August 2007 has not followed the pattern of previous years with a continuing, high level of activity. The month started with a Graduate Assessment Centre for a County Council in the South East of England.

 

Following a national advertising campaign, twenty seven graduates were selected to attend the Assessment Centre. Each candidate was asked to complete two exercises before attending the Assessment Centre. The first exercise tested numerical reasoning skills; the second tested the candidates report writing skills. At the Assessment Centre, the candidates were given a set of exercises and tasks to perform while being observed. Observer training was given during July. The scores for the numerical reasoning and writing skills were combined with the observers’ marks and comments to agree a short list for interview. The Assessment Centre was extremely well received with thirteen candidates progressing to interview.

Other assignments include:

• Planning for a leadership programme for UK central government that will be rolled out to 400 managers over the next six months. The programme will consist of seven modules (more details to follow).
• Mentor training for a large engineering company.
• A number of one to one coaching sessions.