The British Red Cross has a launched a training scheme for senior managers to improve their coaching skills as part of a new focus on learning and development.

The organisation is working with leadership development company Unlimited Potential to improve the mentoring skills of nine directors, as part if its talent management programme, in preparation for the introduction of a new corporate strategy next year.

British Red Cross talent manager Jon Summerson said: "We want to ensure our senior managers have the opportunity to practise and refresh their coaching skills so they can support the organisation's talent management programme.

"Improving their coaching skills will therefore form a vital part in how our organisation manages talented individuals.

"Coaching, in its simplest form, is about having a good conversation with someone to help improve performance.

"Changing how we manage people will help individuals feel more valued, empowered and creative, and ultimately ensure we retain talented employees."