“In 2010, we began working with Dynamic Learning Solutions on the provision of a management development programme for a newly-reconfigured team of approximately 250 first-line managers. We commissioned Dynamic Learning Solutions to design and deliver the programme, as well as to work with us on evaluating its effectiveness.
It was clear from the start that DLS had worked hard to understand the issues and challenges that we were facing at the time as an organisation, and they demonstrably had invested time in understanding our requirements and how these requirements could be met effectively and on budget. The design phase of the programme involved several conversations and meetings with senior stakeholders. I found DLS highly effective at listening carefully to our needs but also helping to place these needs in a wider context – in some cases helping us to anticipate issues before they arose.
Prior to the launch of the management development programme, DLS supported us with an induction programme for newly-appointed first line managers, and they were very flexible in adapting their approach to this programme, often at short notice. This programme evaluated very positively and was very well-received by the delegates, who commented that they had found it relevant, stretching and helpful. It was clear from working on this preliminary programme that DLS had take a lot of learning from their exposure to the delegates. When it came to launching the full management development programme, they were well-briefed and tuned into the needs not just of the organisation, but of the delegates themselves.
Throughout our relationship with DLS, we have had to change delivery dates from time-to-time, or modify plans often at short notice. We have greatly valued the flexibility that DLS have shown – they have been highly pragmatic, and their account manager has been very effective at partnering with us on developing some workarounds and contingency plans when we’ve needed them. They have also acted with integrity, tact and considerable professionalism throughout the course of our relationship so far.
It’s this customer-focused approach that has defined our work with DLS so far. They are accessible and responsive, and have become respected and trusted partners in developing and delivering this sensitive and complex piece of work during a time of significant organisational change. Delegates too have found their input stimulating and value-adding. I would have no hesitation in recommending dynamic learning solutions.” Simon Gosney, National Head of Learning & Development, NHS Direct
“In 2010 we commissioned dynamic learning solutions (dls) to support us with the development of a Business Writing Skills training programme. This programme would support the implementation of a new organisation writing style guide and be the start of a culture shift in the way our organisation communicated with its partners, stakeholders and customers.
dls had a strong and successful background in developing this type of training programme for other high profile public sector agencies; this was a key factor in our decision to work with them. It became clear however as the project commenced that we were working with a training provider committed to listening, understanding and translating our needs into a bespoke product. Indeed, as the project matured so did our requirements. We encountered various issues and challenges along the way which could have been quite frustrating for all concerned however, dls were understanding, patient and professional and offered innovative solutions and support throughout.
Once the training programme was developed we delivered a pilot event which proved extremely successful. Key internal stakeholders and senior management were invited to attend and complimented the project team on a programme well-designed.
The training programme was rolled out across the organisation to a mixed audience and was received extremely well. Indeed, we have had additional requests for extra workshops.
One of the most difficult tasks throughout this project was the development of a participant workbook. dls were acutely aware that the workbook needed to be flawlessly written, accurate and in-line with our writing style guidance. Many hours were spent producing this and proof-reading it! I can’t thank the team at dls enough for the fantastic work where this element of the programme was concerned.
To embed the change in organisation writing style participants were offered 1:1 coaching with their writing post-workshop. This has proved extremely helpful to those that accessed it. dls were certainly extremely flexible when we needed them to be. They delivered the programme within our budget and timescales and were extremely professional and a pleasure to work with at all times. I would not hesitate to work with the experts at dls again.” Sam Peterson – National Learning and Development Manager for YPLA
“I chose dls as I was aware that they were one of our existing framework providers and they have proven track-record in delivering very high quality learning in this field. From experience I know they work in partnership with the client and are able to quickly identify the most effective learning solutions for the need. For this programme they were particularly flexible about dates and location, to fit in with business needs and priorities. Throughout the programme dls provided support over and above straight-forward learning delivery, for example, providing trainer feedback on how the events could be improved “in-flight” and a key issues summary from the learners (suitably anonymised) and an organisational view of the influencing preferences of our people. This additional support adds real value to the investment. I have received over-whelmingly positive feedback from our participants following the events. In particular, participants found the SDI tool highly informative in helping them understand their own influencing behaviours and styles plus the need and ability to recognise other people's preferences. In addition, participants valued the understanding and greater awareness of effective listening skills the event delivers. The ability to “try out” the learning in a safe environment was essential to overall success. For some this has been a highly significant enabler in support of their own self-management and most are more self-assured in their engagement of customers, stakeholders and colleagues.” Sue Phillips, Head of Financial Skills and Capability, HMRC
“dls have developed and delivered a full programme of (Personal Skills) training for us - a great deal in a short space of time. They have made sure at all times that they fully understand our needs and have provided clear proposals which have been of real value. This has included the development of pre workshop activity lasting between 2 and 6 hours which has reduced the time away from work to attend training. The suite of training covers some generic programmes as well as those which have been adapted to our particular organisational needs. They have delivered a professional and innovative service in both the development and delivery of programmes as well as in their contract management role.
dls when awarded the contract were aware that an existing programme covering High Level Influencing was due to terminate 31/3/11, a programme that is invaluable to HSE front line inspectors especially when carrying out their day to day duties. They have not only worked closely with fellow HSE colleagues to reach common goals but they have also taken individual responsibility to resolve issues that have arisen regarding existing structure, content and duration of the programme. The current programme was recognised as extremely effective therefore it was imperative that dls developed a programme that was on par which they have certainly done through addressing issues using individual judgement and sharing knowledge with HSE experts.
The company are great to work with and they always deliver what they say. Both the contract manager and administrative support are valued and work effectively together to resolve issues as and when they arise.” Lynda Green, L&D Consultant, HSE
