Sport Wales HR Team Development Event

Last week saw Toojays in Cardiff, delivering a two day development event to Sport Wales. The national organisation is responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales.

A total of 17 managers received 360 feedback as part of an ongoing process to develop their managerial capabilities. Comments from the managers on the feedback process itself were very positive, with all being in agreement as to the benefit of having an objective "outsider" involved in the process.

Leadership & Management Funded Training

It's back....

I thought you might be interested in knowing about the changes that have been made to the Leadership and Management Advisory Service.

From 1st April 2011, EMB will be delivering the service across three regions, the East of England, the East Midlands and the West Midlands, supporting business leaders and decision makers across these regions to access tailor made learning and development support.

The service is funded by the Skills Funding Agency and provides a cost effective way of providing training and development to organisations. Some alterations have been made both to the eligibility criteria and the scope of activities that are covered by the grant element of the programme. These are as follows:

Eligibility

Organisations in scope for the service are either private sector businesses or social enterprises which employ fewer than 250 full time employees and have at least one employee in addition to the eligible beneficiary

• Beneficiaries must be the owner/MD/CEO of a business or social enterprise if it employs 50 people or less.
• If the business or social enterprise employs more than 50 people, a beneficiary who reports directly to the owner/MD/CEO can be considered.
• Eligible organisations must also be able to demonstrate growth or growth potential.

Funded Learning and Development must address one of the following areas:

• Developing a highly effective personal leadership and management style (including strategic thinking; and effective communication).
• Creating a joint enterprise culture with the workforce (including developing an innovative, creative and productive culture for the organisation; developing productive working relationships; reducing and managing workplace conflict).
• Planning and developing an effective organisation and teams (including recruitment, selections and departure; building and managing effective, creative and innovative teams; conveying vision and objective setting).
• Leading and managing employee high performance (including employee motivation and commitment; delivering value; learning and development).
• In some very limited circumstances, other proposed leadership and management development activity which supports the beneficiary to fully engage and make full use of their workforce may be approved but this will require additional approval from the Skills Funding Agency.

Funding

Funding is dependent on meeting all eligibility criteria and will need to be fully matched by the beneficiary organisation on a pound for pound basis, excluding the VAT element. So if an organisation is eligible and the approved learning and development costs £1500 excluding VAT, the organisation may be eligible for a grant of £750. No unmatched grant funding is available. Previous beneficiaries of this programme may be eligible for further support but must meet the eligibility criteria in the application form, including demonstrating growth or growth potential.

Interested in an application form or just want to find out more?.. then contact us now on 01733 367210.

M-Coaching

A new concept of any time and any where executive coaching

Executive Coaching is an established service with plenty of providers offering personal development.

Toojays M-Coaching is a different concept though. With the increase in mobile learning and knowledge attainable 24-7, the need to access expertise, when and where you want, is essential. Our flexible, cost effective approach to Executive Coaching is unique and puts you in control of your personal development. You choose when and how you wish to engage your coach.

• You choose the service package you want based on hours and fees.
• You choose how you wish to engage your coach. Once you sign up, you'll be given phone, web meeting, video calls contact details...and even details of how to set up face to face meetings.
• You then start engaging with your Coach, benefiting from their expertise and addressing your development needs.

Our service packages are on three levels:

* Basic level - up to 3 hours of Executive Coaching. 1:2:1 discussion and analysis aimed at addressing your development needs. Fee - £375
* Intermediate level - up to 6 hours of Executive Coaching including access to personal development materials. Fee - £650
* Advanced level - up to 12 hours of Executive Coaching including unlimited personal development materials, tools and a Personal Development Plan - Fee - £1,200

M-Coaching deals with everything from soft skills development, operational issues to strategic and business planning.

Indeed, anything where you know extra support and expertise could make a significant difference to how you feel and what you do.

Our M-Coaches have worked with people from every kind of company you can imagine: Global FTSE 100's, Public and Private Sector, SMEs and Charities.

Working within every level of an organisation as well as looking to develop their careers wherever they sit within their company.

Our M-Coaches approach every session with insight, objectivity and empathy; their goal is to bring out the best in everyone they work with, offering practical, tangible skills and relevant advice.

