Jan 23
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Cambridge Spark
BEAM Academy Leads Data Transformation in the Retail Sector
Elevating the Data Skills Journey
In 2020, M&S launched its BEAM Academy to accelerate growth of colleagues’ digital and data skills and embed digital-first ways of working. Helping to continue making M&S a great place to work, BEAM Academy gives employees access to many programmes, including industry-leading data apprenticeships, live learning events and workshops, hackathons, and more.
To date, 350+ colleagues have benefited from the level 3 and level 4 data apprenticeships. But in November 2021, M&S launched retail’s first Level 7 AI & Data Science apprenticeship in partnership with Cambridge Spark. This enabled M&S to offer colleagues more advanced upskilling in data in line with their ambition to grow industry-leading data science and analytics capability.
M&S now have 4 cohorts and are the largest provider of the programme in the retail sector with fellows from the first cohort having graduated in October 2023.
Suzanne Howse, Head of Enterprise Data at M&S, says key to their decision to partner with Cambridge Spark to deliver a Level 7 AI & Data Science programme was the fact that the apprenticeship provider's CEO Raoul-Gabriel Urma intimately knows what it's like to "live and breathe as a data practitioner". It was also clear the company’s sole focus is on educating workforces with critical digital transformation skills to succeed in the AI era.
The programme has seen value added through colleagues participating from across business areas, including Clothing & Home, Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Digital and Tech, to name a few.
To read the full case study visit the Cambridge Spark website here!
To date, 350+ colleagues have benefited from the level 3 and level 4 data apprenticeships. But in November 2021, M&S launched retail’s first Level 7 AI & Data Science apprenticeship in partnership with Cambridge Spark. This enabled M&S to offer colleagues more advanced upskilling in data in line with their ambition to grow industry-leading data science and analytics capability.
M&S now have 4 cohorts and are the largest provider of the programme in the retail sector with fellows from the first cohort having graduated in October 2023.
Suzanne Howse, Head of Enterprise Data at M&S, says key to their decision to partner with Cambridge Spark to deliver a Level 7 AI & Data Science programme was the fact that the apprenticeship provider's CEO Raoul-Gabriel Urma intimately knows what it's like to "live and breathe as a data practitioner". It was also clear the company’s sole focus is on educating workforces with critical digital transformation skills to succeed in the AI era.
The programme has seen value added through colleagues participating from across business areas, including Clothing & Home, Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Digital and Tech, to name a few.
To read the full case study visit the Cambridge Spark website here!
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Who should attend the Summer School?
The Summer School is split into two cohorts - Emerging
Leaders and Transforming Leaders. The Emerging Leaders programme is aimed at
those either new to a leadership role or identified as having high potential to
step into a leadership role within the next 12-18 months. In addition, we have
a number of delegates attend who are from support functions as the course helps
to develop self-awareness and understanding of the wider retail industry. The
Transforming Leaders programme is aimed at established, evolving retail leaders
and support managers, those already in a leadership role with a proven track
record of experience and influence. We believe
that leadership is something that everyone can do and is not necessarily
limited to those who have people management responsibility. It is also useful
to accept that many may be in differing places on their leadership journey and
will benefit from different development opportunities.
How and when is the programme delivered?
Our 2022 Summer School will be a blended approach, starting
on the 8th June 2022 with a 3-day residential programme followed by
weekly sessions (2-3 hours) which will involve a mix of live virtual plenaries,
group work and specific content release via our learning platform. The School
will culminate in a final 2 day residential from the 27th to 28th
July 2022 where learners will regroup, reflect, and focus on the future.
What is unique or different about this programme?
The Summer School will provide an unrivalled deep dive into the four megatrends of People, Profit, Purpose and Planet through thought leadership, social learning, and self-led modular content. Supported by experts, retailers and organisations that will stretch delegates thinking by looking outside of what they ‘think’ they know, bringing insight and foresight back to the organisation. The blend of residential and virtual over the course of the 8 weeks provides attendees the opportunity to put into practice what they are learning and explore this within the safety of their groups during the programme. Our course will bring to life the lenses, developing truly conscious leaders within retail for now and the future. There is no other programme like the Leaders’ Summer School!
