Some 1,000 women employed by Rolls-Royce plc, have completed the Springboard Women’s Development programme.

Rolls-Royce plc, a global company providing highly-efficient integrated power and propulsion solutions and one of the world’s most famous brands, began implementing the Springboard programmes in 1997.

In the late 1990s, there was no mechanism in Rolls-Royce for single gender learning and development programmes for women but a group of female managers – together with some male advocates – had a vision to change things. Among this group was Eleanor Radbourne, who’s currently the company’s Head of Global Talent Management & Diversity and Inclusion.

“The Springboard programme is a good fit for Rolls-Royce,” said Eleanor. “It was originally pitched at non-management women whose careers had stalled and women who wanted development opportunities. The ability to run the programmes with up to 30 women means that large numbers of women have access to good quality development in a highly cost-effective way.

“The Springboard networking approach, in a confidential uplifting environment, means that Rolls-Royce’s women employees benefit from the experiences of other women and, in particular, the guest speakers,” she added.

Developed by The Springboard Consultancy, a UK-based international training company specialising in addressing women’s development issues, the Springboard Women’s Development programme enables women to identify the clear, practical and realistic steps that they want to take to make a better world for themselves at work and home, while building the practical skills and confidence to take these steps. The programme is delivered – currently in 45 countries – over a three month period, through an extensive network of licensed local trainers and, so far, has been used by over 240,000 women around the world.

“Women from any of the company’s sites can attend and there are no restrictions or qualifying criteria other than self-nomination – and support from line management,” said Jan Morris, of Ruby Tuesday Training, an experienced freelance – and licensed Springboard – trainer who has delivered over 40 Springboard programmes for Rolls-Royce plc since 1997. “Rolls-Royce works around the world, so we’ve had women attend Springboard programmes from countries including France, Portugal and Canada.

“There’s now a great deal of diversity represented among Springboard participants – in terms of jobs performed, areas of the company represented, staff grades, nationalities and ethnicity,” continued Jan. “Today’s ‘Springboarders’ accept accountability, take control of their career progression and are much more empowered. They believe that they can influence change.”

To find out more about Rolls-Royce and its ‘Springboard experience’, visit the Springboard Consultancy website: http://www.springboardconsultancy.com/training-case-studies/rolls-royce/

Delegates on a recent Springboard programme, held at Rolls-Royce in Bristol.