Case Studies

University of Bristol

University of Bristol had a need for training in Digital Marketing and commissioned our Effective Marketing for Higher Education Training course. Read on to find out how they benefited from the day.

What were the initial requirements from the training?

My team had requested training in Digital Marketing as they felt under equipped in this area as well as under resourced in both time and budget.

Why did you choose UMG In-House training?

I had seen an email from UMG which advertised the course “Effective Marketing for Higher Education.” It was exactly what I was looking for, for my team.

What were the training outcomes?

Andrew gave us a really good insight into very low cost tools that we could use effectively, as well as initial guidance on how to set up goals to measure and evaluate activity most effectively.

How will the skills gained on the training course be utilised in your organisation?

As this training was delivered In-House, we were able to open this up to all relevant teams, (digital, publications, social media, UX, campaigns). This has given us all a common starting point to develop future campaigns.

Any Further Thoughts?

Andrew was a really engaging trainer. I feel both overwhelmed and inspired by his level of knowledge and generosity of spirit in sharing it. Thank you!

Crown Commercial Service

Crown Commercial Service wanted to introduce key teams and individuals within the organisations to different ways of communicating. A bespoke communications course was developed to introduce the teams to different communication styles.

What were the initial requirements from the training?

To introduce key teams and individuals within the Crown Commercial Service to different ways of communicating.

Why did you choose UMG In-House training?

We have used Understanding ModernGov before for ‘Effective Briefings and Submissions’ In-House training, which is always well received.

What were the training outcomes?

To have a different set of skills and tools.

How will the skills gained on the training course be utilised in your organisation?

Increased quality and diversity of communication styles being used in the Crown Commercial Service.

St Peter’s CE Primary & Nursery School

St Peter's Learning Centre wanted to a one-day course, to be delivered locally, to train a group of Pupil Premium Leads and Headteachers on effective Pupil Premium strategy and practice.

What were the initial requirements from the training?

A one-day course delivered locally to train a group of Pupil Premium Leads and Headteachers on effective Pupil Premium strategy and practice.

Why did you choose UMG In-House training?

I saw that UMG were running exactly the course I wanted as an open course in London which was also available as an In-House session.

What were the training outcomes?

Improved staff knowledge of the range of strategies that research has proven to be most effective in accelerating progress for children entitles to the PPG;
Enhanced clarity – participants learned the importance of PPG spending being focussed on individual needs which are driven by barriers to learning;
Increased confidence in relation to the language of Pupil Premium; A clear plan of action to enhance practice in our schools.

How will the skills gained on the training course be utilised in your organisation?

We will develop a much more detailed strategy which is based on evidence and barriers. We will then trial new initiatives, measuring their impact against a control group where possible.

Any further thoughts or comments?

We could not have asked for more support from UMG. The service provided has been superb and the team were extremely lovely and attentive. Thank you for organising such a super day.

Ipswich and East and West Suffolk CCG

Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group were looking for a course specifically tailored to their organisation. Find out how we were able to help fulfill their requirements.

What were the initial requirements from the training?

To introduce staff to Trusted Assessment
To ensure the privacy of personal information when sharing information, whilst conforming to the Data Protection Act & GDPR
Establishing a common knowledge base and understanding of information sharing practices across the region
Understanding the benefits, importance and challenges of information sharing practices in our service
To gain unique insight from an external Data Protection expert with experience leading similar successful information management programmes

Why did you choose UMG In-House training?

An advertisement came through and we liked the ability to tailor the training to our requirements, the flexibility of the trainer, and the professional way in which we were treated.

What were the training outcomes?

The training provided a good base from which to start pulling together a steering group and project team. It also raised awareness of the Trusted Assessment work and the general principles of data sharing and why we need to go with an explicit consent model for Suffolk.

How will the skills gained on the training course be utilised in your organisation?

Increased knowledge of information governance will enable employees of all the provider organisations that took part to have more confidence in their streams of work where data sharing has traditionally been perceived as ‘fraught with danger’.

