FEATURE
Team talk - AV Dawson staff during a conference that led to the launch of its new Leadership Academy .
Planning for the future – senior AV Dawson staff have helped structure the new Leadership Academy .
“ The survey found that more than 80 per cent of respondents , equating to nearly half of our colleagues , were keen to develop in their current role or an alternative role within the business . We also identified that over 40 per cent of respondents were wanting to progress into a leadership role or were in a leadership role and wanted to progress within it .
“ The programme is built with colleagues in mind . From succession and development plans to one-to-one coaching support , there is something for everyone . We have also ensured that every colleague in the business has a full and clear role profile , outlining the roles and responsibilities of each position .
“ This is viewable by any colleague and is designed to give them an understanding of what skills are needed to carry out these roles and helps the colleague understand how they need to develop if they would like to be considered for a particular role in the future .
“ This is a huge investment for the business , but we put our people first - it ’ s our duty to nurture and develop the current AV Dawson family - and the Leadership Academy reflects this .”
Employees enrolled into the Leadership Academy have their own unique login to an online portal , where they can access resources , podcasts , webinars and book onto masterclasses . They can also share their experience through feedback and an AV Dawson Leadership Academy LinkedIn group .
Colleagues enrolled in the academy have also undergone assessments to gauge emotional intelligence and personality tests , to better understand their hard and soft skills as well as improvement areas that may not be initially obvious .
Louise continues : “ We want colleagues to become the best version of themselves , so they are equipped with the skills needed for the future , whether they are part of the business or move on elsewhere .
“ The Leadership Academy aligns with our values and is the next step for the business to inspire and support future generations .
“ I am so proud to be appointed as the people and culture director , it ’ s an amazing opportunity to continue to grow and develop the excellent work we have already started here .
“ To have such a position in our company which focuses on its people and the organisational culture , emphasises the level of importance we place on our employees and the ethos within the business . Our employees are at the heart of everything we do and the decisions we make .
“ This programme allows us to seriously develop our succession planning processes and actively develop our leaders of the future , as well as addressing the skills of their future successors too .”
Charlie Nettle , AV Dawson ’ s managing director designate , said : “ Louise ’ s recent promotion to people and culture director emphasises the focus the business has on promoting a positive and diverse culture .
“ The business already had a number of initiatives in place to promote positive diversity but Louise ’ s appointment cements the business ’ s commitment to its future and the development of its people .
” Louise has a huge amount of invaluable experience and has already laid strong foundations within the business . This new role will allow her to progress a number of initiatives and lead on the people and culture strategy for the business .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 105