12% leadership boost and a Learning Technologies Gold award
SWR’s LEAP programme, powered by MindtoolsKineo, improved leadership capability by 12% – winning Gold for blended learning.
The challenge
South Western Railway (SWR), one of the UK’s leading train operators, faced growing leadership challenges in an industry defined by constant change. Many managers saw leadership responsibilities as an added burden rather than a core part of their role, and years of disruption had created change fatigue. A task‑focused culture meant operations took priority over people development, and siloed working limited collaboration across departments.
With no formal leadership development pathway, managers lacked the confidence, tools and consistency needed to lead effectively. Recognising the need for a strategic shift, SWR partnered with Mindtools Kineo to build a programme that would develop leadership capability and embed lasting cultural change.
“Before LEAP, leadership development just wasn’t a thing here. We knew we needed something to bridge that gap. Mindtools has helped us build a program that managers actually want to be a part of.” Becky Eason, Leadership Delivery Manager, SWR
The solution
To tackle these challenges, Mindtools created Leading Excellence & Performance (LEAP), an evidence‑based leadership development programme designed to fit seamlessly into the day‑to‑day realities of SWR’s managers. Built on deep stakeholder insight and best‑practice learning design, LEAP delivered a blended experience focused on real‑world application.
Key elements included:
- Bitesize eLearning for flexible, self‑paced learning
- Face‑to‑face residential workshops to deepen understanding and build collaboration
- Peer‑led support groups for shared reflection and problem‑solving
- Coaching and mentoring with senior leaders to embed skills in practice
- Strategic business projects to apply learning directly to organisational priorities
The programme followed a phased rollout, beginning with needs analysis and pilot testing, then expanding gradually with continuous feedback and performance tracking to refine the experience.
“We didn’t just create content. We designed an experience that would resonate with SWR managers and drive real behavior change. By integrating self-directed learning, peer collaboration, and hands-on application, we ensured that learning wasn’t just theoretical but something managers could immediately apply in their roles.” Claire Gibson, Learning Design Manager, Mindtools
The results
Measurable impact and lasting change
LEAP delivered tangible results, with a 12% average improvement in leadership capability among participants, backed by a statistically significant 95% confidence level that these gains resulted from the program. Additional key improvements included:
- 21% increase in managers’ ability to set clear expectations.
- 14% boost in fostering innovation within teams.
- 9% improvement in building trust.
The program also led to a cultural shift within SWR:
- Increased confidence: Graduates felt empowered, leading to five internal promotions within the first cohort.
- Greater collaboration: Peer groups and mentoring relationships continued beyond the program.
- Stronger L&D credibility: Leadership development became a strategic priority, influencing talent and succession planning.
LEAP’s success gained industry recognition, earning Gold at the Learning Technologies Awards 2024 for “Best Use of Blended Learning – Commercial Sector.” Mindtools’ Learning Designer Claire Gibson was also awarded Gold for “Learning Designer of the Year.” Following this success, SWR is expanding LEAP, incorporating 360-degree feedback assessments and executive coaching to reinforce leadership development at all levels.
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