Any further thoughts or comments?

I would not hesitate in recommending Understanding ModernGov In-House Training to any organisation. The expertise was second to none. The trainer worked with the organisers to establish the key outcomes and then tailor the course to our requirements. The day was incredibly successful and feedback from delegates was excellent.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The Leeds Teaching Hospital wanted to help senior nurses reflect on their leadership strengths and weaknesses and to aid them to develop a strong confident approach to leadership.

What were the initial requirements from the training at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust?

To facilitate senior nurses to reflect on their leadership strengths and weaknesses and to develop a strong, confident approach to leadership within our clinical service unit.

Why did you choose UMG In-House training?

Previous experience of UMG’s excellent speakers.

What were the training outcomes?

To have a strong united team of senior nurses with confidence to tackle strong characters within the teams.

How will the skills gained on the training course be utilised in Leeds Teaching Hospital?

To manage more challenging team members with confidence and to maintain standards at all times as a result of strong leadership.

Any further thoughts?

The days were excellent, good use of discussion, group work and reflective work, as well as team collaboration and support. Thank you!

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University were looking for some training to enable them to take a more creative approach to their digital marketing campaigns. Find out how our tailored approach, helped them develop an agenda that met their needs.

What were the initial requirements at Oxford Brookes University?

We approached UMG primarily to help us develop innovative ideas to enhance our digital marketing campaigns. UMG offered a consultative and tailored approach to training that was refreshing, allowing us to take control of our own agenda.

What were the training outcomes?

The training itself was delivered by someone whose passion for the subject was infectious. We all came away from the day feeling motivated and inspired with a lot of ideas for new digital content and ‘quick-win’ campaigns, and the team was was better off for it.

Final thought…

I hope to be able to use UMG again in the very near future, for whatever training needs we may have.

Northern Devon NHS Trust

Northern Devon NHS Trust wanted to support their teams in developing effective business planning and case proposals. We worked with them to develop a bespoke training programme, delivered at their own venue. Read on to find out how their teams were able to use the skills they gained from the session.

What were the initial requirements at Northern Devon NHS Trust?

We recognised that our teams needed training in developing documents that supported effective business planning and case proposals, and wanted to develop a programme that enhanced their ability to write detailed reports and documents in the most effective, efficient way, articulating all needs, plans and outcomes.

Why did you chose UMG?

The content of existing programmes delivered by UMG attracted us to the group, and the ability to deliver sessions in a bespoke way within our own venue ensured the best use of time and met the demand for such a focused programme. The feedback has been very encouraging, and has led to continued use of UMG to provide training.

What were the training outcomes?

To support our team to hone effective skills, improving the way they communicate with colleagues and service users. Also, we wanted to enhance team skills with effective communication across a variety of media and audiences, following a house style that was structured and focused.

How has what the team learned been utilised in the organisation?

The learning has been utilised to increase effective communication within our organisation, particularly in reports, which has supported more efficiently and effectively in promoting business cases and activity.

Final thoughts…

UMG listened to the challenges and personalised the content of the course to meet our needs, delivering it in a bespoke fashion that gave very positive responses and outcomes.

Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University were looking for team training for their Finance and Administration department. They wanted to help build confidence in delivering presentations and business cases to a high level audience.

What were the initial requirements at Nottingham Trent University?

Our Finance and Administration teams sought training to help build individual’s confidence in delivering presentations and business cases to a high level audience. Due to the diverse nature of our roles, we each hoped to gain insight and knowledge of top tips that would help to make an impact and influence the buy-in of our audience.

Why did you chose UMG?

We had seen UMG advertised online; the programme appeared to tick all of the boxes and offer expertise in additional areas, and the trainers came with excellent credentials.

What were the training outcomes?

Feedback from our attendee’s was ranked 100% positive, and the course exceeded our expectations and delivered far more than we anticipated – each individual took away a memorable lesson from the experience, not only in how to apply clever business techniques, but also a fresh perspective resulting in very valuable, personal, and enlightening insights and outcomes.