Managing Change with AB Foods

This month saw two further workshops take place as part of AB Foods SSC Team Leaders and Managers Development Programme. The workshops centred on the theme of Managing Change and took place at Toojays' onsite training room.

As in previous workshops, the sessions incorporated a number of core theories, practical exercises and facilitated discussions.

The remaining programme will continue to roll out over the coming months with workshops taking place in April, May and June.

Beyond 2010 - funding for businesses in the East of England

Small and medium sized businesses based in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk or Suffolk) may be eligible for grant support for training opportunities that focus on improving business performance.

"Beyond 2010" is managed by Essex County Council and it has just been announced that current arrangements will continue through 2011.Training can provide a way for businesses to push into a new area of work, improve employee skills or make current activity more effective. It can be used to address a wide range of business needs from management skills to computer design techniques to give that all important competitive edge.

What does the service provide?

This service covers the following sectors and is funded by the European Social Fund and the East of England Development Agency:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• ICT & Audiovisual
• Financial & Business Services
• Food & Drink Chain
• Tourism in support of Olympics
• Life Sciences
• Energy
• Social Enterprise
• Sustainable Communities and the Built Environment
• Transport Gateways and Logistics

If your business falls within one of these sectors, you may be able to access up to 70% funding towards any training which addresses a critical need within your organisation and will help the business to develop.

This could cover areas such as:

- Performance Management
- Appraisal Skills
- Communication Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Change Management
- Team Development
- and many more.....!

How does Toojays help?

As a leading training provider, Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd offers realistic and relevant learning & development solutions. We believe in "learning by doing" through inspirational challenges and tasks to provide tangible benefits and ROI. Our approach is straightforward; you identify a need, we work with you and offer a choice of solutions using our team's management experience, together with excellent training and developmental expertise.

Influencing Skills with AB Foods SSC Team Leaders

The first of a new series of workshops for AB Foods SSC Team Leaders took place this week.The workshops will roll out over the forthcoming months and will focus on a number of key skills and relevant topics for the team.

Delivered in Toojays' onsite training venue, the first workshop explored Influencing Skills and incorporated a mixture of facilitated discussions, core theories and practical exercises.

The session was upbeat and engaging, setting the tone for the upcoming workshops to follow.

Heineken International Graduate Programme 2011

The month of February saw the start of the new International Graduate Programme with Heineken International. Eleven graduates took part in the first of three workshops which was delivered in Amsterdam.

The workshop focused on the themes of Driving High Performance and Developing & Inspiring People. Each graduate started off with a personal presentation on Day 1, before turning their attention to the concept of SDI and its benefits in helping them to understand their own personal drivers and motivational values as well as others.

Day 2 opened with the importance of Driving High Performance. A combination of facilitated discussions and experiential activities underlined the day's learning, closing with individual feedback between the graduates.

The final day of the event saw key figures from within Heineken make an appearance, allowing the graduates to discuss the organisation's latest directions and updates, rounding off with a Q&A session.

Post workshop feedback from the group was extremely positive and the graduates went away with an increased awareness of personal effectiveness and its links into Heineken's Leadership Competencies.

Team Development with InterContinental London Park Lane

The beginning of February saw Toojays facilitating a Team Development event for the Executive Team of the InterContinental London Park Lane. The exclusive hotel is located between Mayfair and Knightsbridge and prides itself on being the epitome of modern elegance.

The objective of the session was to help the team review their future strategy, their current dynamic, and identify their development journey in order to continue as a high performing team. The session combined a mixture of facilitated discussion and theory, with a series of interactive experiential activities to assess their behaviour as a team.

Positive feedback from the managers centred on how much they enjoyed the event, which enabled them to establish clear objectives and actions to work on in the future.

New consultant's international expertise

Toojays has recently expanded its professional team with the addition of a new international L&D consultant. Miral Mahrous joins the company from Heineken International where she was a Learning & Development consultant within the Group Human Resources department based in Amsterdam. Prior to this, she held the role of Training & Development Specialist for Heineken Egypt. With a proven track record of working with global organisations, Miral is well positioned to deliver exceptional business results to Toojays, expanding their international client base.

