Chris Gunning formed Oak Associates in 1987 and has worked in the HR field for over twenty five years as a trainer, coach, facilitator, writer, consultant and line manager becoming IPD qualified, and continuing professional development via an MEd, in Education Training and Development at Sheffield University and Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring at Bangor University.
As Oak Associates Chris undertakes training, coaching (including LEAD Wales), facilitation and writing projects for clients ranging from multi-nationals, utilities through to newly formed companies, SMEs/micro, public and third sector organisations both in the UK and overseas, recently Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Hungary.
Projects relate primarily to some form of change linked to organisational/culture development, the greater teamwork of the organisation, personal accountability and continuous business improvement.
Training programmes (which can lead to a range of management, leadership, coaching and mentoring professional awards and qualifications) are designed and delivered for team leaders, managers, directors, and trainers. Chris is proud to have been one of the first Navigator (Men’s Personal Development programme) trainers to be licensed in 1999, since when he has enjoyed delivering numerous programmes to a range of organisations with excellent results.
In a ‘nutshell’, the approach to all assignments is one of pragmatism leading to tangible business related results.
Before forming Oak Associates Chris was the Regional Manpower Intelligence and Media Manager with MSC, managing a department briefing ministers and VIPs and planning training provision at a strategic level for the North West region.
Before holding a number of line management positions, Chris was a senior tutor with the Executive Training Unit MSC, delivering a range of training programmes to graduates and internally promoted staff.
Having started working life training as an accountant in the North East, Chris moved to Corning Glass working in production then international marketing followed by positions in the motor and building trade, before specialising in HR.
Additionally, Chris has been an active and sleeping partner in a company providing vehicle services at a major regional airport.
Outside work Chris is a committed family man and a passionate football fan, watching, coaching and playing; and loves walking, reading, music, writing and continuing his own journey of self-development.
Chris has a sharp sense of humour and has been described as a “respectable rebel”!