BUSINESSES are being invited to benefit from a free course in leadership and team skills.

The five-day course, which is free to Worcestershire’s SMEs and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management, is designed to benefit those who are likely to become new supervisors or team leaders who have had little or no formal training.

The five day course is run by HR Champions and will cover subjects like leading a work team, planning and monitoring work, workplace communication, undertaking coaching in the workplace, understanding effective team working and understanding conflict management in the workplace. Those who successfully complete the course will achieve an ILM level two in leadership and team skills.

Gary Woodman, executive director at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Worcestershire LEP is committed to improving the skills of the local workforce. A change of role is an ideal time to consider personal development. Leadership and team skills are absolutely vital to lead teams effectively and I would, therefore, encourage all local SMEs to consider this opportunity for accredited training.”

This course is funded by the European Social Fund, Skills Funding Agency supporting the development of workforces in Worcestershire. The dates for the next open programmes are May 21 and 28 and June 4, 11 and 18. Spaces are limited and so interested businesses are encouraged to enquire at the earliest opportunity.

Further details are available from Worcestershire.Business.Central. at www.business-central.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 14 40. To register directly for the event, contact Jemima Hudson from HR Champions by emailing jemima@hrchampions.co.uk or by phoning 01452 331331.