Development at Minster Law: Aspiring Development

We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to help develop our people. Our new Aspiring Development Programme is currently helping 10 Minster Law colleagues to develop their people management skills and find out more about managing and motivating others.

Since kicking off in January, the delegates have completed an introductory module, an overview of HR processes and procedures and a module on effective one-to-ones. Next, they will focus on smart objectives.

Risk & Compliance Officer, Chloe Hurst and Lorraine Waudby of External Finance, were two of the 10 employees who gained a place on the Aspiring Development Programme. They have both since successfully secured team leader roles. We caught up with Chloe and Lorraine to find out how they’re finding the programme so far.

How did you feel when you were offered a place on the programme?

Chloe: I was really happy – I put a lot of time into the application form, documenting my previous experience and it was great to know that my efforts had paid off. I was also aware of the volume of colleagues interested in the programme and felt lucky to be offered a place.

Lorraine: I was really excited and privileged to have been selected as I knew places were limited.

How have you found the programme so far?

Chloe: So far the programme has been informative and interactive. Everyone gets involved which is great. It’s a brilliant opportunity to learn about the foundations of management and leading a team which many new managers miss out on. In the first session, our Chief Operating Officer discussed her experiences and how her career has progressed over time. She shared some great tips which I will take with me throughout my journey on the programme.

Lorraine: Really interesting. It’s good to get together with people who I wouldn’t normally come across in day-to-day business and hear their experiences from difference areas.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about the programme?

Chloe: All colleagues on the programme have been assigned a mentor. I think this is a really useful addition. So far my mentor has provided be with some helpful, practical advice and has been able to commit to regular meetings between now and the end of the programme.

Lorraine: The feeling that the company wants me to progress in my career. After being selected for the Aspiring Development Programme I applied for a Team Leader role in Finance and I was successful. I am under no illusion that it’s going to be easy; there’s a transition to go through and getting to grips with the new role, but with support from the Finance Team, Aspiring Development Programme, my mentor and other people around the business I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it.

I also think we’re really lucky to have a development team like we have at Minster Law, which can offer courses such as this one.

What advice would you offer to others who may be considering the programme in the future?

Chloe: If your goal is to become a manager then apply for a place on the programme. It’s a brilliant way to learn the foundations of management. I think it will be a great confidence booster when the time comes to take on a management role.

Lorraine: Go for it! It gives you a great idea on what managing people would be like. Also speak to people who have already been on the course for an insight and sell yourself in the application process.

To find out about Minster Law’s Leading our People programme, click here.