About
Severn Trent Water provides high quality water and sewerage services to over 3.7 million UK households and businesses in the Midlands and mid-Wales. Impact have partnered with Severn Trent Water since 1998, establishing a developing talent programme using community projects to improve interpersonal skills.
STW introduced the Developing Talent programme. The aim of the programme was to develop their graduates’ awareness of their personal impact and to increase their understanding of the interpersonal skills needed for working in a team environment.
The week long programme began with a series of experiential projects and facilitated inputs designed to focus on communication and team skills. Self-awareness is also explored using MBTI®, structured feedback and disclosure sessions.
Impact worked closely with STW to adapt the programme, which culminated with a Community Action Learning project to bring the learning to life in a real life context.
On the last programme the Community Action Learning project was based at Binley Community Centre. The participants were challenged to update the crèche, the play area and the entrance to the building. They had to gain design approval from the Centre manager before starting the project and work within the confines of a small budget and limited time constraints. The consequential project demanded that the participants worked together effectively to complete the projects to a high standard.
What the participants thought:
"The Impact facilitators were very good, they knew their stuff and were approachable and friendly. The STW facilitator was able to relate the tasks to my day job."
"The practical projects made the programme memorable, fun and helped start discussions to develop other ideas."
"It was good to do a community project that will leave something permanent behind and have a lasting positive impact."