Case Study
Business and Project
Sunrise Senior Living. Pensford Field Environment Trust, Kew
Aims
The aim of this project was to provide an opportunity for 6 new members of a team to work together in a ‘real life’ situation that was totally different from their normal working environment.
This would help:
- Explore team dynamics
- Help develop a fresh approach to problem solving
- Share a common goal
- Improve communication
- Inspire and motivate
- Enhance self development
The Project
To create a length of footpath around the edge of an important wildlife site and nature reserve which is used extensively by local residents, schools and the elderly. The practical aspect of the project was managed by BTCV - the UK's largest practical conservation charity - but the site itself is owned by the local Borough Council and managed by the Pensford Field Environment Trust.
The 6 delegates from Sunrise Senior Living were tasked with constructing an agreed stretch of this footpath, which would achieve the following:
- Increase access to the site, in particular to demonstrate to the local Council that the site is well used and has completely open access for people of all ages and abilities
- To prevent trampling in certain areas of the site which destroys rare plants and disturbs wildlife. The new footpath ensures that people are encouraged to stay on a designated route around the area
- The use of woodchip is important as this material has been shown to support high numbers of invertebrate species, and in particular the larvae of the endangered Stag Beetle, which is nationally rare but has a last stronghold in London and areas of the South East of England
Evaluation
The 6 team members worked hard throughout the day to successfully lay a stretch of footpath on a difficult and curving part of the site.
After receiving a tool talk and project brief by the BTCV project officer, the group agreed on a strategy, appointed a project leader and agreed roles and responsibilities.
The team was facilitated throughout the day, with a feedback session during the lunchtime break.
On completion of the project, the day's learning outcomes were discussed on site, with more in depth analysis and evaluation undertaken the following week within the workplace.
What did they say ?
“I would like to say how delighted I am with the work the Sunrise Senior Living team have done in Pensford Field. Several of the committee have been to look at the result of the day's work and have expressed how the pathing of that difficult corner was done with expert engineering! Many thanks.”
Diana Hutchings
Chair, Pensford Field Environmental Trust
“This project really backed up and endorsed what we had learned in the classroom. It was a true team effort. I feel we can work together with much more confidence now.”