Winners and finalists : Yorkshire Forward

Winner: Public Sector category

Finalists

• Bank of England
• BBC Radio Newsroom
• Civil Service Fast Stream
• Lancashire County Developments Ltd/Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board - Highly Commended
• Training & Development Agency for Schools
• Welsh Assembly Government
• Yorkshire Forward

Case Study

“Having met the undergraduates, I have seen first-hand the positive impact they are making within the organisation” Chief Executive, Yorkshire Forward.

Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy. They have been offering placements for five years.

Prior to intake each year managers at the organisation consider tasks and projects the placement students will be involved in, in order to ensure that for each placement offered there is a genuine benefit to the business and the student.

Placements are then advertised through universities with placement students giving presentations to increase the placement scheme profile.

Students set individual objectives at the beginning of their placement which reflect the organisations values and business goals. The placement student’s progress is then measured throughout the year against these objectives. A skills review is also completed to highlight any areas for development and to identify any training needs.

Students receive feedback through 1-2-1 meetings and 360 degree feedback by staff at all levels working within the organisation.

Managers consider tasks and projects students will be involved in to ensure there is a genuine need.
One judge commented “The structure is well thought out, well implemented and fun!”

Photography by Jacopo Pandolfi/JP Images