IWC Media in.indie case study

Through the in.indie scheme, tailored management development and individual coaching was arranged at the request of IWC Media in Glasgow which produces many successful multi-genre programmes like “Relocation Relocation”(C4), “Mountain” with Griff Jones (BBC1), “The Genius of Charles Darwin” (C4), and drama like “Fallen Angel” (ITV).
Part of the RDF Media Group (an ITF member) IWC wanted to give its staff the chance to step away from their busy daily schedule and take stock of how they worked together.

The tailored training programme was devised and delivered by trainer and programme-maker Sue Ahern of Creative People, one of ITF’s main development associates.
Spaced over several weeks so as not to disrupt production, 35 staff attended sessions identifying development objectives which were addressed in practical exercises, and individual coaching was arranged for more senior managers.
The development programme has actually been entered for a 2009 Broadcast Industry Training Award.

The feedback was very positive:

“We always use the excuse that we’re busy and working to tight deadlines.  What the training has taught me is that good management doesn’t need to take a lot of time.  Also, that it often has a direct effect on the bottom line.”

“This has highlighted the need to look at communication skills and also the need to understand better how one comes across to others – particularly how intimidating one can seem without realizing it.”

IWC’s Managing Director Hamish Barbour said: “It was insightful, inspiring, empowering and makes you see your employees as individuals.  We have raised the profile of training at IWC, with a queue of people interested in the next stage”

And RDF Media Group Chief Operating Officer Joely Fether added: “Traditionally the indie sector has not invested in this kind of management training. We believe that as an ever growing independent it is more and more important to provide our managers with the tools to deliver results in this commercially astute sector.”

“Extreme Fishing with Robson Green” (IWC for five)