Successful people solutions to support your business growth

In what is generally recognised by all commentators as "dificult trading conditions" it is pleasing to report that some big brand organisations are committing to work with our new venture Academy Insights which provides asssessment and selection solutions to the business intelligence community.Lloyds Banking Group, Bupa and AOL have all given us work so far with other opportunities on the horizon. The partnership venture commenced activities at the beginning of the year

Academy have designed and delivered a selection process to enable Plymouth College of Art and Design to successfully recruit a new Principal.

Leadership roles in the Higher Education sector demand a broad range of experiences and ability and the 2 day assessment process was amongst the most rigourous Academy have designed . Academy also had to train a range of stake-holders including governors, staff and students in objective assessment techniques.

Mike Dodd , who managed the project commented. "It was tremendously rewarding to work in this sector and to provide a solution that created a successful outcome".

Although this is the 1st time that Academy have worked in The Education sector, the work compliments other recent public sector leadership assessment projects in the NHS and local Govt.

Academy HR is delighted to announce that Scrivener Recruitment have agreed to merge their operations with the Academy HR business,

Following several years working with larger companies’ Ed Scrivener founded Scrivener Recruitment as an independent HR Recruitment company last year, developing a reputation for delivering a high quality service to clients and candidates in the South West and Thames Valley.

Wanting to deliver a broader range of services to his clients Ed was attracted by Academy’s offerings. He commented, “ Academy are a natural partner for me and I’m looking forward to introducing their services to my clients and helping to develop the Academy Brand."

Paul Clark, Operations Director at Academy added, “ We are delighted that Ed has decided to work with us .He shares our goal of providing services and solutions of the highest quality and we are sure that with his input our business will continue to flourish.”

Academy have created a new division,Academy Insights, to deliver consultancy and people management expertise to the Market Analytics and Customer Insight communities.

This area is managed by Richie Hester, a long standing Associate who has worked previously in Senior Analytics roles for The BBC, British Airways, LloydsTSB and Nokia.
The goal is to replicate the Academy HR model of flexibly delivered HR skills into the Insights arena.Academy previously worked alongside Richie at LloydsTSB and it is this work which has created the model for the Insights division.

Futher information is available on the Academy Insights page of this website.

AcademyHR have recently been awarded ISO9001 accreditation . Whilst we have always felt that our systems and proceses were quality driven , it’s reassuring to have achieved the recognition externally.Viv Bolton who managed the process from the Academy side commented,"we realised that many purchasing professionals, particularly in the public sector see the accreditation as an essential pre requisite in any contract award and we wanted to maximise our chances in this area."

'Creating Commitment Towards Coaching'

Thursday September 17th - AcademyHR, 125 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3ES

Successful coaching interventions largely depend on the pre-contracting expectations and outcomes shared between organisation, recipient and coach.

This workshop will concentrate on identifying the issues, looking at the options, gaining commitment for coaching support and setting up the relationships for the work to begin on a sound footing.

Timings: The event will start with coffee, registration and an inclusive exercise at 9.30am with the main session running from 10.00am to 3.30pm, including a buffet lunch.

'Diversity Beyond Debate - Introducing Implicitly™'

Thursday September 24th - AcademyHR, 125 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3ES

Understanding a person’s own bias or prejudice and predicting how this may impact on behaviour at work greatly influences the success of any diversity initiative. But actually identifying what prejudices people may hold unconsciously, how strong they may be and how and when they may be affecting behaviour, is extremely difficult. Until now...

Implicitly™ a new assessment tool published by our business partner Hogrefe identifies hidden bias and predicts the affect on behaviour.

Attendees at the event will:
1. Understand the limitation of assessment practices and how these have recently been overcome and have been proved to be working.

2. Hear from Doctor Pete Jones - the author of Implicitly™ - exactly how to uncover and raise awareness of hidden bias - and what to do about it.

3. Be eligible to book follow-up Implicitly™ user training at a special rate of just £50 plus VAT. These one day training events will take place on 2nd and 16th October.

Timings: The event will start with coffee and registration at 9.30am with the main session running from 10.00am to 3.30pm, including a buffet lunch.

Bookings: Both of these events have generated a lot of interest so, if you haven't already reserved a place on either event and would like to, then please contact Ben Wheeler at AcademyHR using one of the following:

T: 0117 914 7707
E: ben.wheeler@academyhr.co.uk

RECENT EVENTS AT ACADEMYHR

During the recession we have continued our commitment to sharing knowledge and creating learning opportunities for HR Professionals.

