RASE 30th October 2007 Ensuring a dynamic approach to network development Adam Vernon rbat Network Manager

RASE 30th October 2007 rbat Network background Rural Business Advice and Training NetworkRural Business Advice and Training Network South East regional coverageSouth East regional coverage Originally only the landbased collegesOriginally only the landbased colleges Developed to include independent training providersDeveloped to include independent training providers Included Business Link as a key stakeholderIncluded Business Link as a key stakeholder Focus on upskilling/retraining short coursesFocus on upskilling/retraining short courses Supporting rural businesses i.e. those using the assets of the countrysideSupporting rural businesses i.e. those using the assets of the countryside

RASE 30th October 2007 Initial stages Inclusive network – open door to new membersInclusive network – open door to new members Equality between members – all providers have equal status in the networkEquality between members – all providers have equal status in the network Initial objectives to spread the word to other providers and grow the networkInitial objectives to spread the word to other providers and grow the network Developed a brand identity with name and logoDeveloped a brand identity with name and logo Produced first directory demonstrating unity and equalityProduced first directory demonstrating unity and equality

RASE 30th October 2007 Building the Network Strong key stakeholder Steering GroupStrong key stakeholder Steering Group Initiated local ‘Core Groups’ to ensure active member involvementInitiated local ‘Core Groups’ to ensure active member involvement Local ownership, regionally coordinatedLocal ownership, regionally coordinated Impartial project managementImpartial project management Developed marketing materials for all to useDeveloped marketing materials for all to use Developed a Network websiteDeveloped a Network website Initiated list-server communicationInitiated list-server communication

RASE 30th October 2007 Building trust and confidence Encouraged sharing of good practiceEncouraged sharing of good practice Instructor data-base for member useInstructor data-base for member use Implemented business improvement programme for membersImplemented business improvement programme for members Initiated employer engagement events across the region with HSE and BALIInitiated employer engagement events across the region with HSE and BALI Annual rbat Network regional conferenceAnnual rbat Network regional conference

RASE 30th October 2007 Quality Assurance Introduction of Quality Assurance pilotIntroduction of Quality Assurance pilot Developed by members for membersDeveloped by members for members Enhanced confidence in brokering servicesEnhanced confidence in brokering services Employer feedback and learner satisfaction two key elementsEmployer feedback and learner satisfaction two key elements Benchmarked across the SE regionBenchmarked across the SE region QA framework rolled out across all membersQA framework rolled out across all members

RASE 30th October 2007 Sustainability of the Network Introduction of subscriptionsIntroduction of subscriptions Commitment to satisfying QA frameworkCommitment to satisfying QA framework Common customer charterCommon customer charter Signed Network PledgeSigned Network Pledge Encouraging joint activities/ projectsEncouraging joint activities/ projects Mentoring Support Programme - Rural Business EnterpriseMentoring Support Programme - Rural Business Enterprise Supporting RDPE implementationSupporting RDPE implementation

RASE 30th October 2007 rbat Network key features Cultural changeCultural change Trust and confidenceTrust and confidence Capacity to deliverCapacity to deliver ResponsivenessResponsiveness Quality of serviceQuality of service Sharing of good practiceSharing of good practice Networking conduit for membersNetworking conduit for members

RASE 30th October 2007 Challenges Members running the Network from own resources – reducing central supportMembers running the Network from own resources – reducing central support Continuing to improve services to businessContinuing to improve services to business Growing the breadth and range of membersGrowing the breadth and range of members Adapting to new training demands/ new technologies / climate change etc.Adapting to new training demands/ new technologies / climate change etc. Continuing collaborative developmentsContinuing collaborative developments

RASE 30th October 2007 rbat Network Ready for the challenge? Adam Vernon rbat Network Manager