The Cardiff Capital Region growth programme offers fantastic opportunities. Through it, we enrolled our Scrum Master, Lydia Davies, in a CMI Level 4 Award in Management and Leadership, a qualification equivalent to a Foundation Degree. This qualification enables managers to develop essential skills in decision-making, team dynamics, and delegation, enhancing their leadership capabilities and supporting career progression. 

Lydia has taken time out from overseeing her three teams to share her experience of studying and working at Codiance, having recently completed the course. 

Hi Lydia, first of all, what exactly is a Scrum Master? 

"A scrum master’s role is to guide and support the team using the Scrum framework, which is an agile way of working. It involves removing any obstacles or issues that might slow us down, and ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.  It keeps the team focused on our goals with clear communication among all involved. 

In short, I’m here to ensure the team works efficiently and that we stick to the Scrum process!" 

What has it been like working at Codiance, and how has it changed since you started in 2024? 

“Working at Codiance has been an exciting journey filled with growth and dynamic challenges. Initially managing three smaller teams, I've seen firsthand how our teams have evolved alongside expanding client requirements. This evolution has sharpened our agility, enabling us to deliver increasingly tailored solutions. Collaborating daily with experts committed to delivering maximum business value creates a rewarding atmosphere, where everyone pulls together toward shared goals. Seeing this teamwork and collective skill in action is particularly fulfilling.”

What motivated you to pursue the CMI Level 4 qualification? 

"I decided to take the CMI Level 4 course to deepen my understanding of different management styles and to identify my leadership qualities. A big part of my role involves coaching, leading, and supporting multiple teams, and this training has boosted my confidence. The course also allowed me to reflect on my experiences and think about how I can apply what I’ve learned to my day-to-day work going forward." 

How has the course benefited you? 

"The course has been incredibly helpful in providing me with tools from both a coaching and leadership perspective, boosting both my confidence and awareness of different coaching, management, and leadership styles. Everyone communicates and works in their own way, meaning they respond differently to various coaching and leadership approaches. This understanding helps me ensure the team knows how to communicate not only with me but also with one another. 

It’s also been invaluable during one-to-one sessions with the team, and it’s given me the confidence to tackle some of the challenges we’ve faced as a group. I genuinely enjoyed the course; it was a brilliant experience, and I met so many like-minded people who’ve contributed to my growth."

How was it studying and working alongside each other? 

"Studying and working has been a good experience. Everyone pulled together to ensure I had the time and space to focus on learning, and nothing was left behind while I was away. The support and encouragement made a huge difference, allowing me to fully embrace the course and apply what I learned straight into my role."

We believe firmly in investing in our employees, recognising that personal and professional growth are vital to ongoing success. By supporting our staff with opportunities such as the CMI Level 4 Award in Management and Leadership, we not only strengthen individual capabilities but also enhance the overall effectiveness and resilience of our teams.

Encouraging continuous learning and development ensures our people remain motivated, engaged, and fully equipped to meet the evolving demands of our clients.

To find out more about Codiance and the opportunities here for you, please take a look at codiance.co.uk/careers, or email the team on hello@codiance.com.