Organisation Development Advisor Review

To support organisational effectiveness by designing and delivering initiatives that enhance performance, improve culture, develop leadership, and align people strategies with business goals.

As an Organisational Development Advisor, I have significantly enhanced my professional practice through hands-on experience and strategic project delivery. I have deepened my understanding of the core principles of OD, including systems thinking, behavioural science, and organisational culture. This foundation has enabled me to design and implement interventions that are both evidence-based and context-sensitive. Through collaborative work with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, I have strengthened my strategic thinking skills—translating organisational challenges into targeted development initiatives that drive sustainable change. I am committed to continuous learning and actively seek opportunities to refine my approach, ensuring that my work adds meaningful value to the organisation and its people.

During my apprenticeship in Organisational Development, I’ve built confidence by applying new skills in real projects and contributing to team discussions. Learning from experienced colleagues has deepened my understanding of OD fundamentals and helped me develop more strategic thinking. I’ve found real value in sharing ideas and best practice, which has strengthened my communication and collaborative skills. This experience is helping me grow both professionally and personally, laying the foundation for a confident and impactful OD career.

I think the programme is really well organised. There’s a nice balance between workshops and learning on the job. The workshops give me the chance to step back and think about the theory, while the day-to-day work helps me put it into practice straight away. It feels relevant and useful, and the mix keeps things interesting and engaging.

I’ve had lots of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship. There are regular check-ins to talk about progress and development, and I’ve been given opportunities to get involved in new projects, which has really helped build my confidence. I’ve also had the chance to work with partner organisations and support other teams, which has broadened my experience and understanding of the organisation.

I’ve had great support from my training provider. I have a skills coach who supports the apprenticeship elements of the programme and keeps me on track with my progress. There’s also a dedicated tutor for the CIPD taught sessions who provides clear guidance and support with assignment writing. The workshops are engaging and really help me understand how to apply the learning in my role.

The qualification has really helped me perform better in my role. It’s given me more confidence and a stronger understanding of key concepts and practices in OD. I’m learning about the latest thinking in the field, which I can bring into my day-to-day work. The sessions also give me a chance to learn from others, which has helped me see different perspectives and apply new ideas in a practical way.

Yes, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. We have active staff networks, regular wellbeing events, and volunteering opportunities across the organisation. It’s a great way to meet people from different teams and get involved in things outside of your day-to-day role.

Yes

Yes, I’d definitely recommend Wakefield Council. There’s a strong focus on learning and development, and I’ve felt really supported throughout my apprenticeship. Wellbeing is taken seriously, and there are plenty of opportunities to grow your career. It’s a great place to learn, feel supported, and make a difference.

When applying for a job, it’s important to carefully read the job specification and link each requirement to your own experience. Use real examples to show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria, highlighting your skills, knowledge, and achievements. This helps demonstrate that you’re a strong match for the role and makes your application more compelling.