Our seminars, on topical subjects, are well attended and judging by the interest shown in our programme so far, the downturn has not impacted on the HR profession’s desire to learn and network.

Here is a synopsis of recent events:

‘LOOKING AFTER YOUR WORKFORCE THROUGH ECONOMIC CHANGE'April

In the current economic climate, HR is at the forefront of the people management aspects, often whilst operating under significant pressure themselves. With people regularly exposed to ‘bad news’ both within the workplace and through wider media, we brought together an occupational health practitioner and an expert in coaching and psychological health to address the issues.

SOME OF THE EVENT FEEDBACK:

“Facts and content relating to occupational health was very informative.”
Zena Thomas, Arval UK Ltd

“A good overview and lively anecdotes from a professional perspective. Very interesting.” Carol Grocott, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

“A very good insight into the practice and process of coaching.”
Carol Grocott, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

“It has given me lots of ideas to take back to the workplace, I can honestly say that everything was useful.” Val Tullet, EPSRC

“Both sessions were relevant, interesting and well presented.” Peter Walters, Bristol City Council

“Very informative to listen and learn. I really enjoyed the day”. Andrea Herraty, Serco

‘IDENTIFYING AND ASSESSING LEADERSHIP IN THE NHS’ June

The NHS is committed to an ongoing programme of performance improvement across all its operations. Identifying and developing leadership potential is a key focus for HRM and HRD practitioners within the NHS. Building on our work with a number of NHS organisations, the event examined ways in which sound assessment processes and tools can identify the real qualities and characteristics of exceptional leaders. It also focussed on how leadership abilities can be developed.

EVENT FEEDBACK:

“It was a very thought provoking session helped by the speakers ability to ask open questions and encourage debate.” Sam Bennett, University Bristol Hospital Trust.

AcademyHR are running a seminar on the topical subject of identifying leadership potential within the NHS on Thursday 11th June in Clifton, Bristol.

We will be joined by HR delegates from major NHS Trusts to discuss how effective assessment can help identify qualities and characteristics of exceptional leaders.

This is the latest in a series of knowledge sharing events building on Academy's work within the NHS.

The event will cover:

An appreciation of how objective aptitude, ability and personality assessment can add to an understanding of leadership potential.

Guidance on how to use what this reveals in a coaching and developmental context including new tools and techniques to manage ongoing leadership development.

The event is free to attend, runs from 11 am to 3.30 pm and lunch is included.

If you are interested in these issues and are currently working within HR in an NHS Trust, email ben.wheeler@academyhr.co.uk to reserve one of the remaining places.

The Business Referral plan for all our Associates goes "on the road" shortly

We have always worked in close partnership with our network of Associates and many of our business opportunities have come to us a result of an Associate referral.

With this in mind we have been exploring ways that we can expand our business network so that everyone in it can potentially benefit. We realise that whilst you may be generally interested in hearing from us from time to time, the thing that you really want from being part of our network is more work!

That is why we have launched our Refer and Reward plan, which is focussed on achieving exactly this goal.

The events are ,


April 29th - AcademyHR, Bristol
May 6th - Regus Business Centre- Maidenhead
May 13th- Regus Business Centre-Warrington

Our agenda for these events will be to:

Discuss the Refer and Reward plan in more detail
Explain how you can benefit from it
Give you, the Associate, an opportunity to share your views and network with other AcademyHR Associates.
Events start at 5pm and finish approximately 6.30pm.

To attend a Refer and Reward event please telephone 0117 914 7707 or email paul.clark@academyhr.co.uk

................................................................................

AcademyHR has over the last 17 years established itself as a market leading HR consultancy enjoying a reputation for professionalism and excellence. Our commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise continues with the next in our series of FREE seminars on topical subjects for HR and Development Professionals on the 30th April at our offices in Clifton, Bristol, entitled



“Looking after your workforce through economic change”



As the recession deepens individuals can be exposed to a constant flow of “Bad News” both from within their organisation and the wider economy. The HR function is at the forefront of the people management implications of this process in most organisations, often whilst operating under significant personal pressure themselves.



This is your opportunity to listen to and ask questions of two experts in their field who will be offering their valuable experiences for FREE


11.30am. Rick Taylor - “ Keeping Your Workforce Healthy”


Rick Taylor has been a senior partner in medical practice for over 20 years and an experienced health practitioner. He is founder of Taylor Mors a leading Occupational health practice.


