Canterbury Cathedral recently made a significant move in transforming its onboarding experience for new staff and volunteers, thanks to a collaborative effort by Anaum Iqbal, a postgraduate student in Business Analytics. This project was part of the University of Kent’s Student Impact Challenge, which connects students with real-world initiatives to gain valuable work experience. Anaum was tasked with redesigning the Cathedral’s outdated HR Starters Pack, with the goal of injecting fresh energy and unity into the institution’s induction process.
The existing HR Starters Pack no longer reflected the Cathedral’s rich history and cultural values. Recognising this, Principal HR Officer Wendy Cleaton oversaw the project, which aimed to create a new induction pack that would not only introduce new hires to the workplace but also inspire them by emphasising the organisation’s deep-rooted mission.
A Creative Challenge for Anaum Iqbal
Anaum’s project was no small feat. To understand the unique needs of the Cathedral, she consulted with employees from various departments, gaining insights into the diverse expectations and requirements for the new induction plan. Drawing from these discussions and her meetings with HR leaders, Anaum developed a comprehensive induction framework designed to connect new starters with the Cathedral’s historical narrative and mission.
“My project was to design a new employee induction plan for Canterbury Cathedral,” Anaum shared. “It was an enlightening experience, and I was challenged to think critically and creatively, considering the unique cultural and historical context of the Cathedral.”
Anaum delivered her work in a PowerPoint format, outlining key components of the induction process, blending historical elements with a clear vision for the future. This project allowed her to hone her skills while working in a unique organisational setting, gaining invaluable insight into how HR functions in a historic institution like Canterbury Cathedral.
Feedback from Canterbury Cathedral
Wendy Cleaton, Chief HR Officer, praised Anaum’s efforts, noting that she provided a solid starting point for reimagining the induction process.
“We found Anaum to be a pleasant and engaging work placement,” Wendy said. “She helped to provide a draft template of thought processes around a new induction programme.”
Both parties recognised the value of the collaboration, with Wendy emphasising that Anaum’s contributions were greatly appreciated. Her work laid a strong foundation for the future development of the onboarding process, bringing fresh ideas and perspective to the project.
A Step Forward for the Cathedral
This project was part of the University of Kent’s Student Impact Challenge, a unique initiative that connects students with real-world projects, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge while making a tangible difference in the community. Through this programme, students like Anaum gain hands-on experience, working with local businesses and organisations to address real-world challenges.
As Canterbury Cathedral continues to evolve, this project marks a significant step in ensuring that its history and values remain at the heart of everything it does, starting with the people who join its ranks.
Want to gain some valuable real-life work experience like Anaum? Find out more about the Student Impact Challenge here. Applications for 2024 close on 6th October 2024.