Aurora Energy Services
A Unique and Innovative Method to deliver Leadership Development that works...
Developing strong leaders for now and the future
Aurora Energy Services partnered with HLA to develop the CMI-endorsed Visionary Leadership Programme—a bespoke, high-impact solution designed to rapidly build strategic leadership capability across their expanding management team. This case study demonstrates the organisational need, the solution presented and the outcomes of this unique and highly innovative model of leadership development.
The Organisational Need
Aurora Energy Services, a key force in Scotland’s energy transition, partnered with HLA to address a critical leadership need following rapid expansion through strategic acquisitions. Their goal: to equip managers with the strategic capabilities required to lead confidently in a fast-paced, evolving environment—without the constraints of traditional accredited learning.
The Process
In response, HLA designed the bespoke, CMI-endorsed Visionary Leadership Programme: a high-impact, three-day experience focused on personal effectiveness, interpersonal excellence, and organisational performance. The programme delivered professional credibility through a CMI certificate of attendance, while avoiding formal assessments that could disrupt operations.
The Solution
The result was a bespoke programme developed by HLA, tailored to Aurora Energy Services’ organisational needs and aligned with the Chartered Management Institute’s Professional Standards. This distinctive offering delivers comprehensive leadership development while providing participants with a CMI Endorsed Certificate of Learning—ensuring professional recognition without the requirement for formal assessments or examinations.
Delivery
The programme was delivered over four sessions across a four-month period, providing participants with valuable time to absorb learning and apply new skills in their roles.
It commenced with a C-Me Colour Profiling session, designed to enhance leaders’ understanding of their behavioural and communication styles—supporting greater self-awareness, team cohesion, and leadership impact.
Guided by the CMI Professional Standards, the programme continued with three in-person training days focused on Personal Effectiveness, Interpersonal Excellence, and Organisational Performance. Our blended learning model combined engaging, interactive workshops with high-quality digital resources, ensuring a flexible and enriching experience. P
Participants also valued the training environment, which offered a spacious venue, convenient parking, and excellent hospitality—creating the ideal setting for reflection, connection, and professional growth.
Evaluation of the Programme
Measuring the impact of leadership development is complex but essential, as organisations rightly seek assurance that their investment yields tangible results.
At HLA, we apply Kirkpatrick’s industry-recognised four-level evaluation model to assess programme effectiveness—capturing participant reactions, demonstrated learning, behavioural changes, and business outcomes. The summary below highlights the most significant impacts achieved through the Visionary Leadership Programme
Impact was measured using the Kirkpatrick Model and revealed:
- Increased confidence in managing change and remote teams
- Enhanced communication, delegation, and strategic thinking
- Stronger alignment with organisational values and culture
- Observable behavioural shifts recognised by peers and leaders
Tools such as C-Me Colour Profiling, performance management frameworks, and the “Golden Thread” goal-setting model were especially valued. Participants reported improved collaboration, resilience, and leadership presence—leading to promotions, expanded responsibilities, and greater influence.
This initiative not only strengthened Aurora’s leadership pipeline but also reinforced HLA’s reputation as a responsive, forward-thinking training provider. By combining expert facilitation, CMI endorsement, and practical application, the Visionary Leadership Programme delivered measurable transformation for individuals and their organisation.
“The programme and each session were really well put together. After the colour profiling, I felt tuned in to the others. That set us up for the other days, which worked so well, dealing with self, team and ultimately what the company is looking for.”
“I really enjoyed the whole thing, particularly CMe. It was a really engaging way to start. There was a good mix of theory and practical. There was good interaction: Some courses can be dry. There wasn’t a single minute I was bored.”
“My director has seen a difference. I am more organised, so manage my time and responsibilities better.”
“The way that the course is set up in bite size chunks is great – you gain something at each stage.”
“I was sceptical, I had a tainted view from previous courses. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and how it was delivered. It was more of an exploration – How would you do this? Great too to work alongside other colleagues from different parts of the business. It was an investment (of time) worth making.”
“The CMe profile was very telling. It had a huge impact. I am a good reader of people but I may have made assumptions before about others and made impulsive decisions. Now, I have an extra layer of understanding about behaviours and where they are coming from.”
“It’s been a great course. I thought I knew it. When I got there it made me see myself in a different light. It improved me and helped the team. I’m getting good feedback from my manager.”
