2023 Customer Strategy & Planning (Virtual)

Interactive Keynote: AI & Machine Learning

Originally broadcast Wednesday 11th October, 14:30

In this keynote we will be hearing from David Bruce and Alfy Reid from NEA Consulting to explore recent developments in AI, how it's being applied, the risks to consider and what the future might look like.

Data & AI: game-changing opportunities?

Emerging technologies use data in new ways and many benefits flow from this. We can tap into new sources of insight. Automation can transform how we plan resources. So what are the opportunities? And how do we release this potential?

How to unlock value in moving to the cloud

In such a complex technology marketplace, how do we make the right strategic choices? Nigel Medforth uncovers how to set yourself up for success with a customer and user-led IT project, and not the other way around.

Operational Readiness

This video is to accompany the article in the 2024 Best Practice Guide: Shaping the Future

2024 Innovation & Transformation Awards: Navigating Operational Challenges with Data driven decision-making at Hiscox

A cultural transformation built on visibility and transparency of data and how this is used to drive better decisions. Trust has been built in understanding and using the data to change the decision-making dynamic. Confidence with data has improved the understanding of customer and colleague behaviour. This case study demonstrates the transformative power of data-driven decision-making and strategic evolution in driving operational excellence.

2024 Innovation & Transformation Awards: Driving Operational Excellence at TSB

The TSB Planning team have demonstrated the importance of collaboration, skill development, and innovative tools in driving operational excellence within organisations. By creating a culture of open communication, embracing upskilling initiatives, and leveraging data-driven insights, teams can enhance performance, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. This transformation has seen the adoption of Power BI and the transition from using excel spreadsheets to the implementation of a real-time alert system.

2024 Planning Awards: Michael Ferrera at indeed

Michael champions accessible data presentation, pre-emptive issue identification, and real-time response strategies. His approachability and dedication to learning earn praise from stakeholders, while his collaborative spirit fosters a culture of innovation. Projects include self-scheduling implementation and a shift towards future-focused data analysis. Michael’s efforts not only streamline operations but also cultivate a data-centric culture.

2024 Planning Awards: Stephen Banim at indeed

Stephen implemented innovative forecasting methods, driving efficiency and cost reduction through leveraging data-driven insights. Collaborative solutions, guided by his effective communication style, helped tackle challenges such as integrating new features like chat. Stephen exemplifies the transformative power of experience and strategic thinking, setting a standard for excellence in modern workforce management.

2024 Planning Awards: Sam Collings at OVO Energy

Sam renewed the approach to recruitment and training. With her approach, the blend of weekend and remote workers has enhanced operational efficiency and relieved pressure on agents whilst improving morale. Embracing social media, they maintained service levels and reduced contact volume, achieving a 70% satisfaction rate and a 33% decrease in queries. Sam’s data analytics have driven continuous improvement, enabling personalised service and proactive customer engagement.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Three Ireland Insight Team

The ROI insight team at Three Ireland have utilised Microsoft Power Apps to revamp internal processes and enhance workplace culture. This move aimed at ditching outdated communication methods for a more efficient, engaging approach to reporting. The initiative led to improved operational efficiency, higher employee engagement, and significant cost savings. Power Apps helped automate tasks, saving 900 hours annually and fostering a culture of innovation. Future plans include developing an “Everything App” and integrating AI to further advance their digital efforts.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: The AA Forecasting Team

The AA’s forecasting team has been pivotal in optimising breakdown services through a predictive model linking weather data to breakdowns, improving resource allocation and response times. Their analysis has driven digital advancements, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions by filtering simpler queries online. They also evaluate economic and market trends for strategic planning. This work ensures The AA adapts efficiently to customer needs and maintains leadership in service excellence, highlighting the team’s essential role in operational and strategic decisions.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Homeserve Speech Analytics Team

HomeServe’s journey with speech analytics since 2015 transformed customer service, blending technology for efficiency and satisfaction. Initially aimed at operational improvements, it evolved with advanced telephony for better service delivery. This shift not only streamlined processes but also enriched customer interactions. Rich joined-up data is linking actions to outcomes and enabling continuous improvement. Their commitment to technological advancement has set new standards in customer care, highlighting the role of technology in enhancing service quality.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Angela Morton at BT Business

In BT’s defence sector, Amanda innovated reporting by transitioning from traditional, static methods to dynamic dashboards, enhancing decision-making for sensitive defence contracts. Facing high-security clearance challenges and the need for meticulous staff retention, her approach uses visual cues to highlight key metrics, significantly improving operational efficiency and strategic planning. This shift towards action-based reporting has been well-received, demonstrating the impact of adaptability and innovation in reporting within the sector.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Mike Connor at Capita Regulated Services

Mike’s journey at Capita exemplifies dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit. Starting in 2014 as a customer service representative, his interest in operational efficiency led to his role as a performance analyst. Skilled in Power Query and Power BI, Mike turned SLA data into actionable insights, enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction. Overcoming challenges with advanced tools, his work improved operational efficiency and inspired peers towards continuous improvement. A commitment to continuous learning and development is driving organisational success through data-driven decisions.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Ravi Kumar Samala at Firstsource

