In House Training: JJ Rhatigan

JJ Rhatigan partnered with InPD to develop a high-level leadership programme called ‘Developing the Next Generation of Construction Leaders’ for key performers within its UK business. As a major Tier 1 construction contractor operating across the UK and Ireland, the organisation wanted to strengthen its leadership pipeline by identifying and developing individuals capable of progressing into future critical roles.

The priority was not simply to deliver leadership training, but to support the organisation’s wider succession and talent-retention strategy. JJ Rhatigan wanted to invest in high-performing individuals, prepare them for greater responsibility and increase the likelihood of retaining that talent as opportunities for progression emerged.

Within construction, this also meant overcoming a familiar challenge: operational pressures can make it difficult for experienced professionals to commit time to development. The programme therefore needed to feel relevant, practical and worth taking time away from the day job to attend.

InPD worked closely with the JJ Rhatigan team to create a tailored experience rather than delivering an off-the-shelf programme.

Feedback was actively incorporated into the programme, including how individual sessions were structured, the approach taken by the trainers and the style of delivery. Cohorts were deliberately kept manageable so that participants had the opportunity to contribute, discuss their experiences and engage fully with the learning.

The face-to-face and group-based approach proved particularly valuable, creating an environment in which participants could learn from one another, challenge their thinking and become actively involved rather than simply consuming content.

The programme has generated strong engagement and positive feedback, including from individuals who may initially have been expected to be more resistant to the development process.

Crucially, JJ Rhatigan believes that the aims and objectives established at the beginning of the programme have been achieved, with the longer-term impact expected to feed directly into succession planning within the UK business.

Participants’ perceptions also evolved as they became involved in the programme. Seeing colleagues contribute encouraged greater participation, helping individuals recognise
the value of the experience and become part of the development journey.

The partnership has helped JJ Rhatigan create a structured development pathway for some of its key talent, combining leadership development, succession planning, retention and future organisational capability.

With the initial objectives appearing to have been achieved, the organisation is now considering the future development its people may require and the potential to continue working with InPD.

“The evidence is in the feedback and the results that we’ve received so far.” – Olivia Hamilton, Head of Learning & Development, JJ Rhatigan.