Daring 2 Lead Online

Anglia’s development programme gets virtual makeover in response to COVID-19

Caption: Dare2Lead module being delivered via the new virtual learning platform.

This week, line managers undertaking Anglia's bespoke eight-month management development programme, Dare2Lead, began their first fully web-based module with a further two planned in via a new virtual learning platform – a move made in light of Government's guidance on social distancing and working from home.

With a swift two-week turnaround, the module, originally designed for face-to-face delivery, was reviewed and repurposed for easy access online, enabling line managers across the route to continue developing their leadership skills for the benefit of themselves, their teams and the wider business in a time of need.

Teamwork:

In order to find the best solution with minimal disruption to the course, the route and programme facilitators worked together with the current cohort to understand their thoughts and concerns, and mitigate any potential challenges they might face.

The new, off-the-shelf platform is designed to replicate many aspects of face-to-face training by providing a safe online learning environment where delegates can:

• Connect via immersive virtual classrooms 
• Interact with trainers and their classmates
• Conduct group work
• Access course content using any device

Maintaining Momentum:

A spokesperson for the route said: "By continuing the programme online, we're maintaining momentum and ensuring our line managers are learning the skills they need to excel in their roles. Given the current situation, now more than ever, we need competent line management; people who can lead and manage their teams and direct reports both face-to-face and remotely, in line with our values and the Putting Passengers First programme. 

"There is a lot of potential learning for us here, as a business, with training on virtual platforms now taking place on a larger scale than ever before. Given careful evaluation of success and performance, we hope to identify new and better ways of working in the future that are both cost effective and add value to the business."