Where is the residential?
We are proud that our residential home for 2022 will be Ashridge House Estate in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. With the changes in the School being more future focused and inclusive it is important to us that our residential home reflects similar values.
What is the price of the programme and do you offer any discounts?
Our earlybird offer has now closed. The standard price for BRC Members starts from £3,225 for the Emerging Leaders Programme and £3,350 for the Transforming Leaders Programme. This is variable dependent BRC Membership. Group and individual discounts may be applied by discretion with our Head of Leadership Programmes, please contact vicki.young@brc.org.uk to explore this further.
What
does the cost of the programme include?
The cost includes all accommodation and food for the
duration of the residential elements of the course (8th to 10th
June 2022 and 27th to 28th July 2022). Any additional soft
or alcoholic drinks required during the residential element are to be paid for by
delegates, some will be provided with the evening meals. Please note that
Ashridge is a cashless venue and any purchases outside of the core offering
should be settled immediately with the venue.
Is parking available onsite?
There is plenty of parking available however we are conscious of our own carbon footprint and would encourage delegates to either car share or arrive by train to Berkhamsted station. A free shuttle bus will be available to take delegates to the venue on the day of arrival and departure, timetable is below.
What time do delegates need to be at the residential for?
Arrival
to the first residential will be between 8am – 10am, giving delegates enough
time to check in and familiarise themselves, the School will formally start at
10.30am. Departure will be from 3.00pm on the 10th June. For the second
residential the arrival time will be the same on the 27th July but the
departure time will be from 4.30pm on the 28th July.
What if delegates cannot attend both residentials?
The residential elements are integral to the social learning element of the programme and therefore attendance is required at both. We do however recognise that there may be circumstances that arise which will impact their ability to attend, contingency measures will be put in place in this scenario, and we will record live sessions for delegates to watch. We cannot recreate the atmosphere and additional experience that they would no doubt benefit from being in the face-to-face learning environment.The residential elements are integral to the social learning element of the programme and therefore attendance is required at both. We do however recognise that there may be circumstances that arise which will impact their ability to attend, contingency measures will be put in place in this scenario, and we will record live sessions for delegates to watch. We cannot recreate the atmosphere and additional experience that they would no doubt benefit from being in the face-to-face learning environment.
Is the programme accredited?
You will be awarded a digital badge to recognise your participation in the programme which you can display on your website, CV or social media account. The badge will be available to download upon completion of the programme.
How long will the course take to complete/what is mandatory?
As with any blended learning opportunity commitment and engagement from delegates are what makes the learning happen. All content should be completed within the 8 weeks of the programme. Delegates will be expected to access all live events (or watch recordings) and access on demand content as it is released. There will be a project, or simulator, which will take place alongside the programme for each cohort.
What is a Group Coaching session?
Each delegate will be assigned to a coaching group made up of 8-10 learners and facilitated by a Group Coach, these sessions are essential to benefit from the social learning element of the programme. The relationship of the group with start to form at the residential and this will build as the course progresses, sessions will be arranged around the live virtual elements of the programme providing the groups with the opportunity to reflect on what they have heard, discuss, debate, and explore within a safe environment. The Group Coach is there to support in facilitating, coaching and being an independent confidante to delegates to nurture their learning.
It sounds like a big commitment, how much time will it take each week?
Across the duration of the school, we anticipate that each learner will need to assign 3-4 hours per week to either a live event, group coach sessions, module work and self-reflection which would be on a Wednesday afternoon.
Is there a final assessment?
There is no final assessment and no pass or fail. However, delegates will be expected to commit to a continuing personal development plan at the end of the School. This will include how they will apply learning back into their organisation and a review against their initial learning intentions. As part of the project or simulator delegates will receive final feedback on their submissions and position against other groups at the end of the programme.
How do you measure the results of the learning?
