme of diversity training for staff across West Mercia Probation Area.

Specifically addressing:

  • White staff working in a predominantly white service that aspires to value diversity
  • Black and minority ethnic staff working in a predominantly white service that aspires to value diversity
  • All staff working together to promote and deliver anti-discriminatory practice.