Reflections on the Worker Development Programme

Embracing connection, skills development and shared challenges.

Nikki Prentice-Jones from Peas in a Pod reflects on insights and feedback from the Worker Development Programme, which brought together 34 Big Local workers earlier this year.

Between April and October 2024, Local Trust supported the delivery of an innovative development programme for 34 Big Local workers. This tailored programme was designed to support and enhance the skills and wellbeing of workers in Big Local areas.  

Run by Peas in a Pod and Koreo, the progamme offered a mix of one-on-one coaching support and online and in-person group sessions, placing workers’ needs at its heart. The programme focused on: 

• enhancing professional skills 

• improving confidence in employability 

• facilitating connection and shared learning experiences.  

The programme was developed with a strong emphasis on wellbeing. The values underpinning it were to ensure that workers were seen, heard, listened to and recognised. 

To ensure as many Big Local workers as possible can benefit from the programme, we’ve made key resources available to access online for free. 

Emerging themes 

We explored several interconnected themes, which emerged over the course of the programme and provided an overview of the collective experience of many Big Local workers.  

Workers face complex challenges and need to balance their commitment to making a difference with several factors, including the potential stresses of stakeholder management, personal wellbeing, and Big Local programme closure. 

“This experience emphasised the importance of bringing peers together for mutual learning and encouragement.” 

The impact of the Worker Development Programme  

The programme received an overwhelmingly positive participant feedback rating of 90%. Feedback from those involved in the programme shows the impact has been: 

• Increased confidence in their abilities. 

• Stronger connections with peers, reducing feelings of isolation. Participants are better connected with peers on a national level and have greatly widened their worker network. 

• Improved employability skills and knowledge. 

• Gratitude for the opportunity of being provided with a supportive space for learning, networking and sharing experiences amongst other Big Local workers. 

Several participants expressed that they gained clarity regarding their future direction and feel more empowered and motivated.  

Thank you for allowing us the space and enabling us all to have the time, topics and space to discuss issues that we are not facing alone. This allows us all time to share coping mechanisms and experiences.” 

The individual and collective skills, passion, talent, experience in community development and action that Big Local workers brought to the Worker Development Programme has been incredible.  

If you have any questions about the programme resources, please email communications@peasinapodconsulting.org.uk  

Explore more support and guidance for workers in the Big Local support centre.