Epic helps Barclays 'Take the Lead'

A unique leadership programme being developed by Epic, the UK's leading e-learning company, in conjunction with Barclays University Business School (bu), has been launched to widespread interest and acclaim within the company.

The strategic focus of the programme is to provide an integrated and consistent leadership proposition for Barclays. The programme takes a blended approach, integrating offline and online means, with a key component being the 'take the lead' website, developed by Epic, which will form a single gateway for leader development within Barclays.

The 'take the lead' site features news and articles, forums, and a range of functionality for collaborative learning, co-ordinating both online and offline activity. Content is designed to engage learners by focusing on leadership issues and role models drawn not only from within the organisation but also from contemporary society and popular culture - examining Sven-Goran Eriksson's leadership style, for instance, or the dynamics of team building within the Big Brother house.

The site is also the jumping off point for a series of e-learning modules, theories, just-in-time performance support tools and online reference materials. 'take the lead …in style' is the first module to be released. Between now and April 2003 there will be further 'take the lead …' modules in performance, change, teamworking, innovation, communication, time, life and business.

Other elements of the blended programme include bu learning nudges (short pieces of 'just-in-time' learning also developed by Epic), supporting links and suggested reading, diagnostic tools, face-to-face workshops and support through telephone tutoring.

Paul Rudd, Director, Barclays University, said: 'Nowadays an organisation needs the right leaders in the right places at the right time - not a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. 'take the lead' supports our leaders through ongoing learning and dialogue.'

Donald Clark, Epic, said: 'Leadership training needs literally to take the lead. Barclays wanted an innovative, leading-edge approach that was accessible, motivating and sustainable.'

The potential audience for the programme is in the region of 5,000 users. These range in seniority from junior team leaders, who may have responsibility for two to three people, up to heads of strategic business units.

The programme marks a further strengthening by Epic of its clear pre-eminence in the field of leadership training. Its recently-released public sector leadership programme, PRIME:Leadership, developed in conjunction with the CMPS and iMPOWER plc, has achieved sales to numerous government departments and agencies and has been nominated for several awards.