Leadership scheme given a major boost
NEW DIRECTION FOR 30 UNDER 30
IT is full steam ahead for the Humber’s Top 30 Under 30 after its leadership development programme was taken in house by one of the region’s biggest companies. Shipping and logistics giant DFDS made the move, chartering the learning course for its high potential employees, after putting one of its own through in 2020.
HR manager Annabelle Vallance was part of the selected cohort, now her Immingham-headquartered employer has become principal partner for the scheme set up by recruitment entrepreneur Simon Jones.
He is now gearing up to deliver to 15 identified individuals across the group.
Mr Jones, who recently launched the search for the Class of 2021 said: “It is really, really exciting for us and is going to open up a number of opportunities.
“It is an amazing endorsement and it should act as strong reassurance for people in terms of the quality of programme that we have.
“Annabelle was part of the programme, she really, really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it.
“She asked us to tender for their high potential programme, it was the first time we’d been formally asked to bid for something. We were successful, which is fantastic, and DFDS will now become principal partners for 2021, as well as the first company to roll the Leap programme out.”
The move is all the more remarkable considering the concentration of the delivery in 2020, with coronavirus interrupting delivery and taking some sessions online, while restricting other exercises.
Fran Williams, HR director for UK and Ireland, told how DFDS is looking to double the size of the business over the next few years, through further acquisitions and organic growth.
She said: “You are only going to be really successful if you have the right people in place.
“We were working on our learning agenda and what we need to do in future to be successful, and one of the gaps was working with future leaders, growing them and giving them the right level of training support and development.
“We want opportunity to for provide the our talented people as we grow. This is a great commitment that provides us with a foundation of what is needed to be a leader. Set over 12 months, it is a prolonged period of development that will equip them with skills for the future.”
Annabelle joined 29 others at the KC Stadium in Hull for several sessions, while others were delivered online.
She said: “It was really nice to be nominated as when you are in a HR function, your focus is on developing other staff within the company.
“I really enjoyed it, a lot of people on it were very driven, and have sometimes been put in a position, but not had the opportunity to learn how to do a job. This really identified three key areas where support is needed - leadership, confidence in presentation and coaching.”