As part of The Gardens Group’s continuing commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space to work for all employees, its management team has recently undertaken training programmes including The Inclusive Leader and Leading with Purpose. 

Delivered by Sara Burks, founder of Adaptis, which is an Institute of Leadership recognised training provider, the thought-provoking courses were attended by 17 managers and supervisors from Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury near Dorchester.

As well as providing the most up to date approach to leadership with a focus on inclusivity, the programme covered four modules from identifying what a high performing team looks like to creating an inclusive culture.  Exploring ideas on creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment when goal setting and evaluating performance, the managers and supervisors further developed their skills in celebrating and championing the individuality of their team members.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, explains: “We have always believed that everyone should have the opportunity to bring their skills and experience to the table.

"Training programmes like this help us ensure that anyone in a position of responsibility can create the most encouraging environment for people to thrive.

"We know that gardening can be a force for good when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, so it is only right that all those working within our garden centres feel safe, supported and valued as they go about their various roles.”

Pictured: Managers and supervisors from Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil with their Institute of Leadership certificates.