An important relationship exists between the health of your organization and that of the people within it. Cost efficiency, productivity and staff management are all issues that are particularly relevant right now


Rick will be examining issues of current concern for HR managers focusing on the importance of a healthy workforce, how this can be achieved and the options that are available. He discusses implications for HRM focusing on recent employment legislation and considers in detail the effects of workplace stress in relation to the current economic climate.


2.00pm Sue Bosworth “ Coaching - Creating Sustainable Change ”


Susan Bosworth is an accredited and experienced coach, mentor and management development consultant with over 20 years of workplace experience during which time she has worked with organisations and individuals from all sectors. She has a particular interest in supporting individuals through change, whilst enabling them to perform at optimum levels of application.


Sue’s session compliments Rick’s by focussing on current research into workplace stress, coaching cultures and the interaction between them.


Sue will be examining how coaching (which is increasingly being used by organisations to improve performance and underpin rapid organisational change) could also be utilised as a resource to help improve psychological health.


Join us in challenging and insightful day - we will commence at 11.00am and finish at 3.30pm. A buffet lunch will be provided. As places are limited, please telephone 0117914 7707, or email us to confirm your interest in attending

Plymouth Hospitals and Dorset County Hospital are the latest NHS organisations to utilise Academy’s
Assessment expertise

The Department of Health and the NHS are, more than ever before, committed to evaluating and demonstrating the benefit of the work they do. Every NHS organisation and every delivery programme must clearly show the impact it is having across a range of performance metrics to diverse stakeholders.

A key to delivering essential service levels is to ensure that the right staff are in place at the right time with the right abilities and the right potential.

Academy’s work within the NHS includes advising on a wide range of tools and techniques to assess ability, personality and potential with the option of assessment panel support. We also provide candidates with development-focussed feedback ensuring that the selection process is seen as open and fair whatever the outcome.

In selecting Academy HR as their assessment partner NHS organisations value the independence, expertise and value for money service we offer.
HR manager Janet Polson commented,"Academy have used their assessment expertise to help us fill senior posts and maintain excellent PR with candidates by providing a cost-effective feedback service. Feedback to our selection panels’ has helped ensure that subsequent interviews concentrate on the core competencies."

Nationwide Building Society have appointed AcademyHR as a preferred supplier of HR staff. The global financial crisis has put Nationwides mutuality in a new light and with a small exposure to the troubled wholesale markets it is well placed to benefit from the crisis at the expense of its damaged rivals, recently acquiring both the Cheshire and Derbyshire building societies.The resulting people management stategies are utilising a combination of experienced permanent HR staff and strategic interim support and Academy have already supplied both of these categories to Nationwide.

Academy have experienced a significant increase in demand for experienced Interim Managers during 2008.Interims used to be thought of as a last resort - someone to fill a vacancy at short notice. Such roles are now in the minority," says Academy director Paul Clark. "Today, assignments are much more likely to be within change programmes and project management.Many organisations are going through rapid periods of change, whether downsizing or growth. There's a big need for senior level HR people to help manage that process." He also notes an increase in demand for functional specialists. "As HR is more project driven it makes good sense to engage an expert for a specific need for a defined period."

Academy are always interested in talking and meeting with experienced interims and those considering the interim option

Constellation Europe and Mathew Clark PLC have engaged Academy HR's help during a period of major orgnisational change. Constellation is the world's leading wine producer and in the UK its famous names include Hardys and Stowells. Mathew Clark, part owned by Constellation is the UKs largest independent drinks wholesaler. Academy will work with both businesses providing personal development, culture change, training and OD interventions across a range of functions. Viv Bolton, head of consultancy services at Academy commented "We're delighted that Constellation and Mathew Clark have chosen to work with us at a key time in the development of their businesses and we look forward to helping them achieve their objectives"

Academy have launched a business referral scheme for their asssociate base called Independent Introducers,which aims to expand the existing Academy network of contacts, making them more accessible.

"Our associates have told us that they are looking for a wider range of freelance opportunities and the opportunity to network further and we believe that the scheme offers these benefits" commented Director, Paul Clark.

Academy will be inviting their existing associates to join the scheme which will focus on the growing market for freelance staff within HR."We're looking to expand the eco system, and allow everyone who touches the process to benefit" continued Paul.

He'd be pleased to answer any questions and is available on 0117 914 7707 or at paul.clark@academyhr.co.uk

Many of our clints have asked if we are able to provide Training to support our Assessment expertise.

