Case Study
The Port of Dover is one of the UK’s most vital transport hubs, facilitating millions of passenger and freight movements annually.
With increasing operational complexity and a desire to modernise its internal culture, the Port partnered with Shape Associates to deliver a transformative programme focused on operational excellence, innovation, and empowered leadership.
Shape Associates designed and delivered a four-phase Operational Excellence and Engagement Programme, tailored to the Port’s strategic goals and organisational context. The programme was closely aligned with and actively supported the Port’s Working Smarter Together initiative, which aimed to foster collaboration, accountability, and innovation across the organisation.
OUR SOLUTION
PHASE ONE – Envision
- Conducted a high-level assessment of culture, leadership, and processes.
- Delivered a Rapid Improvement Event to demonstrate immediate impact.
- Engaged with teams across all departments, including shift and weekend staff.
- Introduced Office 365 as a catalyst for digital transformation.
PHASE TWO – Engage
- Launched the programme with a high-energy leadership event.
- Delivered Lean Yellow Belt training to over 130 staff members across multiple cohorts.
- Created visual management tools and value stream maps.
- Empowered leaders to challenge legacy processes and embrace data-driven decision-making.
PHASE THREE – Energise
- Continued Yellow Belt training and mentoring, with support from Port of Dover’s newly appointed Acceleration Programme Leader.
- Identified Green Belt candidates and prepared advanced training materials.
- Celebrated success through recognition events and CEO-sponsored lunches.
- Embedded a culture of openness, collaboration, and innovation.
PHASE FOUR – Enable
- Delivered accredited Green Belt training to 22 staff members, creating a strong internal capability for advanced process improvement.
- Completed a maturity assessment to ensure readiness for handover.
- Provided a comprehensive support pack and framework for sustained improvement.
- Transitioned programme ownership to Port of Dover’s internal team.
IMPACT
Alongside the Port of Dover, we have made significant strides in embedding a culture of innovation and efficiency across the organisation. Through targeted training, cross-functional collaboration and smart use of technology, we have built a sustainable foundation for ongoing improvement. Highlights include:
