Inspiring and involving staff training

Supporting whole-staff involvement in developing effective and enthusiastic service delivery. Helping to develop or extend confidence in working effectively with readers and learners.

Merseyside Libraries making a difference: a role for everyone, every day
Throughout 2007-2009, Jerry delivered a very effective programme of consultancy and training for Merseyside Libraries (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St. Helens, Sefton, Warrington and Wirral). Working closely with the programme steering group and with frontline staff, Jerry created and delivered an extensive package of consultancy and training in support of staff development and strategic planning and evaluation. He provided a practical toolkit and delivered twelve training days designed to engage a critical mass of staff at all levels in:

reflecting on what we do and why
reflecting on how we do things: including who does what… planning, delivery and evaluation is not the exclusive domain of managers
recognising success… all of us, every day
using evidence of success… in every library, locally, across the authority, across the region…
contributing to the development and promotion of the service

This approach is very flexible and is adaptable to Archives, Museums, Galleries, Community Development, Leisure, Arts and Sports.

What staff said:
At the end of training sessions, 30% of participants evaluated the training as 'excellent'' and 59% evaluated it as 'very good'.

Before training, only 16% of participants felt they were either 'clear' or 'very clear' about this area of our work. After training, 86% of participants felt they were either 'clear' or 'very clear'. This is a 70% improvement.

Before training, only 10% of participants felt they were either equipped or very equipped to deliver / develop this area of our work. After training, 71% of participants felt they were either equipped or very equipped. This is a 61% improvement.

What the client said (Peter Marchant, Head of Libraries, Knowsley Council, on behalf of the steering group):
'To what extent did the training meet our requirements? Excellent. From earlier work with Knowsley, around the subject of staff interactions with children & young people, I knew from the comments of front-line staff involved that Jerry was a first-rate trainer, delivering exceptional, motivational training.'

The training was extremely well received, with very high levels of positive feedback...

'I now have loads of ideas…in order to evaluate the needs of the community and act accordingly.'
'…a very interesting day that has delivered practical and useful information that I can use in my daily planning …Jerry was inspirational and motivational.'
' We have never focused on the outcome in the past – this will change!'
' A very intensive day, but well worth it.'
' …it will help focus backroom activities as well as front line work.'

The evaluation forms also indicated a real commitment to carry this work forward in the workplace. One actually refers to 'the passion of library staff' – something perhaps not generally recognised, least of all by librarians themselves.

I would be happy to be contacted further on this subject, if required.'
Peter Marchant, Head of Libraries, Knowsley Council.

For the complete client evaluation of this programme go to Clients' Comments.

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As with all of Jerry's training, sessions can be tailored to specific local needs. Jerry is also happy to create new courses to meet specific needs.

Training course options include:

The difference we make: ideas and approaches for improving our service
The strongest link! How to work as an effective team member

Areas commonly explored across these training options:

Why our service is so important and special
The importance of whole staff commitment
A role for everyone
The importance of personal engagement
Thinking about potential barriers to personal enagement and what can be done to avoid or overcome them
Focus activities
A 'toolkit' of activities and ideas for action
Action planning

'Jerry is an inspiring trainer who quickly and easily transfers his deep enthusiasm for his subject to the audience. His training courses are fun, informative and totally inspiring. New ideas or ways to tackle problems dawn on you and you quickly become fired with zeal and passion for your work. The workshops provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and share problems and, hopefully, solutions! After attending any of Jerry's courses you feel totally informed and refreshed.'
Marie Sloan, Senior Youth Librarian, South East Education Library Board, Northern Ireland

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Jerry Hurst provides training courses, workshops and seminars for libraries, schools, museums, galleries, archives, youth services and other agencies. The focus can be work with children, teenagers or adults or the full range of service provision.

Training options are adaptable to the client's specific requirements. The content, level, approach and intended learning outcomes are always designed to reflect the client's brief. Jerry is also happy to create new courses to meet specific needs. This approach ensures that outcomes for participants are closely aligned with local service and staff development priorities.

If you need further information, or would like to discuss your training or consultancy requirements, please e mail jerry@jerryhurst.co.uk or telephone +44(0)20 8364 6166.