Learning and Development
We believe that the best people can only be recruited and retained by encouraging, supporting and investing in them to realise their potential.
Our core learning curriculum has been developed in response to the needs of our business to address individuals' learning needs. We report on the fulfilment of training needs by business segment to give managers the information and ownership to help their people achieve their learning goals. Annual reviews are supported by six-monthly check-ups to ensure that personal performance and development receive the attention they need by managers and team members alike.
We focus our learning and development activities on technical training to equip people with the skills they need to do their jobs, compliance training to protect the safety and wellbeing of our people and those at our client sites, and development programmes that enhance the behaviours and skills of our people to be more effective and prepare them for their next career move within the business.
Our Group-wide employee value proposition, Committed to You, was launched in January 2009 and outlines our commitments to our people at key stages in their working life: recruitment, induction, daily environment, development and recognition.
We aim for all our employees to have at least a yearly appraisal with their line manager and all mangers are also expected to have a half-yearly review.
Our aim is that 66% of those who complete Aspire, our internal high potential development programme, should achieve promotion within 12 months of completion.
Launched in early 2010, Great! is a tool to help Sodexo managers train and develop their on-site teams. The training cards focus essentially on essential skills and knowledge - such as respecting diversity, health and safety or induction, while others focus on cleaning, hospitality or reception and skill development. While activities may need tailoring at specific sites, by creating a common approach, we can guarantee the standard of service that clients expect from Sodexo.
During our 2009/10 financial year, we delivered 1,383 courses centrally, which amounted to 16,203 days of training.
"As a manager, you need to know what makes each person tick and adapt your style
and approach accordingly. It is important to give people feedback and to recognise success.
The more you celebrate success, the more they want it, which is good for everybody. I
encourage people to bring their own ideas into the unit and we use them if possible
because that helps to boost morale."
Vanessa Mole, general manager, Sodexo Education
