The SME award in the 'Promoting a Learning Culture' category recognises the successful campaign run by the Network's team to increase learning in Cambridge Network member companies – 500 of which already regularly use its training services. It also aimed to widen the Learning Collaboration’s reach in the local community, and to deliver a strong programme of events in the region during Learning at Work Week (LAWW), which took place in May.
Building on its existing Cambridge Network Learning Week Forum set up in 2018, the Network acted as a catalyst to create a broad schedule of learning activities. The forum – including local organisations interested in providing learning opportunities for staff, as well as training providers keen to share their knowledge – became a networking tool to shape 2019 LAWW planning. Nine months of collaborative meetings meant LAWW reflected the interests and needs of the companies and businesses across the region.
The result was a comprehensive suite of activities involving a diverse range of trainers and organisations, including bitesize workshops, training videos, panel discussions, and short and long courses. The wide range of subjects covered management and leadership, influencing, presentation skills, communication and interviewing skills, and more.
To highlight the importance of mental health awareness training, the Network linked up with Mental Health Awareness Week and ran sessions on stress reduction, self-harm and eating disorders. A special Apprenticeship Day promoted apprenticeships in the region.
Says the Network’s Head of Learning and Development Sarah Gleadell: "Some 40 companies have participated in LAWW with us this year and the initiative has helped to raise awareness in hundreds more.
“It’s been a fundamental asset to our mission of encouraging collaboration for shared success, helping us grow membership and engagement in order to share more learning experiences.”
The Impact Awards judging panel said: “By opening up the majority of in-house activities to the general public, this has encouraged new relationships and collaboration leading to new projects.
“Cambridge Network has shared its evaluation and learner feedback with trainers and organisations to support continuous improvement and help with the design of future courses. The project has reinforced the importance of partnerships and sharing resources, and the value of learning and development for all types of organisations.”
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Did you know that every level of Cambridge Network membership means you automatically have the right to book on to any of the Network's quality Learning Collaboration courses at any time? A wide spectrum of soft skills, technical and leadership development courses are on offer throughout the year, so sign up now to build your capabilities. Cambridge Network's Learning Collaboration is a CPD training provider, registered and certified with THE CPD STANDARDS OFFICE, and many of its courses will earn you valuable CPD points.
The Learning Collaboration works on behalf of Cambridge Network members to organise, purchase and share training and management development opportunities, delivered locally. That means all members benefit from economies of scale, gaining improved access to high quality professional training courses at value-for-money prices.