About Cystic Fibrosis Trust

'Introduction to Management' programme provides support to new managers on becoming more comfortable in their role as managers. Recently, the Trust invested in a year long development programme for its senior managers, to facilitate better collaborative working. Peer coaching, action learning and 360 degree feedback were integral parts of the programme, which is based on NLP (Neuro- Linguistic) techniques.

A new e-learning system has been made available for employees and volunteers, which is accessible from both work and home computers, reducing potential constraints around accessibility and enabling learners to engage in learning activities at a time that suits them. The system also enables the Trust to address concerns about cross infection, which prevent people with CF meeting each other, and ensure we adopt an inclusive approach to learning. The Trust recently developed an NVQ level 3 award in Volunteer Management for our employees to better understand best practice standards of volunteer management. The programme has been so successful that it is now offered to other organisations and the take-up is encouraging.

The Trust recently refreshed its IT infrastructure and has provided employees and volunteers with access to Yammer, a social networking tool for businesses. Access to Yammer is particularly important to our employees living with cystic fibrosis who cannot physically meet with each other due to cross infection issues. Access and use of Yammer ensures that anyone who delivers on behalf of the Trust has the opportunity to 'have their say' and to discuss things that are important to them, making the Trust more inclusive. Skype is also used to keep people who are home-based connected with others who are HQ-based. Regional colleagues are no longer expected to travel for their 1-2-1s which can be done using Skype or over the phone. However, this does not totally replace the need for face to face meetings. New technology also ensures that the weekly Flash Meetings, an opportunity to share and update current projects, are more interactive as 'people down the line' can participate in meetings.