Knowing how to recognise and build the best from the rest is a key skill in the selection, training and development and coaching of staff. Becoming a competent user of psychological instruments in an occupational setting will provide you with an additional dimension to your understanding of people and their potential in your business, as well as giving you a transferable recognised qualification with the BPS.Our training programmes demonstrate a commitment to the ethical use and application of assessment tools and techniques.

Autumn 2007 programme (Delivered from Bristol)

BPS Level A 20th -23rd Nov - £ 995.00
BPS Level B 11th- 14th Dec - £1195.00

Book both together and receive a 10% discount.

Academy are delighted to announce the appointment of Viv Bolton as Consultancy Services Manager. Viv has worked as An Academy associate for a number of years and is already well known to some Academy clients. She has previously worked in full time HRM/HRD roles for Dun and Bradstreet and Npower. Viv also has considerable coaching and mentoring expertise having worked in specialist career counselling roles. Viv commented, "I'm pleased to be joining Academy and look forward to helping the business to develop". There are a number of initiatives planned which Viv will spearhead. More information will follow soon but in the meantime Viv can be contacted directly at viv.bolton@academyhr.co.uk.

The Academy programme of knowlege based events for HR professionals continues on the 24th July when Academy host an event aimed at identifying leadership traits in current and potential staff.

Leading psychometric test publisher Hogrefe Group will be joining Academy for an interactive session based on case studies and leadership culture evaluation exercises.

The event commences at 11.00am and is designed to increase awareness of current findings and research in the leadership arena. It will also be an excellent opportunity to network and share information with fellow HR professionals.

The event is FREEand places are limited, so if you are interested in attending, please contact us by telephone or email.

Lloyds TSB have selected Academy to manage the 2007 graduate recruitment campaign for their Customer Value Management(CVM) operation. The CVM team is a centre of excellence providing detailed customer analysis to UK retail banking.It is a "knowledge driven" environment demanding a mix of creativity, analytical ability, personality and potential.
Academy are developing an end-to-end process for Lloyds TSB. The roles require a high level of numeracy and an essential pre- requisite will be to identify,at an early stage, candidates who can provide these skills.The attraction campaign will involve presentations at leading UK universities and is expected to create high levels of response.

Academy's, Mike Dodd commented, " This is a niche recruitment project which demands both project management and assessment expertise. We're confident that we have the experience and ability to identify the key talent that Lloyds TSB are seeking".

Dyson have enlisted Academy to design a number of selection processes for them as they continue to grow both in the UK and internationally-. The Dyson story is one often quoted in Business Circles.-Perseverance against the odds to create a global brand renoun for design and engineering excellence. As they grow they continue to employ people who are passionate and challenging and who reflect the Dyson ethos. Paul Clark of Academy commented," Dyson look for value in all they do. They are radical and creative and they expect their suppliers to offer the same qualities." Academy are taking a fresh look at some of Dyson's selection processes with an initial concentration on sales and senior overseas appointments.

Lloyds TSB have become the latest high profile name to ask Academy to design assessment processes for them. The bank is looking to hire a number of people into senior marketing roles around the country The Academy process will concentrate on core competencies but most specifically the creativity that is required for success in a marketing environment. Academy has already worked with Lloyds TSB on a number of projects but this contract acknowledges the specific value of Academy assessment offerings. Academy Director Mike Dodd commented," It's great to be recognised by one of the best known names in the country and we look forward to helping them achieve their aims."

Academy receive many requests from” Would -Be" Interims who are looking for ideas on how to establish themselves in the Interim Market. As a response to this demand they are organising a series of seminars that will provide information on all aspects of life as an Interim Consultant covering areas such as.
· How to Market Yourself as an Interim
· Financial implications
· How to add value in a client environment
· Adjusting from Permanent employment
The seminars will last for approx. two hours and are held in AcademyHRs Bristol Office. Refeshments are provided and there is an opportunity to meet the Academy team including experienced Academy Associates who are already operating successfully as Freelancers
The next event will be held on March 2nd 2007. If you would like to attend please call us on 0117 914 7707 or email info@academyhr.co.uk. Alternatively simply turn up at 6.30pm at 125 Pembroke Rd,Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3ES

Maintaining an edge in "the war for talent” dictates that you must ensure your knowledge and expertise is up to date at all times.

Three organisations,all experts in their field are offering you the opportunity to examine the latest findings, trends and techniques in the areas of attracting assessing and retaining staff at a speciallly designed seminar on the 25th May at Academy HR in Bristol.