Final thought…

We would highly recommend training with UMG for a memorable day away from the desk that will pay dividends to your personal development and team building.

Oxfam

Oxfam were looking for a training session that could not only give them an overview of the UK's Data Protection Act, but also a tailored view that related specifically to areas of their business to which the DPA applies.

What were the initial requirements at Oxfam?

Oxfam’s initial requirements of Understanding ModernGov were to provide an overview of the UK Data Protection Act, and then specifically to areas of our business to which the DPA applies.

What were the training outcomes?

We then selected UMG to deliver a day-long in-house seminar to staff from across the business. The presenters were very knowledgeable and worked with the teams to ensure they understood the material, and the impact of the DPA concerning Oxfam’s areas of work specifically. The interactive approach worked well and we had positive feedback from those who took part. We would not hesitate in asking UMG to deliver further seminars.

Derby City Council

Derby City Council wanted to develop their commercial awareness, in order to help their new commercial services department grow and take on new clients. Find out how, we were able to deliver a bespoke course that gave them the confidence that their commercial strategy was heading in the right direction.

Who are Derby City Council?

Derby City Council are a unitary Authority in the East Midlands, with the operational division Streetpride covering services including Highway Maintenance, Engineering, Street Cleansing, and Waste Management. We have a growing range of commercial services offered to both internal and external clients.

What were the initial requirements?

To develop our commercial awareness to enable our fledgling commercial services to grow and take on new clients from a variety of sectors. The increased income generated would then be used to subsidise essential public services.

Why did you chose UMG?

The course literature looked good, with a decent balance of theory and practical examples from other similar organisations. Previous feedback and testimonials were also very positive.

What were the training outcomes?

The confidence that we were heading in the right direction with our commercial strategy, with a better insight into client expectations and how to manage them.

How has what the team learned been utilised in the organisation?

The learning from the day has been used to better identify what our offer is to our potential customers, what makes us unique, and what the benefits are to our clients in coming to us. We have also been able to better target potential customers and manage relationships, making sure they are happy with our services in order to ensure repeat custom.

Final thoughts…

The course presenter was very knowledgeable, with directly applicable experience relating to our services and needs. He’d been in our position, and had come out the other side successfully.

Testimonials

“Great teacher! Engaging and huge knowledge base and experience. Very personable – remembered all our names!”

Effective Briefings and Submission Policy and Parliamentary Officer, British Council

“I thought the trainer was exceptional. She was interactive, experienced and built a very good rapport with participants. The handouts will be very useful also”

Effective Briefings and Submission Senior Officer, National Crime Agency

“I wish I had done this course at the start of my career!”

Effective Briefings and Submission Head of Research and Innovation, NHS

“The most engaging course I have attended in over 30 years.”

Effective Briefings and Submission Policy Advisor, Department for Transport

"Enjoyable and worthwhile – you will learn and be better at your job at the end of the course!"

Speaking with Impact Fraud Specialist, NHS Business Services Authority

“I would highly recommend this course to improve your confidence in public speaking. The teacher was knowledgeable, patient and engaging. I really enjoyed it"

Speaking with Impact Grade 7 Lawyer, Government Legal Department

“Excellent course – went really quickly. Sandie was fabulous, engaging and very experience. Her acting background shone through and was a huge plus – it’s the best trainer I have experience for a long time”

Presenting with Impact Executive Director Neighbourhoods and Wellbeing, Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group

“A very challenging and rewarding course enabling you to rehearse and develop your presentation skill”

Presenting with Impact Head Teacher, Coldfall Primary School

“Everything about this training course was excellent; the course content to the tutor delivering it. I am pleased with my course learning over the two days and the hints/ tips/ skills I have picked up / developed.”

Presenting with Impact Senior Visits Officer, Department for International Trade

“A great course to gain essential skills in presenting with impact to influence and inform others. Gained new skills and techniques I can use for the future.”

