Impact International short-listed for prestigious training award

Global people development company Impact International has been short-listed for a prestigious World of Learning Award. Joining just three other finalists in the Coaching Programme of the Year category, Impact was selected for its innovative work with Barclays Bank.

The World of Learning Awards are recognised as the learning industry's most prestigious awards. Judged by an independent panel of experts they reward organisations and people who have significantly advanced workplace productivity and performance within the field of learning and development.

Impact designed a powerful and constructive programme to develop the skills and tools of effective coaching through the medium of movement, whilst examining the attitudes and mindsets that underpin leadership behaviour. Impact's unique approach looked in detail at the leadership actions that individuals contribute, particularly in the context of a 1:1 relationship, providing a spotlight on the quality of 'self and other-awareness'.

It was important for Barclays that the solution simulated the emotional responses provoked by a highly challenging and pressured environment, to bring out 'real' behaviours. The unique approach to encouraging and enabling senior management to explore and express 'real' emotions in the context of a learning environment made this one of Impact's most innovative programmes to date.

The solution had to deliver on an individual and organisational level within Barclays, creating an environment where people could perform at their best and within which the relationship between leader and individuals was key. The programme design moved away from the theoretical style of learning towards a more engaging and experiential approach. Angela Ferguson, Head of Front Line Communications and Help at Barclays said it was the "most emotional course I have attended, highlighting the importance of creating a safe arena for my people and how to be an effective leader during times of high pressure and stress".

Winners will be announced at the special Awards dinner on 19 November in Birmingham during the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition (November 19 and 20) - a leading industry event dedicated to providing learning and development professionals with the latest in business learning solutions and services. Impact will be exhibiting on stand F140 providing an opportunity for organisations to meet the Impact team, discuss organisational and learning challenges and learn more about Impact's range of services and solutions.

Notes to editors
Impact International was established in 1980 in the UK with a simple aim: to bring passion and inspiration to people development. Today, Impact is a global leader in sustainable business transformation and leadership development, with a worldwide delivering capability, employing 250 talented people and working in over 50 countries from offices in the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.

Impact is recognised as a Sunday Times Top 100 Company to Work for (placed 17th this year and achieving Best Companies 3 star accreditation) and was placed 4th in the Financial Times Great Places to Work 2008. Impact was also awarded the European Foundation for Management Development 2008 Excellence in Practice Award for 'Outstanding Partnership in Organisation Development' for leading edge leadership development work with Swiss Re.

For further information contact Louise McDonald
015394 88333
louise.mcdonald@impactinternational.com
www.impactinternational.com