Thirty-Three are a multi award winning recruitment communications company with a reputation for innovation.

Academy HR are the largest independent assessment experts in the UK supporting a wide range of products and techniques.

PPC are the largest global provider of employee assistance programmes world wide operating in 130 countries and supporting 1.5 million employees.

This free event is designed to increase your awareness of the key issues and to use this knowledge to increase your operational effectiveness. This will also be an excellent opportunity to network with fellow HR professionals who share your challenges.

Please call or email us if you would like to attend.

Virgin Megastores have asked Academy to design, develop and deliver new assessment processes for management selection within their retail operations. Academy have worked with Virgin Group for over two years and to date have managed the recruitment of 250 + sales, supervisory and managerial staff within Virgin Mobile and also their IT Recruitment processes. Academy Director, Paul Clark commented, "It's nice to be recognised by one of the country's leading brands. Virgin have a unique culture and values and their recruitment campaigns always attract a high response.Our processes ensure that only candidates who truly match their needs are offered positions."

Academy will be contributing to Radio 5's " Weekend Business" programme presented by Jeff Randle on Sunday 12th Feb.Academy Directior Mike Dodd will be talking about the right and wrong ways for companies to terminate employment contracts. Other contributors will include Stelios Haji-Iannou of Easy Jet fame. You will be able to download excerpts of the programme from our home page shortly.

AXA Group have appointed AcademyHR a preferred supplier of recruitment services across all its' UK operations including AXA Sun Life. AXA Insurance, AXA Shared Services and PPP Healthcare. Academy will supply both permanent and Interim HR staff alongside managed resourcing solutions.

Academy have a longstanding and successful track record with AXA group businesses, This agreement formalises the arrangement across the AXA group. It also cements Academy's reputation in the UK Financial services Industry. Other leading brands such as Lloyds Bank , Zurich Financial Services and HBOS are established Academy clients.

Working with business partner Open Mind, Academy have developed a 2 day programme, "Using NLP in HRM".
The Programme has been specifically designed to enable an understanding of how NLP works and to utilise the techniques to solve problems in HRM. It demonstrates many of the fundamental principles of NLP and how these can be used in an organisational context.More information is available at www.academynlp .co.uk

Virgin Mobile have asked Academy to manage their IT recruitment process. This follows the successful Retail Sales Advisor campaign designed and delivered earlier this year which resulted in over 100 hires. The IT campaign for 30+ staff will be managed online through a dedicated web portal which enables all parties in the process to track applications and status.

Academy are pleased to announce a
partnership agreement with YVT Ltd,
which provides a new style Outplacement
service, combining YVT’s innovative use
of technology with the broad skill base
available from Academy.
Ian Flower, MD of YVT explains, “All too
often individuals attending outplacement
training are in shock, angry or confused
and therefore unreceptive. By using the
Internet as the delivery mechanism, the
timing of our training is totally flexible
and hence more supportive to the
individual’s needs. Without the time
constraints of a one/two day course we
offer a more comprehensive training
programme which is also far more cost
effective than traditional approaches.”
Membership of the service is generally
available for one year, providing access
at the individual’s own pace to a variety
of advice and guidance services such as:
comprehensive outplacement training
including tailored examples, advice on
personal image and statutory benefits.
The programme not only stresses the
value of networking but also provides
the facilities for members to do so.
A directory and messaging service
enables individuals to network with
colleagues and to broaden their contact
base with members from other
participating companies. In addition
notice boards communicate with all
members and are typically used to share
news of job vacancies, support meetings
and other items of general interest.
The partnership combines the benefits of
YVT’s low cost, internet-based approach
with Academy’s nationwide counselling
services, ranging from email advice and
guidance to one-on-one counselling.
Clients now have the flexibility to select
the level of outplacement services they
require for their individual circumstances.
Further information on the services are
available from Academy.

Academy Manged Resourcing have been awarded a major contract by Virgin Mobile to recruit 100+ Sales and Customer Service staff in over 50 locations around the UK. The project will more than double the size of Virgin Mobile's retail operations and confirm the companies reputation for excellent customer service within the mobile telecoms industry.
Academy will design and deliver the processes that focuss on the key competencies for success in the roles.
Candidates will go through a two stage selection process; an initial telephone interview followed by a multi level assessment centre.The campaign which is expected to run for several months is predicted to attract a very high response.