Development Centres

“The centre was run with great professionalism. The quality of the feedback provided by the OPS consultant was excellent and OPS facilitated a very worthwhile and focussed discussion. I felt that the feedback session was definitely the most important part of the overall process. Well done!”
Senior Engineer, BAE Systems

At OPS we have extensive experience of designing and running development centres at all levels within an organisation. We take time to assess our clients’ needs and objectives to ensure that our development centres always reflect their organisational environment and focus on the qualities and competencies the organisation rewards and values.

The purpose of a development centre is to gather information on individuals with the specific intent of supporting their personal development and well-designed development centres are an excellent way of utilising and enhancing your organisation’s talent, especially during the current economic climate.

Development centres are intended to help delegates learn and try out effective behaviours. Typically, observers watch a number of candidates carry out several different types of exercises, all designed to elicit appropriate leadership or strong behaviours. We encourage clients to incorporate plenty of feedback into the development centre process, both during and after the DC. Ideally, there should be no element of “assessment” so that participants feel confident in moving beyond their comfort zones without fear of any adverse effect on their careers.

With OPS, candidates are encouraged to identify closely with each exercise, which we present in a realistic organisational setting. They are observed by senior managers and psychologists in a situation designed to elicit authentic and desirable behaviours and promote their development.

Participants may be asked to face a convincing work crisis while completing individual or group exercises and presentations in response to this crisis, adopting individual and collaborative approaches as appropriate.

We have close relationships with several companies of actors, skilled in role-play, who help us add verisimilitude to the process.

Psychometric testing may also be used as an additional development tool, depending upon the specific requirements of the client. Tests can now be completed online in advance of a development centre, to free up time on the day.

After the development centre has concluded, OPS psychologists can offer a combination of individual face-to-face or telephone feedback, and individual reports and/or executive summaries.

Please have a look at our Development Centre case studies for more information or download our Development Centres brochure.

To speak to one of our business psychologists call us today on 0845 5050 181 or alternatively you can email us ops@opsltd.com.