Lee Martin, Managing Director of Toojays, says: “We are delighted to welcome Miral on-board. She brings with her a wealth of HR experience gained from working within Europe and the Middle East. We already know she will be a valuable member of our team. Her abilities and professionalism will strengthen the existing team, and her considerable international experience in dealing with multi-cultural organisations is a fantastic asset.”

New Online Learning

We have now added to our portfolio of learning solutions...with Microsoft On line Learning!

Click on the title link above to take a look at the variety of courses are written and developed in-house by the Microsoft product team.

The courses are web-based, allowing you to train either at work or anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

How does it benefit me?
- All online learning courses are official and developed by Microsoft, offering a compelling and authentic training programme that follows the Microsoft curriculum.
- The price for a Microsoft online training course starts from as little as £7.99, offering the most cost effective way of training your organisation.
- Trainees can learn at their own pace, either at work or anywhere where this is access to the internet.
- No paperwork or advanced booking required - you can begin your Microsoft online training course immediately.

How does it work?
A Microsoft Online Learning course is essentially the same as classroom-based IT training courses. The only difference is that Microsoft online training courses are delivered via the internet and offer significant cost savings.

What do I need?
All you need is an internet enabled computer with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or above

Toojays TV on YouTube

Toojays have recently introduced their very own channel on the YouTube website, Toojays TV. Here you will find the latest uploads from Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd. These include videos of recent Toojays events, informative learning sessions, and interviews with successful and influential business leaders.

www.youtube.com/user/ToojaysTV

Staff Development for Move with Us

This month sees the start of a new Staff Development Programme for Move with Us, one of the UK's leading property experts. Based in St Ives, the organisation offers a variety of services, from house valuations and legals, right through to organising new utility suppliers. Move with Us approached Toojays with a request to design and deliver a training programme aimed at developing staff skills as they move from a B2B to B2C focus.

40 members of the Connections and Conveyancing departments took part in the first of a series of interactive workshops, engaging in group discussions to establish best practice and heighten awareness of customer issues, concerns and requirements. Practical exercises and scenario studies allowed individuals to review the practical application relevant to the business.

Feedback from the teams taking part highighted the relevance and enjoyment of the workshop with key competencies as such relationship awareness and managing change being addressed. The next workshop will take place in a fortnight's time.

Find us on Facebook

For those of you who are not already aware, Toojays has its own page on Facebook. Why not add us and send invites to anyone you know who might be interested in our services. Search for "Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd" and click on "like". As a fan, you will be able to keep up with all the latest news and offers from Toojays.

Team Building with John Lewis At Home Swindon

Ahead of the grand opening of John Lewis' latest branch at Swindon on 28th October 2010, Toojays was on hand to deliver a team building event to the management team of the At Home branch.

Focusing on the importance of a High Performing Team, the one day event focused on developing the skills and dynamics required of such a team. The facilitated group discussions examined the culture of a High Performing Team and its associated environment, using the Lencioni Team Triangle.

The delegates participated in a series of outdoor experiential activites, designed to embed team performance and draw out desired team behaviours. The event was enjoyed by all participants and Toojays were delighted to continue their ongoing relationship with John Lewis.

New Training Brochure for 2010/11 Courses launched

Toojays are pleased to announce the publication of its 2010/11 Training Brochure. The online brochure lists the personal development courses on offer from Toojays for the next 12 months.

These cost effective programmes are open for everyone. The mix of practical exercises and theory help individuals return to work with the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve performance.

The brochure also contains information on the Webinar Masterclasses and online ILM accredited courses.

Click on the link in the title to be taken directly to the course brochure - no waiting - no heavy paper directory - simply all the information you need for you and your staffs' development needs available straight away!

Remeber to look out for the discounts available in the brochure for online bookings as well.

Toojays sponsors local football teams

Leading supplier of management and leadership training, Toojays Training & HR Consultancy Ltd, has demonstrated its commitment to the local community by sponsoring two of its teams - Peterborough Hampton Ladies Football Club and Crowland Town Under 18s.

