In the first Agency Growth Series podcast, Simon Edwards, Development Manager for the South Coast at YBS, is joined by Lauren Selby, Bournemouth Agency Manager. Simon and Lauren discuss training and competency scheme tips, the benefits that come with developing your team and best practices for implementation.

Simon kick-starts the conversation by asking Lauren about the differences in training and development since implementing the training and competency scheme. Lauren shares how it impacts the team and some of the wider benefits to the business. She adds that she feels both sides of the business would benefit through cross-selling and agency referrals.

Simon and Lauren go on to explore one-to-ones, from how often to have them to what is included in those meetings. Lauren also suggests that having more regular check-ins and observations helps the team embrace the process. Lauren sends an agenda out ahead of time and ensures that the employee has the opportunity to add to it. She likes to include well-being checks, key performance indicators and opportunities for growth.

From there, Simon asks how receptive the team has been to the training and competency. Lauren reveals that her team have been enjoying this process and appreciate the dedicated time to have these discussions. The team have taken great ownership of their training and competency and are encouraged to find situations where they would like to be observed. It’s also a great opportunity for them to showcase all the great things they’re doing.

To round off the podcast, Lauren shares her top tips for agencies looking to implement the training and competency scheme. She suggests: plan ahead, get the team to take ownership of their development and allow as much time to feedback as you would for the observation itself.
The Agency Growth Series is a dedicated resource that aims to help agencies grow and thrive through techniques, tools and tips of the trade.

1.32 - 15.04 discuss:

• The differences Bournemouth have seen since introducing the scheme
• Benefits of the training and competency scheme
• How to run a one-to-one
• What is discussed in a one-to-one
• The receptiveness of the Bournemouth team
• How employees can take ownership of their development
• Tips for outbound calling observations
• Lauren’s best advice for getting the most from the training and competency scheme