There will be a golden thread of “how can I apply this learning and how will it impact me, my team and my organisation.” This will be supported by a self-assessment tool completed by the learner at the start of the school, the tool has been built specifically for the programme using neuroscience and aims to dig beneath the surface of the conscious leader to bypass their individual bias. The results will continue to grow and evolve as delegates take their learnings back to the workplace and assess these against their original learning intentions.
Will delegates have access to a coach or mentor?
All delegates will be part of a coaching group for the length of the schools where they will be supported by a ‘group coach.’ Delegates and their sending organisations will be encouraged to identify an inhouse sponsor/mentor who can support the application of delegates learning back into their workplace.
Is there any pre-work ahead of the start of the School?
In the weeks leading up to the residential delegates will be sent their joining instructions. This will include a link to the Learning Platform which will be the main source of information for the duration, they will also be sent some pre-recorded videos to help set their mindset for the School - thought provoking views on the future of retail and some insights into what they can expect from the course. They will also be asked to complete a self-diagnostic development tool which will support their learning journey and personal growth in conscious leadership.
How are you ensuring diversity at the School?
One of our primary values is inclusion, by being inclusive and allowing delegates, contributors, and guests to be their authentic selves will help to increase the diversity of all attendees. We encourage all organisations to consider when nominating delegates to ensure that their attendees are a representation of their workforce, and that an open and inclusive approach has been taken to selecting them.
Will you be offering any scholarships?
We are in the process of developing a number of social spaces on the course aimed at independent businesses, not for profit organisations and underrepresented groups to apply for a scholarship space on the school. Our scholarship scheme will cover the costs of learning, but a minimal cost will apply for the residential programme. For further information please contact vicki.young@brc.org.uk.
B Lab
B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
Find us at stand XYZ123
Come and visit us to find out more about:
B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
Find us at stand XYZ123
Come and visit us to find out more about:
Cambridge Spark
The media is full of questions about A.I.-regulation, potential, risk etc Bring your questions about all things digital transformation, data analysis and A.I. Find out it can support you and your organisation, they will be in the coffee lounge area of Monks Barn.
The media is full of questions about A.I.-regulation, potential, risk etc Bring your questions about all things digital transformation, data analysis and A.I. Find out it can support you and your organisation, they will be in the coffee lounge area of Monks Barn.
Centre for Alternative Technology
CAT have been working with the zero-carbon agenda for 50 years. Come and talk to some experts, Amanda and Paul, to hear their ideas on how you might support your organisation towards a zero-carbon target. You will find them on the ground floor in Monks Barn.
CAT have been working with the zero-carbon agenda for 50 years. Come and talk to some experts, Amanda and Paul, to hear their ideas on how you might support your organisation towards a zero-carbon target. You will find them on the ground floor in Monks Barn.
DEAL
Drop in between 3pm and 4pm for a conversation with Erinch to explore more on how doughnut economics can shape you and your business. Erinch will be in room MB2 on the ground floor.
Drop in between 3pm and 4pm for a conversation with Erinch to explore more on how doughnut economics can shape you and your business. Erinch will be in room MB2 on the ground floor.
Earth to Earth
Come and talk to Danny and Tenesia who have decided to create a business that integrates the 4 lenses. They have an amazing story to tell!
Come and talk to Danny and Tenesia who have decided to create a business that integrates the 4 lenses. They have an amazing story to tell!
You can visit at any time to talk and listen to their amazing story and in addition on the hour there will be a 15-minute talk followed by a creative session where you will be able to make your own natural skin care product. You will find them outside in the courtyard.
Elite Mind
Come and talk to Evelina if you are interested in all things purpose, wellbeing and mission. As a neuroscientist and people pioneer she will enthuse you with her vision for what life at work can be. Evelina will be on the ground floor in Monks Barn.
Come and talk to Evelina if you are interested in all things purpose, wellbeing and mission. As a neuroscientist and people pioneer she will enthuse you with her vision for what life at work can be. Evelina will be on the ground floor in Monks Barn.
