Springboard women s development programme Libby Graham, CSTD 12 December 2012 University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk
What is Springboard? It is a 4 day development programme for women of all backgrounds, ages and stages of their life. Its successful design combines attendance of 4 workshops, completion of a workbook, networking and co-coaching. It aims to enable women to take more control over their own lives by identifying the clear, practical and realistic steps that they want to take and developing the skills and confidence to take them.
It has been undertaken by more than 200,000 women Springboard runs across the world and has successful collaborations with the British Council. The workbook has been translated into 14 different languages It has been particularly successful with women in universities.
What does it cover? self assessment skills assessment identifying your values the world about you setting goals assertiveness networking putting yourself across positively building your image
How does it achieve this? There are 4 full day workshops (attendance of all 4 is required): Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3 Workshop 4 Getting Started Where are you now in your life? Confident Communication Taking it Forward
In addition, participants all receive a 300 page workbook which promotes further reflection and personal action. While this is not assessed in any way, participants are encouraged to spend time completing the workbook (out of work time). Springboard ideally runs with a large group of women (up to 30) which offers great opportunities for networking and finding out more about different roles and departments I the university. All participants are partnered with a Buddy /coaching partner and coaching skills feature as part of the programme
What results? The results relate to the objectives each woman sets herself on the first workshop they can be to do with work or their personal life it is her choice. Many women use the programme to get results at work, such as new qualifications, promotions, new skills, a new attitude to change and a massive boost in confidence.
Others focus on results in their personal life, such as sorting out difficult relationships, improving health, dealing with stress and gaining a work/life balance. Some women steam up their career ladder after attending the Springboard Women's Development Programme, whilst others stay in the same job but with a new sense of purpose and a more positive attitude.
Feedback? 84% of Springboard participants say they are 'more open to change' since attending the Springboard Women's Development Programme. 83% say they have 'a more positive attitude'. 80% say they have 'increased confidence/self esteem'. 79% say they are 'better at managing change'. 78% have 'taken on more responsibility'. 75% say they can provide evidence that they are 'better at problem solving' now 67% can provide evidence that they are making a 'better use of resources'.
Client list Cambridge Constabulary Derbyshire County Council Derbyshire NHS Trust Devon and Cornwall Police Dorset Police Foreign and Commonwealth Office Harrow and Hillingdon Healthcare Trust Intellectual Property Office Learning and Skills Council London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough of Wandsworth MITIE Group National Grid Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust Rolls-Royce plc Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Royal Mail The Scottish Environment Protection Agency University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of Warwick University of St Andrews University of Stirling West Midlands Police William Hill
What next? Briefing sessions: 11 Jan 13.00 to 14.00 14 Jan 13.00 to 14.00 If you are interested email me at e.a.graham@reading.ac.uk Starting on 8 February 2013 Sign up to the cstd_updates email list: http://www.lists.rdg.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/cstd-updates