Creating a bespoke development centre for Sir Robert McAlpine
Sir Robert McAlpine, one of the UK’s leading construction firms, partnered with Unseen’s assessment specialists, Sten10, to identify and select the first cohort of participants for their Future Leaders Programme, delivered in association with Cranfield University.
About the Customer
Sir Robert McAlpine
Construction & civil engineering
Development centre for identification and selection of participants for their Future Leaders Programme
Through the design of realistic, relevant, and engaging exercises
Background
Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) needed a fair and objective process to select participants for the first cohort of their Future Leaders Programme.
The Challenge
Ensuring fairness:
The process had to be inclusive, avoiding any bias towards construction-specific experience.
Aligning with real demands:
Selected individuals needed the resilience, leadership ability and commitment to make the most of the challenging programme at Cranfield and succeed in future senior roles.
Engaging busy professionals:
The assessment process had to be rigorous without being overwhelming. It needed to be engaging enough to motivate high-potential candidates to apply and participate fully.
The Solution
Sten10 designed a tailored Development Centre (DC) based on SRM’s leadership competency framework, enhanced with input from Cranfield University. The exercises, built around a fictional failing project, were designed to measure behaviours such as problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience. Participants took part in group tasks, presentations and interviews, with clear assessment criteria and trained observers to ensure consistency and fairness.
Designing realistic, relevant, and engaging exercises
Creating communication materials and a smooth application process
Training assessors to minimise bias and focus on objective behavioural evidence
Managing the logistics of running multiple, seamless development centres
Facilitating fair integration sessions for selection of final candidates
“A great experience, Sten10 understood our need and put forward practical solutions in a quick timeframe.”
The Impact
Quality
The Development Centre enabled SRM to identify individuals with genuine leadership potential, not just those who were confident or well-known internally. Cranfield University reported the SRM participants were particularly well-suited and well-prepared for the programme. All participants remained engaged and committed throughout the programme; underlining the effectiveness of the selection process.
Efficiency
The process was designed and delivered with precision. A clear assessment matrix, structured integration sessions, and observer training ensured reliable, evidence-based decision-making. Sten10’s attention to logistics meant the development centres ran smoothly and without disruption. SRM benefitted from a streamlined selection process that saved time while maintaining high standards.
Engagement
Candidates were motivated by the opportunity and felt supported throughout, thanks to clear application materials and a welcoming information pack. Even those not selected for the programme received personalised feedback, reinforcing SRM’s commitment to development.
“I believe the process that Sten10 ran was successful in preparing the applicants, but also in selecting the right applicants.”
Let’s build potential, together
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