The ninjas programme

In the midst of big changes, GKN has invested in building the capabilities of its HR function to support people leaders. One hundred HR leaders have completed a residential, masters-style programme consisting of four modules:

1. Engagement expert
2. Change architect
3. Leadership advisor
4. Best-practice advocate: mobilising innovation; conflict resolution; selecting for potential

Already, the function is unrecognisable from a few years ago. New approaches to performance management and hiring have been successfully rolled out, and the company is becoming skilled at dealing with change. Productivity and employee engagement are up.

What people are saying

“The HR Capability Building Program has been an essential part of the functional transformation journey within GKN Aerospace. We launched a new People Strategy in 2016, and a critical enabler for this was developing the change agents within HR to be able to coach, lead and challenge the people leaders in the business they partner with.

“This program has helped us take the next steps in our maturity journey as a function and, more importantly, given the HR leaders in the business the tools to drive business performance through better engagement and more strategic talent conversations.”

Gordon Pitman, London
Chief HR Officer
GKN Aerospace Services Limited