Blackwood is setting the standard within the housing and care sectors with the launch of an ambitious and innovative new course, Leading the Change, which has resulted in the organisation being accredited as an Institute of Learning Management Centre (ILM).

The revolutionary course will bring the best of the private sector to the public sector, with master classes by the country’s leading entrepreneurs, Disney-inspired customer experience workshops, contributions from some of the UK’s most inspirational trainers, arts sessions, regular one-to-one coaching and real time challenges set by Blackwood’s customers. 

It will run for eighteen months and will be attended by over forty managers and members of senior management.  It aims to provide managers with the skills and knowledge to deliver on key customer, employee, finance, process and reputational indicators that will help Blackwood build a sustainable business.

“This programme is an investment in the future” says Steve White, Interim Chief Executive, “and could be a foretaste of a learning revolution across Scotland. Business as usual is simply no longer good enough in today’s climate and we had to respond boldly.  What excites me about this programme is that our customers’ voices will lead the learning priorities. Their experiences and aspirations are at the heart of the programme.”

Steve continued: “This is driven by a real ambition for our customers, we want them to live their lives to the fullest and to know that Blackwood supports them. We are stepping up to the challenge and now our employees have a chance to draw inspiration from the very best business minds around and earn a great qualification.”

The programme, which leads to an ILM Level 5 qualification in Management, has been many months in the planning and reflects Blackwood’s commitment to its employees and the success of the business. It is being led by Blackwood in collaboration with leading businesses and entrepreneurs from the private sector incorporating methods used by both Disney and Google.

Steve added: “Housing Associations can bring new ambition, optimism and opportunity to communities. That’s why we need to step up and this may be the most ambitious and far-reaching leadership programme ever embarked on in our sector. Great leaders release the talents of others, grasping opportunities and making things happen. All things we seek at Blackwood.”

Steve continued “We have created a programme which will excite ambitious organisations in both the public and private sectors and I would welcome enquires from interested parties who’d like to know more. This is the start of a new era in Scotland and the more ideas and resources that are shared across our sector and beyond the greater and faster progress will be for all.”

The Leading the Change Programme is an important step for the organisation and its approval as an ILM Centre is a welcomed recognition.