Nursery managers from Bright Horizons Family Solutions' (BHFS) UK and Ireland operations and head office staff recently gathered for the chain's second European Leadership Conference.
The event is inspired by the company's successful leadership conferences in the US. Although not as large as the US conference, the European one has grown this year following the chain's acquisitions of Child & Co and the Birrell Collection.
More than 150 people filled a hotel in Peterborough for the two-day conference that included keynote addresses and workshops on subjects including training, curriculum and supervision. It culminated in an awards ceremony in the grand setting of Selwyn College, Cambridge.
'The conference brings together all regional managers with head office staff,' says BHFS chairman Susan Hay. 'These people would not ordinarily have the chance to meet, but operationally this is so important. We know how valuable it is for one nursery to share ideas with a neighbouring nursery. When that is multiplied across a group, given that includes places as diverse as Aberdeen, Cardiff and Dublin, then that is a huge amount of expertise and experience to gain from. The release of information is huge and it is good for professional development.
'It also makes sure people understand the company's growth during the last year and in the next year - the organic growth of settings and our acquisition plans. It is beneficial for people to see how this growth translates into opportunities for staff so that their professional growth is maximised.'
Feeling appreciated
Karen Thompson, Alperton centre manager in London, has also attended two of the company's US conferences. 'It felt very special to be flying off to Tampa in Florida for work,' she says. 'The conferences have helped make me feel a valuable part of the group and feel so appreciated. Even though I have been managing for many years, I returned from the conference with new ideas on how to supervise staff.
'This European conference was certainly on a par with the US. The US conference was much bigger but they were both equally slick, well-planned and organised - they felt like no expense was spared.'
Human resources manager Sharon Williams says the cost of the conference is not an issue, 'It is money well spent because it is an investment in staff.' She is in no doubt that recognising centre managers and head office staff through inviting them to the event helps with retention. 'Feedback has included comments on the family feeling and a sense of being part of a supportive group. It inspired people,' she says.
Delia Goodman, Blanchardstown centre manager in Dublin, believes the conference is one of the perks of being involved in a large company and is good for building staff morale.
'I recently moved from managing a smaller centre to Blanchardstown which has 124 places and I was feeling overwhelmed,' she says. 'I was having problems getting used to this much larger cente, but at the conference I met other managers who had experienced the same feelings. I came away with fresh ideas on how to tackle the issues. I have returned to work feeling much more reassured that I have the resources and am not on my own.'
Giving praise
Ms Hay says the inclusion of an award ceremony is important to give recognition to the staff for the hard work they do. 'I can't underestimate the respect that we owe to staff,' she says.
Centre-based awards included ones honouring client partnership, education programmes and 'Better Together' which highlights staff who support the professional growth of others.
Head office staff also received awards ranging from the 'Right Way to Work'
award for those who demonstrate consistent work ethics, to the customer service award.
Both Ms Goodman and Ms Thompson were surprised to receive accolades - the 'Family Partnership' award and 'Education Programme' award, respectively.
'I came away feeling proud to work for Bright Horizons,' says Ms Thompson.
'The company is large, but the conference stressed that as long as we follow the obvious guidelines we can all manage our centres with our individual style and centres do not have to be clones of each other.
'The award ceremony was amazing - the hall was stunning. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion, although I wouldn't have worn heels if I had known I was going to be collecting an award!' nc