Retail Programmes update

A lot has happened since my last blog! You'll no doubt have heard and seen all the news surrounding HBOS, but its business as usual in Retail Programmes. There are still lots of initiatives to deliver and many more to come.

The Graduate scheme is definitely carrying on as usual and I am now on my third out of four placements. My new team have been very welcoming and have also provided me with challenging work to get stuck into. This project is very different to the last two placements providing me with a great opportunity to see a different stage of the project life cycle. This is in the project initiation stage, whereas previously I have joined projects much further into the life cycle. It also provides me with an opportunity to gain exposure and work with different business areas and different stakeholders.

This is a very different challenge as there is a lot of 'shaping' required where effectively the direction and approach of the project has not yet been decided. As part of the central team, we are working on a plan to ensure all key stakeholders are engaged, initial workshops are held and the relevant analysis is completed to ultimately request approval to the project. I am currently working on planning the first workshop where all the key stakeholders come together to determine the objectives and scope of the project.

This stage is very much an exciting phase as the work undertaken really shapes the direction the project will take and ultimately the objectives it will work towards. There is a lot more to be getting on with and my next blog will hopefully give you some detail on how it's all going.

First year completed

I have just completed my first year on the Graduate scheme as a Project Analyst, seems to have gone by so fast! I am working in Retail Programmes, which is responsible for programme and project management for some of the largest change initiatives across Retail. It works hand in hand with project teams from the business areas helping to deliver change programmes.

The aim of the Graduate Scheme is to be in a position to become a Senior Project Analyst at the end of the two years, though there are opportunities earlier if you are ready. The scheme consists of four six-month placements, though this is not set in stone and times can vary depending on the specific placement. It has allowed me to experience different elements of the project life cycle so far, and my remaining placements will allow me to experience the remaining elements.

I am currently working on a Regulatory project in my second placement. This is very different to my first placement and the type of role changes depending on the project. I am predominantly responsible for the central coordination of colleague training and communications working with the business areas. The aim is to ensure all colleagues are adequately communicated to and trained in preparation for the changes our project is implementing. This is alongside other pieces of work, such as resolving various issues with the business areas as they crop up.

I have found the Project Analyst role very interesting so far as the work is extremely varied and there is an opportunity to work with many business areas and different people. I will update soon on how its all going...


Andrew – Retail Programmes

Andrew Egginton - Retail graduate scheme

Hi, my name is Andrew Egginton and I joined HBOS in September 2007 on the Retail Graduate scheme. I am on the Project Management scheme and am as a result working in Retail Programmes as a Project Analyst. I will be updating my blog in the near future to let you know how I'm getting on…