Client: Gavin Richards, Coaching & Culture Champion
Company: Aber Instruments Ltd
Course: ILM Level 7 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Aber Instruments Ltd is a leading biotechnology company committed to innovation and growth. As Coaching & Culture Champion, Gavin Richards sought to develop a company-wide coaching culture to support employee growth and wellbeing. Through Agile Group’s ILM Level 7 programme, he gained the skills and confidence to drive meaningful change within the organisation.
The Challenge: A Career Refresh
Before joining Agile Group, Gavin Richards excelled in his role but it had become a little routine after 10 years. He was fulfilling his responsibilities but wasn’t exploring new ideas or pushing boundaries due to a lack of time and resources. These issues also stifled his opportunities to innovate or grow within his role. With hindsight, he realised he was feeling unfulfilled and needed a shift to reignite his passion for professional growth.
Why Agile Group?
Gavin was introduced to Agile Group through a course led by Dave Jones, a member of the organisation. The ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course opened his eyes to a completely new career path. Unlike other training providers, Agile Group stood out for its hands-on approach, experienced tutors, and highly interactive learning format. Inspired by this experience and after discussions with the Leadership Team at ABER, he enrolled in the ‘ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors’ — a decision that would profoundly change his career trajectory.
An Outstanding Learning Experience
From day one, the Agile Group training exceeded Gavin’s expectations. The course materials were of an exceptionally high standard, and the tutor was always available to answer questions, both during and outside of sessions. The programme was delivered with humour, passion, and a deep understanding of the subject, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
As someone with only a high school education, Gavin initially felt overwhelmed by the demands of a Master’s-level course. However, with the unwavering support and guidance of Agile Group, he successfully completed the programme in under a year—an achievement that still amazes him.
The Transformation: A New Career Path
The impact of Agile Group’s training was immediate and profound. Gavin transitioned into a brand-new role as ‘Coaching & Culture Champion’, working alongside the Human Resources team to embed a coaching culture and mindset within the organisation. His confidence soared as he began designing and delivering coaching courses—something he would never have considered before.
Gavin also implemented a coaching-led initiative called ‘Personal Growth & Wellbeing’ to ensure all employees have access to professional development opportunities. Working closely with the ABER Software Team, he helped create a portal for tracking coaching progress, which was successfully rolled out to all UK ABER employees in January 2024. A year later, the ‘Personal Growth & Wellbeing’ initiative is being implemented to ABER’s US subsidiary, following Gavin training them all in coaching skills.
Measurable Impact
Gavin’s coaching programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback:
- All 23 respondents to his feedback survey rated the programme as effective, with 18 scoring it at the highest levels.
- Team Leaders rated the initiative between 2 and 4 (on a 0–5 scale) when asked about its impact on their teams.
- The programme fostered a company-wide coaching culture, with Directors now engaging with external coaches to further their own development.
Gavin himself observed a shift in the workplace dynamic:
“The feedback has been fantastic. People are now having more meaningful conversations, and there’s a real sense of growth within the teams. The coaching culture is taking hold, and that’s an incredible thing to witness.”
A Lifelong Partnership with Agile Group
Gavin’s journey with Agile Group is far from over. With his new passion for coaching, he is considering enrolling in the ILM Level 7 Certificate for Coaching Supervisors. His goal is to support other internal coaches, ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to excel in their roles.
Why Choose Agile Group?
When asked what stood out most about Agile Group, Gavin highlighted their effective tutoring, the perfect blend of humour and expertise, and the constant availability of support. He credits Agile Group for helping him make a significant career shift with confidence and clarity.
His Advice to Future Learners
Gavin’s advice to anyone considering Agile Group’s programmes?
“Go for it! They will guide you to the right course, provide you with everything you need, and support you at every step of the journey.”
This training changed his career and his confidence, and he firmly believes it can do the same for others.
Ready to Transform Your Career?
If you’re looking to take your career to the next level, Agile Group is here to help. Whether you’re seeking professional growth, leadership development, or a complete career change, our expert-led programmes can equip you with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Get started today, contact us to explore the right programme for you!