Development Needs Analysis benefits SMEs

More and more Cambridge SMEs are improving their staff and their business prospects by taking up the development needs analysis (DNA) service offered by Cambridge Network’s Learning Collaboration.

 

Designed to help companies that can’t afford their own learning and development or training function, the service provides an expert review of the skills, talent and capabilities required to achieve the strategic aims of member organisations.

The Learning Collaboration - which has provided shared services to members, giving high quality training at low cost for more than a decade - has teamed up with Elspeth (Elpie) Bannister, formerly of ARM. Elpie, who has worked in the Learning & Development arena for many years, is able to understand an organisation's development needs and identify training programmes to fit specific criteria.

Ali Wilson, Head of Service Delivery, explains: "The service is aimed at businesses typically with fewer than 50 employees, based on our experience of working with companies that have started small and scaled up.  The Development Needs Analysis (DNA) service helps you to focus on the staff you have, looking to realise your business strategy while developing, motivating and retaining your current team."

Several Cambridge Network member companies have already benefited from the service, which aims to give business owners and managers a clearer understanding of their company’s Learning & Development position and an approach to allocating L&D budget to target the most critical areas of development.  Future capability requirements will be explored by looking at three-month and six- to 12-month goals.  

"Our experience shows that employees get more engaged and productive as you align development investment with your business aims," adds Ali.

How it works:

  • you complete a questionnaire to outline your organisational context, business strategy and current approach to Learning & Development
  • the Learning Collaboration arranges a meeting for you with Elpie Bannister who will help you identify the skills, knowledge, capabilities and behaviours required to meet your priorities and achieve your strategy
  • she will evaluate existing skills, knowledge, capabilities and behaviours at organisational, team and individual level and report back, reviewing suitable L&D options to close the gaps
  • Cambridge Network's team will follow up in three months (and six, 12 months if desired) to check that L&D needs are being met. 

If you have any queries or are interested in scheduling some time to discuss this further, then please contact Ali on ali.wilson@cambridgenetwork.co.uk

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Elspeth (Elpie) Bannister (pictured) has direct experience of how competitive advantage can be gained through building resilience in a high‐engagement, high‐trust culture. Working to identify and achieve companies’ desired outcomes, Elpie designs and delivers meaningful solutions that align people with strategy to develop companies person by person. The result is change that has a positive, lasting impact.

 Elpie has worked as a senior leader across hi‐tech, legal, telecoms and retail banking sectors for 20 years.  While at ARM, she spent over 10 years enabling the company population to grow fivefold while maintaining its values‐driven culture.

With a BA in Human Resources, Chartered MCIPD qualification, a Diploma in Organisation Development and accreditation in a range of psychometric profiling tools, Elpie has expertise in Talent Management, Leadership Development, Learning and Development, Mergers and Acquisitions, Employee Engagement and Organisation Development.  Elpie now trades as Boundless Solutions with Cambridge Network’s Learning Collaboration.

 

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