Presenting with Impact Assistant Director, Havering Council

“I found this course hugely enjoyable and useful. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to build their confidence and gain advanced presentation skills. Probably the most practically useful course I’ve ever done.”-

Presenting with Impact Postgraduate Recruitment Manager, University of Bristol

“Lynn's approach to teaching this subject was ideal, I particularly appreciated her openness about challenges we all face as DPO's and her willingness to work collaboratively with delegates in her offering to point us towards helpful materialsto support our work. I really enjoyed the course and found it extremely helpful for my ongoing development as a DPO"

Excelling in the Role of a Data Protection Officer Quality and Compliance Officer, Ark Housing Association

It was a fun course to take part in. There was a lot of information given, and it was done in an engaging way with lots of interactivity, even over Zoom. I really enjoyed the course and learned lots from it.”

Excelling in the Role of a Data Protection Officer Internal Quality and Improvement Officer, Social Work England

“I really enjoyed the course. To be honest, I had been slightly concerned about participating in a full day’s course remotely, especially as I had never used Zoom before, but the trainer was excellent and put everyone at their ease and was knowledgeable and engaging. I found the material really interesting and the time flew by! I really liked the mix of whole group learning and break out groups.”

Excelling in the Role of a Data Protection Officer Learning and Development Officer, Intellectual Property Office.

“Fantastic course, trainer and facilitator. I am really pleased I attended the course and have learned new skills and techniques. The course was very informative, interactive and well organised. It was great to hear how the other delegates work and all help each other to improve our skills.”-

Quick Responses to Complex Situations Executive Assistant, Saint Francis Hospice

“I really enjoyed this course. I found many of the activities useful and the trainer was very good at delivering information whilst keeping my attention. I have certainly learnt some new skills.”

Quick Responses to Complex Situations Executive Assistant, University of Cambridge

"A really useful course run by a fantastic training provider who gave great ideas, examples and opportunities to practise"

Quick Responses to Complex Situations Communications Manager, Notting Hill Clements

"Great course. Very open and encouraging trainer who created a friendly atmosphere"

Quick Responses to Complex Situations Volunteer Recruitment Manager, Mercy Ships UK

“I found this in-depth course incredibly useful for the breadth of topics it covered in one day, and for the tools it gives you for taking action afterwards!”

Mastering Digital CommunicationsDigital Communications Officer, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

“This is an excellent course for anyone wanting to learn more about digital communications and how to measure how effective they are in your organisation. The course was delivered very professionally and I felt very engaged throughout even though it was remote”

Mastering Digital CommunicationsCommunications Manager, Magenta Living

“It was a fun course to take part in. There was a lot of information given, and it was done in an engaging way with lots of interactivity, even over Zoom. I really enjoyed the course and learned lots from it.”

Effective Business Process Mapping Internal Quality and Improvement Officer, Social Work England

"An inspirational and very interactive experience delivered by a very engaging and vibrant trainer. Learned to consider my body and breath to help improve communication and confidence when delivering meetings."

Confident Communication for Women in the Workplace Senior Analyst, Ofgem

"A very different approach to giving me the confidence in my job but also my day-to-day life. Thanks!"

Confident Communication for Women in the Workplace Finance Administrator, University of Edinburgh

"This course pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad that it did as it greatly enhanced the learning experience." -

Confident Communication for Women in the Workplace Group Head of Finance, Binn Skips Ltd

“This course was a full day of interesting discussions and so many tips to help create Action Plans and meeting agendas, direction on how to lead within change using transition rather than change. Brilliant day!”

Effective Strategic Thinking Criminal Justice Operational Manager, Thames Valley Police

“I recommend the Effective Strategic Thinking virtual course with Understanding ModernGov! In these challenging times when attending training courses is not as was, I really enjoyed the format of the day, the breakout rooms, discussions and tutor led debates and teaching.”

Effective Strategic Thinking Town Centre Manager, Crawley Borough Council

“This is an excellent course, well run by a practitioner in this field. I feel equipped to go and experiment with new techniques in representing data.”

