British Fencing has a stronger, more focussed development team and a new resolve to achieve its Sport England targets following training by SkillsActive consultancy services.
The situation
British Fencing delivers fencing to 9500 members across the United Kingdom. British Fencing National Development Manager Ben Campion says due to rapid expansion of the sport, most of the organisation’s 14-strong development team have only been in post since 2010 and are geographically spread. They also have some ambitious participation targets to achieve by 2013, requiring the full commitment of the team.
“We needed a session together to work out our individual and team strengths and get a strong grasp of the objectives of the organisation so we’re all working together towards that vision rather than separately.”
The solution
In early 2011, Ben contacted his SkillsActive account manager about the need for team building training. The Relationship Manager worked with Ben on a proposal and then came back to him with a priced list of three consultants capable of delivering the session.
SkillsActive has a register of expert consultants to support employers and partners who need additional, sector specific expertise. They specialise in everything from business coaching and preparing funding bids through to governance and endorsement support and cost from £375 and £500 per day, depending on the task.
British Fencing selected Di Horsley who specialises in team building, change management, leadership development and one to one coaching. An accredited management performance coach and former NGB Senior Client Manager with Sport England, Di has a proven ability to motivate individuals and teams to achieve at a high level. Previous satisfied clients include ASA and the British Equestrian Federation.
Di set up a preliminary meeting with Ben to identify the key outcomes for the full day session. These were:
- British Fencing’s vision
- Obstacles to achieving
- Team dynamics - how can British Fencing improve its ways of working?
- Action planning - what steps can British Fencing take to meet its targets?
Di says: “Their main challenges were to meet their Sport England targets, particularly around participation, and to identify how they could change their ways of working to become a stronger, more effective team.”
Impact
Ben says the full day session delivered in April was “brilliant” and provided the British Fencing development team with clarity around individual expectations and the organisation’s future direction.
“The session helped us to understand how we can work together better as a team to achieve our Sport England growth, excel and sustain targets. We now have a shared understanding of where the business is headed and how we as individuals and as a team can contribute to that.”
To find out how SkillsActive can support your business please email employerenquiries@skillsactive.com
