Case study - A Government Agency (GA)

Business need

This GA is a relatively young (less than four years) and relatively small (125-130 people) organisation that has been charged with the demanding task of promoting the government agenda of encouraging employers to take a leading role in the evolution of vocational education. Their people are largely outward facing, interacting with a myriad of bodies such as employers, the DfES, the Learning Skills Council and Regional Development Boards. The GA identified itself as being on a journey of establishing a strong presence in what can be a politically charged environment. The GA needed to balance the pressure of being seen to make a difference with the internal need for a strong focus in order to deliver that difference. They believed that if their Heads (one level below board of directors) shared a common focus and approach the GA would have a greater impact on delivering the vocational education agenda.

MaST solution

MaST worked with the Heads in order to fully understand the issues that they faced and their needs. We designed and delivered four modules, which included fast change and leadership, facilitation and problem solving, performance management and conflict handling and partnership. As MaST worked with the GA, we also identified a need for enhanced influencing and persuading skills for a wider audience of frontline staff in the regions. They deal with such a variety of organisations and these are key skills for them as the organisation becomes more and more established in the education and political forums.

Outcome

Initially the GA split this piece of work between MaST and another supplier. However very early in the project the GA withdrew the work from the other supplier and gave it to MaST in its entirety as our work is seen as giving better value for money. As a result of the MaST modules the GA Heads are more consistent and focussed in their approach. The perception is that the GA is moving forward on a stronger footing with their agenda. The GA is foundational in the Leitch report, which is seen as core to Gordon Brown’s agenda over the coming months. The GA is government agency, which is growing fast both in numbers and influence.