Russell Bedford Launches Brand New Professional Development Package

June 2020

Over recent months, Russell Bedford has been diversifying its service offering to meet its members' needs in a changing environment.

One of the positive outcomes, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, is the network’s ability to reach a much wider audience within member firms through virtual and online initiatives.

As a consequence of the changes in the way practices operate, the network has focused its efforts in developing new training material and products that help member firms achieve their goals effectively, by offering additional ways for firms to invest in their most important asset: Their People.

The result of these efforts is a uniquely tailored learning and development programme: Russell Bedford Professional Development.

Working with various professional trainers and contributors, Russell Bedford has developed an extended package designed to help keep teams continuously learning and motivated, and includes a continuous tracking system, that supports managers in coaching teams and managing accountability.

Available entirely online, with the ability to be carried out independently; this is ideal for individuals working remotely, and allows members to easily build training and development into their weekly schedule.

A holistic approach to learning and development

The network has partnered with a wide range of professional development experts who offer insights on technical training, soft skills and health & wellbeing. Member firms can then offer their teams a variety of learning opportunities that address every aspect of their professional and personal development.

What Russell Bedford members receive

Through the network’s extended offering, Russell Bedford now provides a more comprehensive package of educational opportunities available to its members, with an online platform hosting a number of new sessions and initiatives, being scheduled over the coming months. These include a new online Health + Wellbeing course, and a series of specially selected webinars and events on targeting new business opportunities, exemplary leadership, business continuity plans and forward strategies - ensuring the combination between people, processes and technology is right for the long-term - mentoring young talent, and much more.

Measuring Success

To help track progress, the network has developed a user-friendly scorecard system, making it easy for individuals to keep track of completed sessions and set goals; boosting motivation for achieving success. It also offers supervisors the opportunity to make clear long-term development plans as part of their accountability and coaching responsibilities, and allows individuals to record credits achieved for their own personal Continuous Professional Development (CPE/CPD) plans.

CEO, Stephen Hamlet, said: “A huge amount of thought and consideration has gone into the development of new service offerings for our members; particularly during a time when many need additional support, and that support to be easily accessible. People development is pivotal to the success of any firm, and I believe our enhanced contribution to our member firms adds a significant new aspect to what our firms can offer their employees; helping them attract and retain good talent.”

He added: “I am particularly proud of this new enterprise as it is demonstrative of the fact that we are always thinking from our members’ perspective; what their people need to get through tough times and, above all, we’re thinking how we can add value to ensure practices see consistent progress. A huge thanks to my team for all their hard work in achieving this and for always striving to help our firms go further.”