From Operations Manager to Wave’s Group Trainer

Training is important to us at Wave, both when it comes to essential statutory training and opportunities for staff development through a broad range of activities including classroom training, coaching and in-house programmes. We have recently promoted one of our Operations Managers - Andy Grosvenor -  to the position of Group Trainer, following an impressive proposal from him, which he pulled together after taking part in our Business Development Leader programme. The next dates for this programme will begin in July 2019.

 “My favourite part of my role is meeting and working with a wide range of staff, ensuring I offer advice and training to help them achieve their career goals," says Andy. "Investment in training opportunities at Wave is important because we need to ensure our staff are not just qualified but also confident in the use of their new skills and knowledge.”

 “In my new role as group trainer for Wave Leisure, I have created and implemented a new company induction for all staff. Alongside this I have begun delivering safeguarding, first aid and NPLQ training for Wave staff and those outside the business," says Andy. "I plan the training for the company as a whole and look at ways in which we can develop staff further, providing opportunities for them to engage and learn. I ensure we’re compliant and meet standards of quality provision.”

“The Business Development Programme allowed me to develop the skills and confidence which helped me put together a business case for my new role," says Andy. "The most important thing I learnt on the Business Development Programme was the ability to look at the big picture and create plans that can have much bigger impact across all Wave sites not just one”

Andy not only coordinates internal training, but organises a number courses open to external candidates. From first aid to life guarding, find a course for you or your company here.

 Apprenticeships, volunteers and workplace wellbeing are all important elements in staff development at Wave:

• Our partnerships with Albion in the Community and Swim UK continue to provide employment opportunities with 80% of those completing the apprenticeship programme obtaining a full time role within Wave.
• We ensure that people are treated equally at work, across all levels and locations. This includes making sure they have the same opportunities for recognition, reward and career development. We are confident that we have equal pay and we have a negative gender pay gap as a result of more women holding senior positions, 65% of the Corporate Team are female.
• We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and they have increased by 12.5% in the past year. Volunteer roles include providing peer support for participants, engagement opportunities in activity, as well as support within other areas of the business.
• At the start of 2019, we launched our Workplace Wellbeing programme where our staff can take part in monthly activities aimed at improving physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Sessions have already included a mindfulness class, circuit training and meditation sessions.

Want to work for Wave? Take a look at our current vacancies here.

You can read more stories about the people behind Wave in our Impact Report, here.