Newport City Homes
Newport City Homes (NCH) chose USW’s Professional Development team to deliver STRIVE: The Management Development Programme, a completely bespoke programme aligned with their four core values: Active, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Trusted.
Contact Us Join our Network/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/16-other/business-services/MAN-U-ENG.jpg)
Each of the four days focused on one of the core values, ensuring alignment with NCH’s behaviour framework, ‘The NCH Way.’
Designed in close collaboration with NCH, the programme enhances cross-departmental collaboration, strengthens team dynamics, and equips learners with tools for personal and professional growth.
/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/16-other/business-services/NCH-LOGO-1.jpg){kind=logo}
The Need
NCH required a management development programme for existing middle managers that would fully reflect their core values while addressing workplace challenges, improving communication, and enhancing collaboration across a diverse range of roles. With a workforce that includes data specialists, field workers, and tradespeople, NCH needed an approach that would unify these varied perspectives and strengthen team cohesion, particularly as employees adapted to post-pandemic ways of working.
To ensure the programme addressed real workplace challenges and resonated with participants, an initial focus group was conducted months before its launch. This helped secure buy-in and involvement from a group of managers, who provided invaluable insights that shaped the programme content.
The solution
USW Professional Development co-designed and co-delivered STRIVE with NCH’s Learning and Development team to 120 learners across 14 cohorts, ensuring it was tailored to the organisation’s unique needs. The programme evolved over time based on feedback from participants and evolving requirements. Each programme culminates in a Celebration Event, where learners showcase what they have learned and how they have implemented it. Key elements included:
- Workshops and Frameworks: Employees explored models such as Compass Points, Myers-Briggs, and Belbin’s Team Roles, enhancing understanding of team dynamics and working styles. Each session was designed to reflect and reinforce one of NCH’s core values.
- Practical Application: Participants embedded the tools and frameworks into their work, aligning them with quarterly away days and collaborative planning sessions, with a clear focus on ‘The NCH Way.’
- Co-Design Approach: The programme was developed collaboratively, incorporating feedback from a small group of managers engaged in an initial activity, ensuring the training met the organisation’s specific challenges.
- Celebration Events: Each cohort ended with a ‘Celebration Day’, allowing participants to demonstrate their learnings and practical applications, reinforcing their commitment to NCH’s values.
The impact
Alignment with Core Values: Each training day focused on one of NCH’s core values (Active, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Trusted), ensuring the programme was fully aligned with ‘The NCH Way.’
Improved Team Collaboration: Frameworks like Compass Points helped bridge differences in working styles, fostering more productive and collaborative team environments. Quarterly team away days became opportunities to apply and expand on the tools introduced during the programme.
Strengthened Interpersonal Relationships: Participants reported enhanced relationships with colleagues, better face-to-face interactions, and a stronger sense of “one team” culture across NCH.
Personal and Professional Growth: Employees developed confidence, improved stress management, and became more communicative and supportive leaders. Tools such as active listening were seamlessly integrated into daily practices, enhancing team efficiency.
Enduring Impact: Even two years later, the principles and practices introduced during STRIVE continue to positively influence NCH’s day-to-day operations, helping employees address workplace challenges and improve team cohesion.