I wish to gather information from organisations implementing the EFQM Business Excellence Model, specifically in relation to the impact on the Learning and Development function.
What impact has using the model had on L&D? To what extent has using the model involved L&D?
How has the role of the Learning and Development changed because of its use?
David Roberts
2 Responses
EFQM and L&D
David
One of the best case examples (though a few years old now) is that of the Inland Revenue Capital Taxes Office in Cumbernauld. They used the EFQM as part of a major culture and work practice change. L&D played a key part in facilitating the EFQM process and in providing L&D options to support changes. At the same time they were also going through their first IiP assessment. For me the key to their success – and it was a success not just spin – was in coordinating and harmonising their efforts to support positive change for the organisation and for the people working in it. The main impact on L&D was to reposition it from just being a technical low-profile function to being a driver and supporter of change. The technical training still happened – it is vital – but more was done to facilitate teams in things like problem solving and addressing the issues raised in the EFQM assessment.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service used the EFQM assessment as part of their evaluation mechanisms. Again this led to L&D being more focussed on improving the EFQM scores and, consequently, key business results.
A qualified EFQM assessor will have other examples both from thier own experiences and from award winning submissions.
Hope this helps
Graham
EFQM & L&D
As Graham has said EFQM will help to ensure that L&D activity adds strategically to the business.
From a practical point of view if you meet the IiP standards then EFQM should not impact you too much – if on the other hand your development activity is not linked to strategy and business plans then you are about to undertake an interesting journey.
EFQM is likley to generate the need for more learning for you to facilitate – not least in the EFQM process its-self.
The Business Excellence Model (BEM) as it is known is a continous inprovement process – not a one hit wonder. There is no getting it perfect first time – indeed you are better off showing that you are not achieving then demonstrating HOW you will & HAVE changed because of the CI process. Businesses and departments that ‘go for gold’ in the first assessment often find it very difficult to improver – also you tend to find that the changes are sticking plasters when the BEM (business excellence model) is looking for embedded solutions. The model is based on slow change that is embedded – not quick fix solutions.
As both an IIP & BEM adviser (in the past) I have to say that as a strategic approach is is great for L&D teams.
All the best on your journey.
Mike Morrison