Firstsource Solutions revolutionised its risk management with a digital-first strategy, under Ravi’s leadership. This case study highlights the transition from expensive, rigid third-party tools to custom digital solutions, enhancing operational risk management and business continuity. Implementing in-house tools like the Operations Health Dashboard significantly cut costs and improved efficiency. This transformation not only saved £170,000 in licence costs over two years but also fostered a robust risk-aware culture, showcasing the impact of digital innovation on organisational resilience and efficiency.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Steven Hunter at Hiscox

At Hiscox, Steven transformed corporate planning by adopting advanced methodologies and improving data management. His benchmarking efforts and use of the Minto Pyramid Principle for communication enhanced strategic operations in the UK. Steven’s initiative underscored the importance of innovation and foresight, driving Hiscox towards operational excellence and sustainable growth. This case highlights the significance of strategic planning and data-driven decision-making in the competitive business landscape.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Chantal Lowson at Macmillan Cancer Support

Chantal’s leadership journey at Macmillan Cancer Support showcases her transformative approach to management. Transitioning from a single Data Analyst Insights team to leading three specialist teams, she exemplifies embracing change, fostering trust, and leveraging technology for organisational improvement. Her strategy prioritises people, performance, and continuous learning, demonstrating the impact of multifunctional teams and data-driven decisions. Chantal’s story is a testament to the power of leadership in navigating challenges and driving substantial business improvements.

2024 Data, Analytics & Insight Awards: Katie Harrison at NFU Mutual Agencies

Katie enhances business efficiency by expertly utilising Management Information (MI) to align with stakeholder needs. She champions incremental changes and fosters collaboration between data analysts and operational teams, ensuring MI insights translate into actionable strategies. This approach not only improves decision-making and productivity but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement. Her leadership exemplifies how insightful, collaborative efforts can lead to significant organisational benefits, demonstrating the critical role of effective MI application in operational success.

2024 Partnership Awards: Business Systems & Motorway

Through partnering with Business Systems to implement Calabrio, Motorway has experienced significant improvements in their WFM and Planning operations. These include substantial improvements to adherence, equivalent to 30 FTE per week, a considerable increase in the efficiency of internal processes such as holiday requests, and the fostering of an overall more positive work environment resulting in greater employee satisfaction and improved customer service. Through innovative problem-solving and dedicated teamwork, they overcame challenges in integrating systems, delivering significant operational improvements and financial benefits. Shared goals and a willingness to “walk in their customers’ shoes” were key elements of this successful partnership – we understand that Neil did get a good price for his car!

2024 Partnership Awards: Davies & Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

This open and trusting partnership has delivered on the selection and configuration of the best fit interaction analytics platform for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Davies, through their Managed Analytics service trained the team and helped them to identify priorities, and scale problems to ensure that they did not try to do too much all at once, and ROI was achieved. A process issue affecting one vulnerable customer was identified, queries revealed the extent of the customer base that could be affected by this flaw, this enabled them to make a change to the process, improving services for their most vulnerable customers. Results include a reduction in verbal complaints of 15%, a reduction in AHT by 35 seconds, and a speed up of the investigation process from 14 days, to just one day.

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.

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. 

Partner Article: Calabrio Introduces AI-Driven Bot Analytics to Enhance Quality Management

Calabrio, the workforce performance company, announced its new suite of Bot Analytics tools for Quality Management (QM). Bot Analytics gives contact centres more performance data and insights to streamline and enhance the user experience.  

Calabrio’s Bot Analytics helps monitor and improve the performance and quality of chatbots and voicebots; organising all transcript conversations into topics, simplifying the review process, and making it easier to address issues efficiently.  

Opening Keynote: How to Learn

Originally broadcast Tuesday 2nd July 09:30

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

Innovation Winners: Indeed & OVO Energy

Originally broadcast Tuesday 2nd July, 10:30

Learn from overall Innovation of the Year winners, indeed on Leading Global Transformation and OVO Energy talking about their Service Transformation.

Best Practice Partnerships: Hear from the judges

Originally broadcast Wednesday 3rd July, 10:30

In this session our Partnership Awards Judges will share their highlights from this year's finalists stories. Sharing what has inspired them, and the learning that they have taken from the process. 

Partnership Perfection: Hear from our associate heroes

Originally broadcast Thursday 4th July, 13:15

Join our Associate Heroes as they share their key ingredients for the perfect partnership

Opening Keynote - Shaping the Future

Originally broadcast Monday 14th October 2024, 10:30

This year we challenged you to Shape Your Future, but is the future already here?

Panel Discussion: Standards Benchmarking

Originally broadcast Monday 14th October 2024, 12:30

Hear from members who have completed the Standards Benchmarking process to understand how they approached the self-assessment process and implemented change from their learning. 45mins

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.