July/August 2019

NEWS 16 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2019 www.hpmag.co.uk the first to see their efforts recognised by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), as a formal qualification. The truly great thing about the FLP however is that it is not just restricted to the valve industry. Any trade sector or organisation could utilise our model to upskill and retain their own industry workforce.” Guest lecturer and personal development consultant, Dr Martin Haigh MBE, commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege creating and delivering the learning and development interventions for the FLP. I have witnessed some amazing breakthroughs from the cohorts and was blown away by their confident and seamless presentations at the BVAA Annual Meetings.’ “Before we start the PD training for the delegates, I carry out a psychometric test for each one. This gives us a good steer on where to focus our leadership efforts. More importantly, the Team Profile from the psychometric instrument indicates whether all the primary work preferences are covered and if we have a really well- balanced group. So, it has been proven because I have seen how well the teams have gelled together and how their complementary strengths are driving strong outcomes. Like the first cohort, the subsequent groups are applying the PD principles in the workplace and making things happen. I always look forward to the sessions and helping to make a difference to these rapidly-developing teams.” BVAA networking & technical training Throughout the programme, BVAA has provided opportunities for the cohorts to expand their personal network of contacts and delivered free-of-charge Technical Training courses from BVAA’s extensive portfolio. All FLP alumni enjoy a life-long discount thereafter. Experience days Another feature is the ‘experience days’ organised by BVAA at the behest of the cohorts, to suit their learning needs. Cohort 1 for example visited a valve casting facility – witnessing first-hand a valve pour, something many of us had to wait a lifetime to see. Cohorts have also spent toured the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), AMRC Castings, Nuclear AMRC, AMRC Design Centre, The Welding Institute, and the inspiring AMRC ‘Factory 2050’. The BVAA has also visited an oil refinery and a nuclear power station, plus a hyperbaric test facility. Beyond FLP At the end of their programme, each cohort makes a presentation to the massed ranks of the BVAA membership at the Association’s Annual Meetings. The Cohorts are also encouraged to think beyond the life of the programme. Bartlett remarked: “You drive, we assist’ is very much part of the philosophy of the FLP. Some of Cohort 1 were very keen to extend their programme to include a Level 3 Mentoring qualification, under the auspices of the ILM. By working with Dr Haigh, this was delivered in spring 2017. I’m delighted to say they qualified and went on to mentor Cohort 2 delegates as part of that course requirement. Mentoring has now become a central pillar of the FLP. “We are also encouraging the groups to stay connected – not just through the BVAA committee structure which several have joined and now actively participate in – but also through reunions, additional training and an alumni social networking strand. We’ve also enjoyed rock climbing and hiking across the Yorkshire Moors.” Cohort 2 after their presentation to the BVAA members and Cohort 3 on a factory tour at Alco Valves.