Effective Data Visualisation University of Edinburgh

“Really interesting easy to follow interactive course covering all aspects of effective data visualisation.”

Effective Data Visualisation Research Associate, University of Manchester

“I have learned a great deal with many tips and ideas to enable to improve the authority’s reports.”

Effective Data Visualisation Corporate Performance Management Officer, Carmarthenshire County Council

"The trainer was an excellent instructor who provided insight from their own experience and applied to fun and engaging practical sessions that i can apply to my own teams."

Developing Agile Teams Operations Manager, University of Portsmouth

"A really informative, interactive and beneficial course for anyone who doesn't know much about agile."

Developing Agile Teams Programme Management Support Officer, Avon Fire and Rescue Service

“This is a very useful course. The presentation was clear and informative. The presenter was very knowledgeable and approachable.”

Creating Data Protection Impact Assessments Disclosure Officer, South Wales Police

Very interesting and knowledge speaker who provided practical examples of how to apply DPA/GDPR in practice

Creating Data Protection Impact Assessments Development and Support Service Manager, East Lancashire Hospice

“The effective data impact assessments course was really engaging and interesting covering a range of topics from the legal understanding required to complete the assessments to the method thought process required to do so.”

Creating Data Protection Impact Assessments Data Analyst, Health and Safety Executive

“This is honestly the best one-day course I have ever attended – Susan’s knowledge and know how are astounding.”

Effective Responses to Complaints in the Public Sector Head of Nursing, BCUHB

“Brilliant course. Every manager involved in responding to complaints should attend.”

Effective Responses to Complaints in the Public Sector Consultant in A&E, Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust

“For anybody that writes bids this has been an excellent day. I have learnt more than I thought I would”

Effective Bid Writing Control Centre Manager, Shepway District Council

“An outstanding course that will improve the skills of my team and make us more competitive”

Effective Bid Writing Senior Bid Manager, Willmott Dixon Partnerships

“A very informative course and very beneficial to my day to day role Sue was an excellent trainer.”

Effective Bid Writing Principal Regeneration Officer, Rushmoor Borough Council

“A very detailed course, tailored to meet the needs of every delegate”

Effective Bid Writing Tender Writer, The Stroke Association

"This course provided an excellent understanding of how to write effectively and why it is important to do so."

Effective Report Writing Senior Engineering Specialist, Eastleigh Borough Council

“Susan is a really great teacher. On Zoom it can be hard to engage people but she really got all the attendees chatting and contributing throughout the day. The day was set out really well. I enjoyed the group tasks as it gave us lots of opportunity to practically apply what we were learning about, rather than just listening, or talking. 10/10 would recommend”

Effective Proofing and Editing Skills External Communications Officer, Leonard Cheshire

“I would really recommend the course. Sue is a fantastic trainer and the day passed by far too quickly. Lots of helpful resources to take away, also very impressed with the smooth transition to online learning. Thank you!”

Effective Proofing and Editing Skills Senior Events Officer, King’s College London

"Excellent course, lots of useful tips"

Influencing and Negotiating Upwards Head of Commercial, Office for National Statistics

"Hugely useful, practical course that provided invaluable tips in an entertaining way"

Influencing and Negotiating Upwards Assistant Director Economic Shocks, BEIS

“Highly recommend that all who work within complaints – take the opportunity to attend”

Effective Written Responses to Complaints in Education Director of Student Admin Services, St Patrick’s College

“Sue was so knowledgeable, engaging + excellent. Very useful examples + great examples used”

Effective Written Responses to Complaints in Education Appeals & Complaints Officer, Goldsmith University

Advanced Minute Taking Executive Assistant, Saint Francis Hospice

“I really enjoyed this course. I found many of the activities useful and the trainer was very good at delivering information whilst keeping my attention. I have certainly learnt some new skills that will make me a better minute taker going forward.”

