Endnote

Originally broadcasted on Friday 16th October 2026, 12:30

As the virtual conference draws to a close, join us for a final reflective discussion that brings together the key themes, conversations and challenges explored throughout the week. We'll look beyond the notes, slides and presentations to ask a more important question: what will you do differently because of what you've heard? From AI and innovation to planning, leadership, customer experience and continuous improvement, this session will explore the ideas that stood out, the lessons worth taking forward and the opportunities to turn learning into action. We'll challenge delegates to think about their own commitment to raising standards. What is the one thing you'll take away, apply and act on when you return to work? Because learning only creates value when it leads to change. A practical, thought-provoking and engaging close to the week that will leave you inspired to turn ideas into action and continue raising standards across your organisation.

Operational Improvement Keynote

Originally broadcasted on Thursday 15th October 2026, 09:30

From Busy to Valuable 
How to create more impact with less effort. This keynote explores the growing gap between being busy and making a difference. We'll challenge some of the habits, processes and expectations that consume time without improving outcomes, and look at practical ways to focus effort where it has the greatest impact.

Positive Tension Keynote

Originally broadcasted on Wednesday 14th October 2026, 10:30

Positive tension is the hidden engine of high‑performing teams, and this session allows you to understand how you can utilise this tension effectively in teams/operations and organisations. Drawing on Kate Manton’s global leadership and operations background, we will explore how differences in thinking aren’t conflicts to avoid but the gap that drives better teamwork, decisions, stronger collaboration, and smarter customer operations. 
 

Opening Keynote #RaisingStandards

Originally Broadcast Monday 13th October, 10:30

Reset, Redefine & Raise Standards
This keynote launches the week by challenging us to turn intent into action. Explore how learning, reflection and ownership drive personal growth and organisational progress. Discover how tools like the Learning Tracker, Reflective Method, and the Learning Pyramid support continuous improvement. We'll explore how to break out of firefighting, align strategy with daily action, and shift from “being busy” to “making a difference”. It's time to reset habits, redefine success, and commit to doing things differently. Because done will always beat intended.

The Art of Storytelling

Phil Anderson, The Forum leads a brief keynote on “The Art of Storytelling” then a panel discussion where practical examples of understanding the difference you can make, and how to engage and influence others is discussed with some of this year’s judges and finalists: Graham Watson from Capita Regulated Services and Scott Budding from Calabrio.

Perfect Parnerships

 Centrical and Capita Customer Experience talk around what makes a “Perfect Partnership

Endnote: Raising Standards

Originally broadcast Friday 28th March 2025 at 13:30

Closing the week with practical tips on how to use learning to drive action and raise standards. 

25 Years of Innovation & Transformation Keynote

Originally broadcast Friday 28th March at 09:30

Celebrating 25 years of the Innovation & Transformation Awards, this keynote takes a look back from a finalist and judges perspective. Discussing key industry shifts, from workforce flexibility and real-time analytics to automation and omnichannel experiences. We will also explore what the next 25 years of Raising Standards could look like.

Membership Panel Discussion

Originally broadcast Monday 24th March 2025, 10:30

Membership – The Value of a Professional Community
Talking with members Anglian Water Services, Aviva UKGI and PTSB and discussing how they get value from being part of a professional community and the items that gives them the most value for their teams, organisation and personally

Opening Keynote - Raising Standards

Originally broadcast Monday 24th March 2025, 09:30

The Forum has spent 25 years building a vibrant, future-focused community that embraces change, disrupts complacency, and fuels innovation. As we look ahead to the next 25 years, the challenge isn’t just keeping up—it’s leading the way. Join us on this journey of continuous improvement, where we redefine what’s possible, break through limitations, and shape the future of business excellence.

Learning & Development with The Forum

Originally broadcast Monday 14th October 2024, 13:30

Hear from Chris and Dave, Directors at The Forum as they take you through some of the learning journeys of our members and how our cloud-based Learning Management System is enhancing the learner experience. 

Opening Keynote: How to Learn

Originally broadcast Tuesday 2nd July 09:30

How you can use this week to learn from our members. 

Endnote: Shaping the future: supporting your best next actions

Originally broadcast on Friday 17th May, 12:30.

Rounding off the virtual conference and first stage of this year's best practice programme with inspiration, ideas and clear next steps. This endnote will support your learning, and give you takeaway ideas on how to turn this into an action plan. 

Opening Keynote: Shaping the Future

Originally broadcast Monday 13th May, 09:30

How can we prepare ourselves for whatever happens? How can we think forward and be confident with our best next decisions?

Hear from The Forum’s team of Specialists as they each share their inspiration thoughts on how to Shape the Future.

2024 Partnership Awards: Davies & TJX

In a strategic collaboration, global retailer TJX and Davies revolutionised employee onboarding, focussing on decentralised training and soft skills. Incorporating digital learning and aligning with cultural values, they achieved a 300% investment return, which included a reduction in the glide path to productivity in the contact centre from 8 weeks to 6 weeks. This partnership not only enhanced employee engagement and customer service for TK Maxx and HomeSense but also established new benchmarks for training excellence, an increase in empathy and rapport with customers with a positive impact oncustomer loyalty.

Kevin White at VitalityHealth

Kevin showcases leadership through strategic team expansion and talent development. Learning from industry best practices, he diversified his team’s experiences, leading to innovative channels like WhatsApp. Internal training and personalised development plans ensure a robust talent pipeline. Kevin encourages individual growth, allowing flexible transitions within the team which stakeholders paid tribute to. Kevin’s commitment to excellence promises a future of continued success and adaptability.

2024 Planning Awards: Alex Gold at OVO Energy

OVO Energy, under Alex’s leadership, tackled integration challenges, fostering a culture of empowerment and innovation. Alex prioritised team empowerment, laying foundations for strategic decision-making and operational optimisation, with his goal for Shared Services to become ‘The Brain of the Operation’. Assessing teams for skills and mindset alignment, coupled with a focus on recognition and feedback, reinforced a customer-centric approach.

2024 Planning Awards: Iain McFarlane at DHL

Through streamlined processes and a commitment to continuous improvement, Iain achieved significant savings and operational efficiencies. By fostering a culture of learning and embracing challenges, Iain empowered his team to excel and innovate. He exemplifies the potential for personal growth within the organisation, with a focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

2024 Planning Awards: Kristie-Leigh Armstrong at BT Group

Kristie-Leigh spearheaded a transformative journey in workforce management, with an  emphasis on communication, collaboration, and employee well-being. Through initiatives like Flexi-breaks, My Day and Uni-flex, she has helped shape a culture of accountability and inclusivity, reducing shrinkage and increasing coverage. Kristie-Leigh’s dedication to personal development and support for colleagues inspires others to embrace change, drive innovation, and prioritise the welfare of their teams.

2024 Innovation & Transformation Awards: Firstlink: Transforming Operations at Firstsource

This platform, a brainchild of collaborative efforts between the development team and operational stakeholders, has revolutionised the way business is conducted, ushering in a new era of efficiency, connectivity, and streamlined operations. The adoption of Firstlink has heralded a new dawn for the organisation, propelling it towards greater efficiency, connectivity, and operational excellence.

2024 Innovation & Transformation Awards: Firstflex: Collaborative Problem-Solving at Firstsource

Innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking ideas; it’s about promoting a culture where every voice is heard, and every challenge is met with collaborative solutions. Firstflex illustrates how it allows team members to engage in various projects based on their interests. Learn how Firstsource developed their own technology in pursuit of sustainability, underscoring the team’s commitment to fostering innovation from within.