Testimonials

'Fundamentals of Continuous Improvement' e-Learning

'The Focus e-learning is very well designed, with clear steps and content. The modular format means it is simple to fit into a busy workload, and sustainable to keep up with. I've found it easy to engage with the material; it is practical and I can see how to implement the tools in my work. It has given me a better understanding of the complexities of processes and the importance of scoping and consultation. I’ve already started implementing many of the tools as part of projects and have found it has helped me to improve my own ways of working too.'

eLearning user in an academic department

GLAM Staffing

With Focus we developed an innovative, cross-divisional approach to staff rotas for our customer-orientated teams to save time/hassle, increase efficiency and transparency and enhance working experience. This involved understanding varying approaches taken by different teams (all equally valid but requiring standardisation), challenges/advantages of current working models and sensitivities to change. I was hugely impressed by Focus' culture of listening and learning and their flexible approach on the route to success while taking every opportunity to make things 'better for all'.

Director

Focus approach

'It was suggested by PRAC that we might learn some lessons from the Focus Programme – in particular the weight they give to the ‘voice of the customer’ in defining strategy / solutions.'

Senior Manager, UAS

Focus Online Toolkit

'We pointed our Project Managers towards the Focus 5 Why's tool for problem analysis. It prompted useful discussion. We used it to gain clarity on the root causes of some issues we were encountering on projects. This is one small example of how Focus tools can aid a clearer, crisper understanding to enable sound and reasoned decision making.'

Senior Leader, IT Services

Open Book Exams

'Focus made a huge change to University exam practices possible, and in a very short space of time. Thank you!

Senior Leader, Humanities Division

[Focus] clearly worked hard to create buy-in and trust from departments at phenomenal speed. This was a badly-needed intervention which absolutely fulfilled the brief.

Senior Leader, Social Sciences Division

Bodleian Libraries Admissions

'I want to express my gratitude for the excellent collaboration we have had with Focus. The fact that we could learnt from Focus even in the new work reality of lockdown is testament to the versatility and value of the programme as a whole and the longevity of its aims and approaches.’

'Focus has empowered us not only by giving us the tools to keep on examining and improving on our work environment and processes, but it has also introduced us to a new methodology of how to consider things afresh.'

Admissions team members

Ashmolean Shop Stock Management

‘It has meant a lot to the team in the Ashmolean that the Focus team were down in the trenches with them and helping with the stock take, as that created trust early on and a non-threatening and listening environment for people to be honest. It removed any sense that something was being done to them and emphasised that Focus are helping us towards continuous improvement and co-creating our improved processes.'

Senior Leader

Graduate Admissions (Accommodation)

'We spend a lot of time talking to external bodies and other institutions to identify best practice, but we’ve never had the opportunity to learn more about college processes within our own institution.'

Head of (University) Residential Accommodation

'It’s been really useful to understand how graduate accommodation fits within the whole graduate admissions cycle and what it means for applicants.'

College Accommodation Manager

Freedom of Information & Subject Access Requests

'This has made my day.'

'I can’t believe it.'

'This makes such a difference.'

Information Compliance Team members

Biomedical Services

‘Here in BMS, we were interested in how we could work more effectively as a team. How to become more efficient, and how to achieve greater harmonisation’ ... ‘I really believe in teams and how they operate. I’m genuinely interested in the contributions my team members make, and that gives life to the idea of projects like this [Focus] one.’

Senior Leader, BMS

Building Trust in our Data

'It’s good to know that finally someone is looking at the data issue. I know that I personally spent weeks on end looking at incomprehensible data prior to our submission last year and this definitely impacts detrimentally on the quality of the application.'

'I'm learning a lot just being a part of this.'

Departmental Athena SWAN administrative leads

Introduction to Continuous Improvement - training for teams

'It was utterly brilliant!'

This was the most energised session our team has had in 3 years [of team development sessions] and it went down really well. People are discussing it, motivated and full of ideas!

Feedback from attendees

Recruitment

'One of the great benefits of the Focus Workshops… has been the bringing together of people in an open and engaging forum, for everyone to air the challenges each party experiences, and to then work in partnership and resolve the overall issues.'

Senior Head of Administration & Finance

Graduate Admissions (Student Numbers Planning)

'Colleges asked for better information on offer to acceptance ratios and up-to-date data on progress towards targets. The [new] dashboard provides real-time data in one place that has proved really effective in helping colleges manage graduate admissions effectively.'

College Principal

'I warmly welcome this development, and applaud the effort that has gone into getting this far. I’m sure that applicants will be better-served as a result and – crucially – administrators too.'

Divisional representative

Continuous Improvement training for Senior & Operational Leaders

'The training taught simple tools for making small improvements that anyone could get started with. I came away from the training with an open mind, and sat down with my team to brainstorm the possibilities... I don't think we'd have got to [where we are now] without the understanding that the training provided. [It gave us] a new lens through which to review our processes.'

Divisional Assistant Registrar

Departmental Purchasing Processes

'The team have really enjoyed taking part in the workshops which have given them a chance to take a step back and look at their own processes from a different perspective.'

Departmental Finance Manager

'What I found really positive was that the project was delivered by the people on the ground… educating them on the processes and tools to use for process improvement.'

Departmental Administrator

Casual Payroll (Improvements to Casual Payroll Spreadsheet)

'Very happy with more rows!'

'I like the total hours value.'

'The Equivalent Annual Salary is very helpful.'

Departmental Administrative Officers

Teaching Space Utilisation

Meet the Neighbours [event] was well received by those who took part from Humanities and Social Sciences. People welcomed the chance to see what facilities exist, and to exchange views and find common ground on space issues. It is hoped that we can extend the potential for equitable sharing across these two buildings. Meet the Neighbours is a first step in achieving this aim, and we hope it offers a model that other departments and divisions can be encouraged to try.'

Senior Manager, Social Sciences Division

eExpenses (Expenses Policy)

'The policy for claiming expenses has not changed, but it has been presented more clearly so that users can more easily understand the principles which should apply to every personal expense incurred and reclaimed. The system will automate the process but the process relies on the principles being understood and followed by claimants and authorisers alike.'

Departmental Director of Finance and Operations