Link Housing Staff Join The Lens Training for Action Ideas

Twelve colleagues from Link Housing recently participated in training called Ideas to Action, facilitated by The Lens, a charity that focuses on talent development. The training aimed to generate innovative solutions to enhance services for communities across Scotland.

Throughout the intensive eight-week programme, participants were guided to transform community-centric ideas into proposals that are ‘investment-ready’.

David Mackenzie, the managing director of Link Housing, played a pivotal role in bringing The Lens to Link. He emphasised the importance of frontline staff understanding the customers and their requirements, making them the ideal catalysts for change and innovation.

Mackenzie expressed, “I was aware of the abundance of excellent ideas within our teams, but there was a lack of structure to materialise these. The Lens stepped in to offer a rigorous framework and support system to turn these ideas into reality. A big congratulations to all participants.”

At the culmination of the programme, the ideas were presented to senior executives and board members of Link, such as Link Group’s CEO Jon Turner and Director of Communities Sarah Smith, at an investment event.

In the evaluation report post-programme, a participant shared their experience, stating, “This program arrived at a time when I needed a confidence boost. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging yet supporting me throughout. The feeling of nervousness before the presentation and the exhilaration post-pitch day is unforgettable.”

The participant added, “I am astonished by my growth, greatly aided by The Lens team’s advice and encouragement, which kept our nerves in check and showcased genuine interest in our journey.”

The core objective of The Lens is to cultivate intrapreneurs, individuals who generate innovative ideas within an organisation.

Steve McCreadie, the CEO of The Lens, commended all participants for their exceptional commitment, passion, determination, and teamwork, attributes that align with Link Housing’s values.

McCreadie remarked, “The final pitches at the Investment Event reflected the dedication and effort put in by all participants.”