Laura Grout, Head of Quality for Scientific Operations at Wellcome Sanger Institute, has successfully completed the CQI and IRCA Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management. A curiosity to explore new tools and techniques, alongside a new role prompted Laura to enrol on the accredited Certificate. Following three years of study, Laura believes she has expanded her knowledge and improved her skills as a quality practitioner.
We caught up with Laura to congratulate her on her recent achievement, share insights into her role, her motivations for enrolling onto the Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management and what impact it has had on her career.
In her role at Wellcome Sanger Institute – a world leader in genome research that delivers insights into human, evolutionary and pathogen biology – no two days are the same for Laura.
“I’m fortunate in that I don’t tend to have a ‘typical’ day at work. I support Scientific Operations at Sanger, and this means working closely with a large number of operational teams.”
Laura leads a team of quality professionals in the ongoing implementation of a quality management system. As well as developing quality assurance processes, her team provides issue management support and contributes to continual improvement across the organisation. Key areas of focus for Laura include strategy development and, people and relationship management.
“The scope of my role is quite broad, so I get to interact with a lot of different groups of people and contribute to many different scientific projects and operational pipelines. It’s certainly never boring! I particularly enjoy strategic thinking and pursuing innovative ideas. I also get great enjoyment from developing my team.”
A PASSION FOR LEARNING AND NEW ROLE INSPIRED LAURA’S ENROLMENT
Laura’s enthusiasm for personal and professional development (PPD) was the driving force behind her decision to enrol on the Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management, combined with her starting a new role at Wellcome Sanger.
“I’m very passionate about personal and professional development. I enrolled on the Practitioner Certificate suite of courses fairly soon after joining Sanger. I had great experience behind me from my previous roles, but didn’t have much in the way of external quality management training.”
Laura was also curious to explore other tools and techniques and further develop her skills.
“I wanted to see what other tools and techniques were available. I thought building my knowledge and skills in quality management would enhance my performance in my new role.”
LAURA LEARNED SOMETHING NEW ON EACH COURSE
The Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management comprises of eight courses, covering topics such as quality planning, management, problem solving and supply chain management. Laura felt each module offered new insights. Combined, the courses gave Laura a mix of quality practical tools and methodologies.
“There are eight courses in the practitioner suite, and I learned something new from each one. There were some tools and techniques that were familiar, but the courses provide the theory behind these and get you to think about the different ways in which you can apply them.
“The most interesting part was learning about tools and techniques that I hadn’t come across before, and thinking about how I could apply these in my work.”
HOW HAS LAURA APPLIED HER LEARNING TO HER ORGANISATION?
Laura has successfully applied her new skills and techniques to develop quality processes within her organisation. In addition, her people skills were also enhanced.
“I have applied the learning to quality processes that I have developed for my organisation and enhanced my soft skills in areas such as change management and stakeholder management.”
As a result, Laura feels she has increased her knowledge and skills.
“I have expanded my knowledge and improved my skills as a quality practitioner, as well gaining professional recognition and expanding my professional network.”
INSPIRING A CULTURE OF LEARNING AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
We asked Laura’s manager what benefits Laura’s training has brought to the organisation and Sarah O’Meara, Associate Director for Strategy and Delivery in Scientific Operations at Wellcome Sanger Institute, said;
“In completing the Practitioner Certificate, not only did this demonstrate Laura’s ongoing commitment to her continuing professional development, but it also demonstrated Laura’s dedication to her profession through the assimilation of new skills and knowledge that directly and positively impact Laura in her role as Head of Quality for Scientific Operations at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.
“Through this positive role modelling, Laura encourages the development of a positive culture within her team, and in the wider department, that embraces learning and continual improvement.”
ROVE PROVIDED THE FLEXIBILITY I REQUIRED
“I chose rove because they offered the most flexible learning method, which fit around my work commitments. Distance learning and remote invigilation for exams was particularly helpful during the pandemic. It enabled me to continue with my courses when other modes, such as classroom learning, would not have been possible.”
STUDYING WHILE WORKING FULL TIME REQUIRES DETERMINATION AND DISCIPLINE
Studying while working full-time demanded determination and discipline from Laura. Committing to eight courses, within a specified time frame, was a challenge.
“Studying whilst working full time requires a lot of determination and discipline. Signing up to complete eight courses was a big commitment, particularly as there is a time limit to finish them. It can be difficult to maintain the mental focus needed to learn when there are other things going on in life!”
LAURA’S ADVICE FOR OTHERS – REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING
We asked Laura what advice she’d give to other considering studying a CQI and IRCA Quality Management course.
“I would recommend undertaking a course if it’s something you can commit to. Take the time to read all the materials as there is so much you can get out of it besides a certificate. Most importantly, ensure you reflect on what you have learned, and put it to good use.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CQI AND IRCA QUALITY MANAGEMENT COURSES
For over 13 years rove has supported quality management professionals develop and progress in their careers. Since 2016, its experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly team has supported over 500 learners, from over 345 companies – who have completed more than 1000 quality management courses. It is also very proud of its 100% pass rate. You can find out about the CQI and IRCA Foundation, Practitioner and Professional quality management courses here.