Mama Bamboo
Come and talk to a BCORP certified organisation about what they do that means they can hold this status. Find out what their journey has been. What is their purpose and how does it play out in what they do? You can find Laura on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
Come and talk to a BCORP certified organisation about what they do that means they can hold this status. Find out what their journey has been. What is their purpose and how does it play out in what they do? You can find Laura on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
One+All
Come and hear some more from Nic and the team about their amazing journey that connects them to all four lenses of people, planet, purpose and profit. Nic and Beth will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
Come and hear some more from Nic and the team about their amazing journey that connects them to all four lenses of people, planet, purpose and profit. Nic and Beth will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
The People Experience Hub
Come and speak to Nick and the team who are passionate about how the human experience can be elevated through using data in the workplace. Their retail heritage has enabled them to gain real insight into how this works in retail. Find Nick in the coffee lounge area of Monks Barn.
Come and speak to Nick and the team who are passionate about how the human experience can be elevated through using data in the workplace. Their retail heritage has enabled them to gain real insight into how this works in retail. Find Nick in the coffee lounge area of Monks Barn.
Retail Trust
Come and talk to the experts in wellbeing in retail. Find out what they do to support the sector and find out what you can do to support yourself. Drop in at any time or book a 15 minute slot (on the half hour) for a mini workshop with Andrea and the team. Andrea will be on the first floor in room MB3 of Monks Barn.
Come and talk to the experts in wellbeing in retail. Find out what they do to support the sector and find out what you can do to support yourself. Drop in at any time or book a 15 minute slot (on the half hour) for a mini workshop with Andrea and the team. Andrea will be on the first floor in room MB3 of Monks Barn.
The Centre for Inclusive Leadership
Workplace inclusion practitioners specialising in inclusion dialogues and data.
Workplace inclusion practitioners specialising in inclusion dialogues and data.
Come and visit Paul and the team on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
The Argonauts
Have a conversation with Stefan, Executive Producer of Earth (the most successful ever nature documentary ever produced) about the Argonauts vision for transitioning to a world led by collective wisdom. Stefan will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
Have a conversation with Stefan, Executive Producer of Earth (the most successful ever nature documentary ever produced) about the Argonauts vision for transitioning to a world led by collective wisdom. Stefan will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
The Company Shop
Come and be inspired by an organisation who are finding innovative ways to make use of surplus products for the benefit of the planet and communities.
Come and be inspired by an organisation who are finding innovative ways to make use of surplus products for the benefit of the planet and communities.
Maybe they can help you think about how you can do this in your business. Find the team on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
Wickes
Meet some of the Employee Representative Groups from this household Retailer where they will bring to life how they engage with their employees to promote inclusion and in turn diversity. Find them on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
Meet some of the Employee Representative Groups from this household Retailer where they will bring to life how they engage with their employees to promote inclusion and in turn diversity. Find them on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
BCORP
Interested in making business a force for good? Come and talk BCORP about how leaders build communities not just profit. Megan will share how BCORP have become a motivational organisation bringing positive change across many industries. The team will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
Interested in making business a force for good? Come and talk BCORP about how leaders build communities not just profit. Megan will share how BCORP have become a motivational organisation bringing positive change across many industries. The team will be on the mezzanine level of Monks Barn.
BRC CLIMATE ROAD MAP
Come and talk to Sophie, our Sustainability Policy Advisor about how the BRC Climate Road Map is supporting the retail sector to become a leading sector in reducing carbon emissions.
Come and talk to Sophie, our Sustainability Policy Advisor about how the BRC Climate Road Map is supporting the retail sector to become a leading sector in reducing carbon emissions.
Hear about the retailers who are championing this innovation. Find the BRC on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
MASTERCARD
Come and meet one of the Summer School sponsors and hear about their work around sustainability-Priceless Causes. The team will be on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
Come and meet one of the Summer School sponsors and hear about their work around sustainability-Priceless Causes. The team will be on the ground floor of Monks Barn.
INTERNAL CONSULTING GROUP (ICG)
Start focusing on personal performance, operational efficiency, and structural organisation. ICG uses a unique internal approach to assess organisations and resolve hidden issues. BRC Learning teams up with ICG to bring you customer needs courses. Learn what the customer really wants, refocus your priorities, and become a customer-needs-driven business today.
Start focusing on personal performance, operational efficiency, and structural organisation. ICG uses a unique internal approach to assess organisations and resolve hidden issues. BRC Learning teams up with ICG to bring you customer needs courses. Learn what the customer really wants, refocus your priorities, and become a customer-needs-driven business today.
KAHVAY
Kahvay is the ideal solution for mastering negotiation skills. Their executive team have decades of experience in human resources, management consulting, human capital, commercial retail, and digital operations. With a wealth of knowledge and a practical hands-on approach, you and your team can develop one of the most essential skills in modern business.
Kahvay is the ideal solution for mastering negotiation skills. Their executive team have decades of experience in human resources, management consulting, human capital, commercial retail, and digital operations. With a wealth of knowledge and a practical hands-on approach, you and your team can develop one of the most essential skills in modern business.
MORE2
A business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) customer data analytics consultancy. With More2’s client strategy consultants and strategic insight you can finally optimize your customer-centric marketing campaign. Identify the metrics that drive growth, examine your performance, and understand which investments are needed to grow your customer base.
A business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) customer data analytics consultancy. With More2’s client strategy consultants and strategic insight you can finally optimize your customer-centric marketing campaign. Identify the metrics that drive growth, examine your performance, and understand which investments are needed to grow your customer base.
THE CENTRE FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP (TCFIL)
TCFIL creates unique “inclusion maturity journeys” to match the specific needs of every business they work with. Learn how you can feel included in a safe workplace that values positive relationships and teamwork. You and your team can grow with your organisation by becoming actors of change today.
TCFIL creates unique “inclusion maturity journeys” to match the specific needs of every business they work with. Learn how you can feel included in a safe workplace that values positive relationships and teamwork. You and your team can grow with your organisation by becoming actors of change today.
THE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE HUB
A flexible employee feedback platform that provides everything you need to deliver an outstanding people experience. Learn how to effectively drive engagement, monitor employee wellbeing, and evoke change. A great learning experience for human resources representatives that want to master employee lifecycle and retain talented employees.
A flexible employee feedback platform that provides everything you need to deliver an outstanding people experience. Learn how to effectively drive engagement, monitor employee wellbeing, and evoke change. A great learning experience for human resources representatives that want to master employee lifecycle and retain talented employees.
TRUTHSAYERS
TruthSayers are pioneers in commercialising neuro methods and tools in the workplace, with over 20 years of experience. They are the very first Neurotech® company on the planet. Their unique, ground breaking technology is the only platform that takes advances in neuroscience and makes them applicable and available to your company. We work with TruthSayers on our inclusion programmes.
TruthSayers are pioneers in commercialising neuro methods and tools in the workplace, with over 20 years of experience. They are the very first Neurotech® company on the planet. Their unique, ground breaking technology is the only platform that takes advances in neuroscience and makes them applicable and available to your company. We work with TruthSayers on our inclusion programmes.
CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY
The Centre for Alternative Technology is an eco-centre in Montgomeryshire, Powys, Wales dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living.
The Centre for Alternative Technology is an eco-centre in Montgomeryshire, Powys, Wales dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living.
RETAIL TRUST
From 1832 onwards, the Retail Trust has been caring for and protecting the lives of people working in retail. We believe the health of our colleagues is the foundation they need to flourish in both work and life, creating a more sustainable and successful future for retail.
From 1832 onwards, the Retail Trust has been caring for and protecting the lives of people working in retail. We believe the health of our colleagues is the foundation they need to flourish in both work and life, creating a more sustainable and successful future for retail.
ELITE MIND ACADEMY
Elite Mind Academy was founded in response to the mental health crisis escalated by the pandemic, with a mission to provide effective, measurable mental health & wellbeing support without the need for stigmatising diagnostic labels.
Elite Mind Academy was founded in response to the mental health crisis escalated by the pandemic, with a mission to provide effective, measurable mental health & wellbeing support without the need for stigmatising diagnostic labels.