The college has delivered the programme to two cohorts of Torbay Council staff over the past 18 months.
The event brought graduates together with colleagues and leaders, including Anne-Marie Bond, Chief Executive of Torbay Council, and Jo Sandbrook, HR Manager at Torbay Council, who spoke about how programmes like this help build a supportive coaching culture, strengthen leadership capability and encourage people to take ownership of their own development.
Anne-Marie said: “A key part of how we provide our services is how we support one another within the council.”
Mike Laukkanen, Business Development Lead at South Devon College, said: “It was fantastic to hear how the course has equipped these individuals with the skills and confidence to coach and mentor others. It has been a real pleasure to work alongside Jo and Sophie Evans at Torbay Council over the past few months and to see two cohorts progress through this programme. It’s been a genuine partnership that has delivered some fantastic outcomes.”
Graduates spoke about what the qualification has given them.
Julia Skeet said: “Learning how to hold space for people to think was so important.”
Jesse Pozniak said: “I learnt a lot of soft skills I can use in my work, as well as how to use my work in coaching and mentoring. It’s a two-way process.”
Andrea Gjikolaj said: “I enjoyed the course, exploring the links with relational practice and how it creates safe spaces for growth and reflection.”
Jessie Shiell explored how this service can be embedded across other projects to welcome people to the Council in the coming months.
The programmes were delivered by Warron Keates, Skills Development Curriculum Lead at South Devon College. Mike paid tribute to his work, including the support he gave each individual throughout.
Mike added: “The positivity in the room was a real credit to everyone’s hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. This is what ‘Finding Your Edge’ is all about. It’s about recognising potential and giving people the tools to make a difference, not just to their own development, but to the people and organisations around them. We look forward to seeing how everyone takes these skills forward.”
Whether someone is stepping into their first leadership role or planning the next stage of their career, South Devon College’s leadership and management courses are delivered in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), with CIPD-accredited options for those interested in HR and people management. Explore the full pathway, from entry level to university-level study, here.
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