Speaking about the sponsorships, Lee said, "As a Peterborough based organisation, and as a Peterborough resident all my life, I believe strongly in supporting community activities. I wish Peterborough Hampton Ladies Team and Crowland Town Under 18s the best of luck in their games this season."

The Peterborough Hampton club were successful winners of the Fenland Ladies League and KO Cup in 2009/10 and now play in the Northants Ladies League. The ladies will be sporting their new kit in their upcoming match against Netherton Diamonds.

Karen Jeffyres, Club Secretary, said, "Without the financial support of organisations like Toojays, local football teams would struggle to cover the cost of kit and equipment. We are delighted to have the support of a company who truly understands the value of team spirit and development."

Crowland Town u18s are in their fledgling season. Referred to as the Academy side, the nucleus of the team is last year's PFA Cup winners from Crowland Junior U17s side. With Toojays' sponsorship of the team kit this year, the club were able to return to the traditional Crowland Town colours of green and yellow, something they'd hadn't been able to do before.

Club Manager, Steve Beveridge said, "I hope we can achieve a level of success on the pitch to reflect the support Toojays has given us, and once again thank Lee and the Toojays team!"

More information on Peterborough Hampton Ladies FC can be found at http://www.peterboroughhamptonslfc.co.uk/. They can be seen playing their home games at Hampton Community Sports Association, Beaumont Way, Hampton Hargate.

SDI - Emotional Intelligence Seminar

7th December 2010

Toojays Meeting Room
Unit 86 Culley Court
Bakewell Road
Orton Southgate
Peterborough
PE2 6WA

Building Productive Relationships

Would you like to understand why people do what they do?

Would you like to:

• Learn how our personal values drive our behaviour?


• Understand what makes people tick and how to motivate, engage and influence them?


• Improve people management and interpersonal skills?


• Recognise conflict triggers, reduce workplace disputes and improve productivity?


• Improve the quality of your working and personal relationships?


• Have an enjoyable and insightful couple of hours, networking with other like-minded people?

Toojays is hosting a free three-hour seminar to anyone who would like to learn more about this behaviour analysis tool.

All attending delegates will receive:

• Strength Deployment Inventory Stadnard Edition Workbook


• A personal SDI profile showing their own "Motivational Value System"


• SDI Results Planner


• Personal Strengths A4 Guide


• Session Power Point hand-outs


• Exercise hand-outs


• Complimentary tea/coffee/mineral water

To reserve a place or find out more, contact Emma Wakeling
Email: emma@toojays.co.uk / Tel: 01733 367210
http://www.toojays.co.uk/

Please note that places are limited and in the event that you find yourself subsequently unable to attend, please do let us know in order that we may re-allocate your space to another person.

Team Development for AB Foods

This month saw the first of three Team Development workshops for the senior management team of Associated British Foods plc (AB Foods). The one day event was held at Toojays Meeting Room in Peterborough.

Areas targeted during the session included understanding the role of team leader, skills and behaviours required of an effective communicator, and the importance of team dynamics.

The group went away with an increased awareness in these areas, setting the foundation for the next two workshops later this year.

Team Building with John Lewis At Home

This month saw Toojays' first engagement with the Croydon branch of John Lewis at Home. The company was on hand to deliver a one day team event, focusing on the current and future states of a High Performing Team.

The groups participated in facilitated discussions to underline the culture of a High Performing Team and its associated benefits, and examined the principle behind the Lencioni Team Triangle.

The team moved outside for the afternoon's outdoor experiential activities, designed to embed their learning and draw out desired team behaviours.

Despite the unfortunate (but sadly typical!) British weather, their enthusiam stayed strong and feedback from the group was extremely positive.

Workshop 2 for Heineken Graduates

Workshop 2 of the Heineken International Graduate programme saw the international graduates arriving in the UK for the August three day event. The focus of this particular workshop centred on delivering high performance and continued to explore the key competencies required of a successful team.

The residential workshop took place at Bramley Lakes in Norwich, and supporting learning interventions included competency reviews, case studies, and business simulations. The graduates were put through their paces with a range of outdoor activities to futher embed their learning with group exercises on the high ropes and a Segway obstacle course.