Friends Provident International (FPI) has taken a major step forward in encouraging its staff to become more effective managers and coaches.

In partnership with HR and Training Consultancy People Matters, employees at Friends Provident International were given the opportunity to work towards an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Coaching in the Workplace qualification.

As a result, the first group of 18 managers and team leaders at the Castletown-based financial services business has successfully completed their ILM NVQ Level 3 accreditation, with more scheduled to qualify in the coming weeks and further staff being encouraged

to embark on the course.

FPI first instigated the coaching culture initiative last year as part of its long term commitment to personal development amongst its 230 staff.

The ILM is the European market leader in management and leadership qualifications.

The Coaching in the Workplace NVQ Level 3 focuses on helping managerial level staff to actively support the development of the employees they manage by nurturing talent and passing on their expertise and experience to others.

Section Manager Lesley Callister was amongst the first group of staff to gain the ILM qualification.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable process and has provided me with skills and knowledge that I can use on a daily basis,” she said.

John Owen, who oversees FPI’s on-going Training and Development, said he was delighted to see so many members of staff on the Isle of Man taking up the opportunity to enhance their coaching and leadership skills.

“At FPI, we fervently believe that our staff are our greatest asset,” said Mr Owen.

“It is essential that we continue to invest in our people. Working in partnership with People Matters to guide our staff through the qualification is a progressive step in our long term commitment to the development of staff across all areas of our business in the Isle of Man.”

Pictured (l - r): The first group of successful Friends Provident International Coaching in the Workplace candidates: Andy

Edge, Brendan Harper, Janice Quine, Jennifer Bailey, John Keggin, Paul Tunnicliffe, Vicki Corkhill, John Whitehouse, Sam Beecroft

(People Matters), Jonathan Hall (FPI General Manager), Jessica Phillips, Pauline McGee (People Matters) Ian Munro, Mark Harris,

Lesley Callister, Ray Regan, Julie Kennaugh, Liz Harris, Ash Cowin and John Owen.