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
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.