Evaluation of a Leadership Development Programme in a London Local Authority

Abstract

This is an evaluation of a Leadership Development Programme (LDP) consisting of a number of development approaches such as leadership coaching and action learning; carried out for leaders in a London Local Authority. Using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion the Taxonomy of Training and Development Outcomes (TOTADO) framework is applied to evaluate the influence of the LDP on individual, team and organizational level outcomes. Characteristics of coaching and action learning were examined; along with factors that may influence learning and transfer of learning to the workplace. Findings suggest that the LDP led to increased confidence and awareness of leadership behaviours and improved teamwork amongst leaders. Coaching content, the coach’s experience and experience sharing in action learning were found to promote leadership development. Manager and peer support, opportunity and work demands were found to influence transfer of learning to the workplace.