Revamping Learning at First Central: Joseph Mellish

First Central are a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions. The company's commitment to investing in its people has been exemplified through Joe Mellish's journey on the Level 5 Learning & Development Business Partner programme with Intec Business Colleges. Since completing the programme, Joe has not only grown professionally but has also delivered tangible benefits to First Central, enhancing leadership capabilities and strengthening the coaching culture across the organisation.

As a direct result of his programme with Intec, one of Joe's most significant contributions has been the development and implementation of the KASPER coaching model within the C&O department. Joe explains:

"With my coaching backrgound, I believed it was more effective to guide inviduals in assessing their skill levels rather than simply telling. However, I found that existing coaching models did not fully align with the requirements of a slills-focused conversation. As a result, I created KASPER - a coaching framework designed specifically to support skill-focused discussions. The goal was to ensure that leaders across the business were conducting consistent, structured comversations around skills development. KASPER provides colleagues with a clear framework and a library of guiding questions for each stage of the model - similar in princuple to the GROW model but with a dedicated focus on skills validation and future development pathways."

By securing leadership buy-in and piloting the model effectively, Joe provided managers with a structured yet adaptable framework for career conversations and performance coaching. Feedback from leaders at First Central has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how easy the model is to appl and how it enhances their ability to support team development. Joe's ability to navigate challenges from experienced coaches - particularly in aligning KASPER with the widely used GROW model - has demonstrated his strategic thinking and resilience in change management.

Joe's passion for learning has not only benefited his own professional development but has also enriched the wider team at First Central. His ability to source and integrate diverse learning methodologies - including digital learning, podcasts, and online resources - has broadened the team's access to knowledge. Furthermore, his completion of a Continuous Improvement course, including a problem-solving qualification, has strengthened his ability to drive efficiency and effectiveness within the business. All of this, along with the development he's gained through his apprenticeship, has positioned Joe as a key advocate for innovation and best practice within the organisation.

Recognising the importance of data in assessing learning impact, Joe has begun developing key metrics to measure the effectiveness of the KASPER model and the success of coaching conversations. His insights and recommendations are already influencing First Central's approach to leadership development - ensuring that coaching is not just a box-ticking exercise, but a meaningful driver of performance and engagement. As the business continues to embed cultural change, Joe's contributions are proving instrumental in shaping a more agile, empowered, and high-performing workforce.

Joe Mellish's journey through the Level 5 Learning & Development Business Partner programme has had a profound impact on First Central. His ability to bridge learning theory with practical application, drive innovation, and foster a coaching culture underscores the immense value of investing in professional development.

Holly Llewellyn, Head of Learning and Skills Development at First Central, states:

"I have seen Joe develop in his understanding, applying learning theory to different scenarios and colleagues. I've observed this in both his training and his general conversations with stakeholders and the team. Joe is far more adaptable and agile in his approach to individuals and uses his enhanced coaching skills to draw out solutions."

Joe's story serves as a testament to how the work Intec undertakes with dedicated learning professionals can transform business operations and drive long-term success. And so, we'll have the final word to Joe himself:

"The apprenticeship significantly boosted my confidence. Benchmarking myself against other Business Partners, both internally and externally, gave me the assurance to discuss my career aspirations with the L&D Director. Prior to the apprenticeship, my entire experience in L&D had been shaped by internal practices within First Central and Knowledge shared by colleagues. However, working through the modules, conducting research for essays, and engaging in discussions helped me refine my understanding of best practices in diferent scenarios."