In this joint venture project between fera, Interserve and evalu8d we developed a behavioural change programme focused on Sustainability. The challenge was simple, Interserve as fera's facilities management providers, tasked evalu8d to create a programme.

For this project to succeed fera needed a team of volunteers that would be strong in drawing ideas from their colleagues, and a training programme that was flexible enough to mould the ever changing needs of the delegates. That's where evalu8d came in. We developed a workshop and programme to support the SEP team (the delegates). An initial 2 day workshop was developed that focussed on coaching and facilitating.

The workshop was designed following the initial baseline observations. 12 'delegates' were identified to become the SEP Team. The design and delivery of the workshop was organic in nature, allowing the group to put into practice new facilitation skills, being observed by evalu8d in the workshop. We avoided PowerPoint, and went for a very practical approach, as we knew that the SEP team (delegates) would need to role model this in the next step.

Following the initial workshop evalu8d were then on-site to offer 1-2-1 follow-up coaching and further top up sessions to ensure that the team felt confident and had the necessary skills to drive the changes we needed. At these follow-up sessions the SEP team felt the best course of action to meet their targets was to run 'mini workshops' with their colleagues.

Applying the principles from their workshop the delegates then proceeded to develop their own workshops on waste reduction, which were developed with their evalu8d coach and then where possible observed. The facilitators behaviour was observed against the baseline, showing an improvement.

'I have been inspired by the Site Empowerment Programme team members and their impact on sustainability. Using coaching techniques, individual volunteers have developed into an empowered and motivated team. They have influenced behaviour across Fera, helping to embed sustainability into our thinking and piloting a new way to manage change.' M.Gray - Director of Operations

Our approach needed to be flexible to meet the demands on the team, for example the SEP team were asked to run workshops for fera Directors, and present at an open forum (over 200 people). To enable them to complete this evalu8d were on hand to coach and mentor the delegates, sharing presentation skills, that resulted in excellent feedback from all parties. We trusted and allowed the SEP to manage this initiative supported by evalu8d and our Sustainability Officer. Each individuals journey was different, each delegates skills improved.

In summary the training elements of this project included initial observations, 2 day workshop, onsite coaching (4 days per month).