Uniper - Leading and Change Management programme
In the UK, Uniper Ltd owns and operates a flexible generation portfolio of seven power stations, a fast-cycle gas storage facility and two high pressure gas pipelines. The company is undertaking a process of transformation and approached our Executive Education team to deliver training programmes for their managers.
The training programmes were designed to support Uniper's managers to lead effectively in times of change. The first sessions were delivered in 2024 and Uniper then sought a further programme in 2025 for a another group of leaders.
2024 programmes
In 2024, Uniper approached our Executive Education team to deliver a custom in-house programme for staff from a variety of job functions and from middle-managers to senior executives.
We designed and delivered the resulting programme on Leading and Change Management to three cohorts of Uniper's staff. Each programme lasted two days and the training was delivered on-site at the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.
The programme was designed to introduce different approaches and interpretations of change management to transitioning people, processes, and resources to achieve better outcomes. The programme was delivered by a team from Nottingham University Business School who have practitioner and academic experience of delivering Executive level programmes.
The delivery team included:
- Dr Luis Torres - Associate Professor and the Director of Executive Education with expertise in the leadership and governance of sustainable organisations
- Nickie Elenor - Professor of Practice and an employment law solicitor, business owner, employer and people strategist
- Dr Andri Georgiadou - Associate Professor and the Departmental Director of External Engagement with expertise on equality, diversity, and inclusion at work
They enabled the group to consider key tools and skills for leading change and transitions, managing resistance to change, influencing and negotiating stakeholders, as well as sustainability as a change process. Dr Andri Georgiadou, Associate Professor and Departmental Director of External Engagement, said:
"Reflecting on our work with Uniper, I was amazed by the energy and engagement of the participants. Everyone seemed keen to tackle the challenges of organisational change. It was gratifying to see how our blend of theory and practice sparked lively debates and new ideas throughout the programme."
When asked about which parts of the programme the group had found most valuable, Chris Bellaby, the Turbine Team leader at Uniper, said:
Development of our staff is a key focus while we adapt our business to suit the needs of a low carbon society. The Leading and Change Management programme facilitated by Nottingham University Business School has provided a cohort of current and aspiring leaders with a set of tools to equip them well for managing their own path through this transition.
The content of the bespoke programme complimented other training our team had received in this space and was delivered in an engaging manner receiving positive feedback from our delegates.
Thank you to the team at Nottingham University Business School for supporting us on our development journey.
2025 programme
In September 2025, we returned to Uniper to deliver the programme to another group of staff. Andrina Watt, who coordinates training at Uniper, explained why the company turned to our team for further training opportunities:
We selected Nottingham University Business School for our ongoing leadership training programme because they have been amazing at helping our teams through uncertain times. During the first workshops their hands-on style made a big difference and people came away with practical things they could use right away on our closing site. We wanted to get those same benefits again, knowing their experience would help our staff handle change and become even better leaders.
The training was delivered for a small group which allowed us to really focus upon their individual needs and created a safe space for honest and open discussion. This is an important part of our programmes and, through interactive workshops, the participants reflected not only on the barriers to change which they encounter but also on the creative ways they’ve already started to overcome them. The sessions therefore became more than just training - they were a collaborative space for learning from each other’s experiences.
Reflecting upon the training, Andrina said:
"What really stood out about this programme was how it gave our team the confidence and practical skills to handle change, even while things felt extremely uncertain. Doing the training here at our own site made everything more meaningful and was tailored in a way to allow us to talk about the real challenges our site was facing. The workshops helped us learn from each other. It wasn’t just tick in the box training; it turned into a space where we could really grow together."
We were delighted to be able to reconnect with the team at Uniper and to deliver this programme for their staff. The energy in the room was fantastic, with the delegates being engaged, open and willing to share the real challenges they face in navigating change. It really highlighted to us the benefits of this sort of programme and we look forward to hearing more about the progress they make moving forwards.
To find out more about developing a custom programme with Executive Education, please visit our webpage or contact the team:
