Change Advisor Review

To lead the change management journey for up to 10 transformational projects impacting 2600 retail food stores - Devising Change Plans for transformations projects - Liaising with and influencing internal stakeholders - Co-creating engagement, training and communications plans with Centres of Excellence - Reviewing success measures and change management metrics to understand the impact and success of projects - Analysing end user feedback - Promoting the principles of Change Management across a programme of projects - Sharing lessons learned across the wider business

- Developed my understanding of change management, including change management techniques, engagement approaches, communication approaches and training techniques - Developed my understanding of waterfall and agile project management principles - Developed my understanding of the wider organisation - Developed my negotiation and influencing skills - Developed my communication skills - Developed my confidence in presenting to senior stakeholders - Developed my understanding of HR centres of excellence - Developed my understanding of the evolution of HR - Developed my understanding of HR and business contexts and the impact of those - Developed my understanding of CPD and PDP disciplines

To date, I have enjoyed the content of the programme and the wider understanding it has given me. I have found particularly useful being able to apply my theoretical learnings in the workplace. It has also encouraged me to look at my development more widely than the apprenticeship. However I have not enjoyed self - directed learning as it is not my preferred learning style.

The programme is structured and clear and the content and learning material is easily accessible. The tutor support from ICS has been good. Half my qualification is provided through ICS and the CIPD, whereas the apprenticeship element has been provided through Babington. This has been problematic as there is often conflicting advice. The systems for submitting work are not user-friendly nor intuitive so this could be improved.

My employer allows me the complete freedom to manage my time and apprenticeship needs as I see fit. They have supported me with a number of different working patterns to suit my study needs and learning preferences, as well as time to attend courses. Alongside this, my line manager has scheduled 4 weekly reviews to monitor my progress and offer support and guidance as necessary.

The support from the online tutors has been good, despite some challenges with the reorganisation of the learning providers at the outset. My tutor is flexible and available as and when required. I have received less support from my assessor who, apart from monthly reviews where I am asked standard scripted questions, offers no support or guidance.

I feel that the information and learning provided gives me a good foundation and understanding of various HR specialisms and how to apply this learning in the workplace. I feel it will support me to perform better as an HR generalist by providing a breadth of knowledge across the whole scope of HR activity.

Yes. There is a full suite of extracurricular learning programmes, both face to face and through learning management systems to support learning and experiences outside the apprenticeship. There is also an apprenticeship support network, wellbeing and mindfulness groups, as well as minority support groups. There are also informal opportunities to socialise within the workplace both during and after work.

Yes

I find the Coop to an employer that differentiates itself from the big four supermarkets as well as the two leading discounters. Their colleague proposition is developing at pace, and they provide stretching learning and development opportunities for those that embrace this challenge. They are also passionate about various ethical issues, from Fairtrade to Community and Charity which sets them apart from the large corporate money machines that other businesses aspire to be.

Take the time to learn about the history and ethics of the business to fully understand the culture of the organisation for which you are applying. Understand the various elements of the business operation and how they fit together. Seek to fully understand the role for which you are applying and why you think it is the fit for you. Just because you have done the same role in another business, it doesn't mean the role will be the same or suitable for you in this unique organisation.