Department for Work & Pensions and Mind
'A GARDEN FOR MIND'
A senior management team programme over 3 days
Senior managers can be too removed from the day-to-day issues of their customers. The programme, for managers from the Benefits Agency, was designed to address team issues, challenge their perceptions and remind them of the realities of the people who make appeals against decisions affecting state benefits, some of whom have mental health issues and find the whole process very challenging. The project for the 12 managers was to convert a piece of derelict ground at the back of a MIND drop-in centre in Macclesfield for people with mental health problems. The area was to be turned into a relaxing patio with garden furniture, a barbecue, plants and flowers — all in three days.
"I suppose a true testament to the value of this event was when one manager said to me ' I'd like everyone in my team to experience something like this, I'd like them to feel as proud as I do'. The team met their objectives, left feeling ready to manage the enormous changes facing our organisation and took with them a sense of personal and team achievement. I felt this event captured the hearts and minds of our senior staff like no other could have. I had been party to a memorable experience, one that I would never forget" Team Leader, Benefits Agency