Learning and Development

We are committed to the development of our people both at Head Office and in our Stores. We have a comprehensive package of learning materials and development programmes aimed at maximising performance and supporting internal promotional initiatives.

Our dedicated Learning and Development team work in consultation with the business to produce and deliver learning resources to be proud of. A full range of training workshops are delivered annually covering behavioural and technical skills, whilst specific bespoke learning and coaching activity is offered when required.

We believe that great development is a partnership and one of our core values is to partner in each other’s development. Employees are encouraged to take ownership for their own development and Managers are responsible for supporting learning within their teams through performance reviews, coaching and mentoring.

Bhs is 100% committed to the development of all its people. The following principles are fundamental to this philosophy:

• Every employee is entitled to the opportunity to learn and develop, irrespective of background, race, religion, age, gender, disability or any other factor.
• We will provide the tools and support to facilitate learning and development across the business.
• We will offer development programmes to enable every employee to progress to the very best of their abilities and make the most of their natural talent whilst developing their career at Bhs.
• Each individual has the responsibility for driving their own learning and development and sharing their knowledge with their colleagues.
• All learning and development programmes are linked directly to the retail strategy and are therefore focused on building the competence of every employee within their job role in order to fulfil this strategy.

Behavioural competencies
Behavioural competences support our Company values and provide a framework against which skills can be developed and performance measured. Our competencies have been designed to be generic and are applied across the business as relevant to each role.

As your career develops, the competency indicators build up to reflect the specific requirements of each role. In order to effectively plan and manage your development, you should be familiar with the competency requirements of your role and the behaviours your Manager will expect you to demonstrate as evidence of this.

Behavioural skills workshops have been specifically developed and designed to support these competencies and are constantly reviewed against the requirements of the business and current industry best practice thinking. Learning is delivered by a variety of means including on the job (experiential learning) learning workbooks, facilitated discussions and workshops both on and off the job.

Learning activities and development programmes
At Bhs, learning is defined as the acquisition of new knowledge or skills and development is the ability to transfer the learning to enhance your performance and do things differently.

We understand that learning happens in all areas of work and can be formally delivered through training workshops or occur informally ‘on the job’ through experiential learning, mentoring and coaching. To ensure that the learning is visible to all, every employee is encouraged to keep a record of their learning and produce personal development plans, which can be reviewed during catch ups with their Manager to support annual performance review goals and targets.

Where role specific learning and development is required the Company has produced structured development programmes, through Leading the Way, delivering a clear framework for learning and a format for career progression.

Each programme provides a blend of complementary learning activities and resources including classroom-based training sessions, ‘on the job’ activity learning and workbooks. The following programmes are currently available:

Training period and induction (Head Office and Stores)
We appreciate that making you feel welcome within your first few days is very important as well as ensuring you cover all the relevant legal aspects such as health and safety relating to where you are based.

Whether you are based in a Store or Head Office you will have a structured Induction Training Plan that will give you all you need to help you settle into your role and understand the Company’s way of working.

You will have regular reviews over the initial 12 weeks in the business with your Manager and a final review at the end of 12 weeks.

Associate Development
We have specifically designed an Associate Development programme that focuses on equipping employees with what they need to do a good job, how to go about doing it and ways to progress their careers.

The programme is divided into 4 stages. All Associates are required to complete the first 2 stages and are encouraged to progress on to the 3rd. The final stage is available to those wanting to take their career to the next level.

• Stage 1: ‘It starts here’
  It starts here is the initial induction for Associates, designed to give the basic information needed, providing a flavour of the Bhs way of working and encouraging employees to take an active part in the business from day 1.
• Stage 2: ‘First steps’
  Once the initial induction has been complete the Associate is required to move on to the first steps of their on-the-job training and the specific requirements of the role. This means looking in more detail at the merchandise we sell and the procedures involved, as well as the day-to-day requirements.
• Stage 3: ‘Becoming a Master’
  We have developed a series of ‘Masterclasses’ providing detailed product knowledge in key areas of the business. These have been designed to enable associates to become a master in one or more departments and by developing their capability setting the foundations of their career.
• Stage 4: ‘Learning to Lead’
  Identifying and developing our high potential Associates is critical for our future business success in promoting from within. This programme is designed to be the first step on the road to Leadership and make the bridge of Associate moving to first line Management.

Leadership Programmes
We are committed to career development and realise the business benefits of promoting from within. The Leadership Programmes are for Associates and Managers wishing to progress and go on to have successful careers with the Company. The programmes will give you that stepping stone to grow into our Management roles by developing your leadership skills as well as developing your technical knowledge.

General Manager Programme
We are committed to career development and realise the business benefits of promoting from within. The Leadership Programmes are for Associates and Managers wishing to progress and go on to have successful careers with the Company. The programmes will give you that stepping stone to grow into our Management roles by developing your leadership skills as well as developing your technical knowledge.

Stores of Learning (Stores)
Training for new Managers takes place in a ‘Store of Learning’ (SOL). These are stores which provide the best possible learning environment to equip Managers with the skills they need to do a great job. They enable Managers to learn by drawing on the valuable experience of others in a real work situation, before putting their new skills into action in their destination role. Using the knowledge and skills of our existing Store Managers to develop others is one of our principles for learning and to make sure we develop to have the best Managers in the industry.

Be the Best (Head Office)
We are really proud to offer an industry leading programme for employees in our Buying, Merchandising and Supply teams. This development programme has been designed to provide the key technical and behavioural skills to support internal promotion and succession.

Your Development (Head Office)
This is a portfolio of workshops, spanning technical knowledge and business competencies and is open to all BHS Head office employees. The programmes form a development pathway for all levels from Associates to Managers. Workshops range from 'bite-sized' two hour sessions to 2 days, offering something for everyone.

Senior Executive Development (Head Office)
A suite of workshops is available to all Senior Executive's and as you might expect, focus is on leadership, strategy, change and personal impact to create and enable great leaders for the business.

Accredited Learning
Due to the quality of our training programmes, we are proud to be able to offer nationally recognised qualifications to our employees that meet the eligibility criteria. Our dedicated Accredited Learning team work in partnership with our Stores to offer Diplomas and Apprenticeship programmes in Retail and Retail Management. These qualifications are aligned to job roles and our current training offer, making the learning practical and relevant.

Internal opportunities
We value internal appointments and promotions; employees are encouraged to apply for roles if appropriate for their career development. All internal vacancies will be advertised.

Secondment
Secondments are another way of developing your skills and experience. A secondment means working in another role for between one and 12 months: for example to cover maternity leave. You will normally return to your previous role at the end of the secondment.

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