Advanced Minute Taking Executive Assistant, University of Cambridge

"An all encompassing course that stimulates thinking on managing remote teams"

Excelling in Remote Team Leadership and Management National Development Manager, Fareshare UK

"Really informative course. Great trainer. Lots of useful knowledge and tips to support new ways of working and remote working"

Excelling in Remote Team Leadership and Management People Manager, Epping Forest District Council

"Very well paced with sufficient course content especially for a new individual in premises management"

Effective Premises and Compliance Audits Corporate Health & Safety Advisor, London Borough of Brent

"I thought the course was well organised and scope was remarkable for a one day course. The instructor's style and handling of audience was very good"

Effective Premises and Compliance Audits Compliance manager, DEFRA

"This course would be excellent for anybody wanting to gain a greater understanding of Health and Safety Compliance."

Effective Premises and Compliance Audits Trust Estates Manager, South London and Maudsley NHS

“This has been a very interesting and beneficial day, not only to myself but also what I will be taking back to my organisation.”

Developing Commercial AwarenessLondon Fire, Business Support Group Manager

"This course will serve as a catalyst for more in depth reflection and behavioural change"

Applying Emotional Intelligence Director of Hospitals, Isle of Man Govt

"It was a refreshing, open and honest course providing useful tools to use in the work environment"

Applying Emotional Intelligence Section Head, Department of Health

"The trainer was very knowledgeable and able to answer queries, along with encouraging discussion amongst the delegates so we could learn and develop our knowledge"

Applying Emotional Intelligence HR Advisor, NWL Collaboration of CCB’s

“This is honestly the best one-day course I have ever attended – Susan’s knowledge and know how are astounding.”

Developing Effective Written Responses to Complaints in HealthcareHead of Nursing, BCUHB

“A really good course which provided a number of light bulb moments regarding my own practice and practice I approve.”

Developing Effective Written Responses to Complaints in HealthcareMatron, 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust

"This course provides a good combination of general theory and very practical, experience based advice; really adding value to your day to day activities if you work with records management.”

A Guide to Successful Information and Records Management GDPR Protect Manager, DataAI

"A very well put together course which covered all aspects of records management you could possibly want!"

A Guide to Successful Information and Records Management Departmental Records Officer, Natural England

"An excellent and informative course delivered by knowledgeable presenters. I recommend it!"

A Guide to Successful Information and Records Management Agency Records Officer, Vehicle Certification Agency

"Excellent location and venue. Course was very informative, excellent clear speakers with an excellent understanding of their subjects."

A Guide to Successful Information and Records Management Corporate Governance Implementation Manager, North West Anglia NHA Foundation Trust

“This has been a very useful day, very interactive and supportive. I have come away with loads of new ideas and different perspectives to take back to my practice area, most important I hope that what I have learned will improve patient outcomes.”

Successfully Resolving Verbal ComplaintsIpswich and Colchester NHS Foundation Trust

“A good days training that covered process improvement told and techniques that can be used across the University presented in format that is easily understood.”

Implementing Continuous Improvement StrategyService Development Officer, Birmingham City University

“A wonderful course that was engaging, educational and taught by a great teacher.”

Effective Report WritingGraduate Trainee Accountant, Highways England

“One of the best training sessions that I have attended which uses practical tools to improve my presentation skills.”

Speaking With ImpactMatron, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

“Very good examples used. Makes you assess data differently made topic interesting. Well delivered and informative will be recommending to colleagues.”

Effective Data VisualisationOversight Officer, Independent Police Complaints Commission

“Enjoyable day, good to discuss interesting topics around development, leadership and challenges, will definitely use some of the ideas raised.”

Developing High Performing TeamsSM Special Operations, London Fire Brigade

“A good introduction to an area I was completely unfamiliar with. Gives a lot to think about going forward.”

Developing Agile TeamsAssistant Economist, Food Standards Agency

“Excellent course, the leader was very personable and easy to talk to, loved every minute of it!”

Storytelling for Business Head of Communications, Crown Commercial Service