1 Adbaston Road Cobra Court Trafford Park Manchester
+44 (0)161 533 1617
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HOME ◉ LEAN COMPETENCY SYSTEM
LEAN COMPETENCY SYSTEM
PROCESS
Building Real Capability in Lean and Continuous Improvement
IMPROVE BUSINESS
Performance
DEVELOP INTERNAL
Capability
Align training to
Strategy
Achieve recognised
Accreditation
Driving Strategic Change and Continuous Improvement
At the Manufacturers Network, we help organisations turn Lean thinking into practical results.
Our programmes are designed and delivered by experienced industry practitioners, each with decades of hands-on leadership experience across world-class manufacturing environments.
We’re accredited by the Lean Competency System (LCS), the globally recognised framework launched by the Lean Enterprise Research Centre (LERC) at Cardiff University.
LCS accreditation ensures our programmes meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. But the content, design, and delivery are entirely led by our team - experts who know what Lean looks like when it works.
Our approach develops confident, capable leaders who can:
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Build and deploy a continuous improvement strategy
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Deliver measurable business results
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Lead change and develop others
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Sustain performance through coaching and standardisation
Why Choose The Manufacturers Network
Practitioner-led
Our facilitators have delivered and led Lean transformations in real manufacturing environments.
Performance-driven
Every programme includes measurable project outcomes, not just classroom theory.
Sustainable change
We focus on developing internal capability — so improvement continues long after the training ends.
Network-powered
Learners join a community of peers and industry experts through our professional network.
Accreditation Structure
Developed by Cardiff University, the Lean Competency System (LCS) provides a structured, externally accredited framework for building continuous improvement capability.
01
Continuous Improvement Essentials
(LCS Level 1a)
A one-day foundation designed for anyone new to Lean or looking to refresh their understanding. It provides a clear introduction to Lean thinking and continuous improvement principles.
You’ll learn to:
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Understand and apply the five Lean principles
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Recognise and reduce the eight types of waste
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Use simple problem-solving tools
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Apply visual management to improve performance
Delivery: Classroom-based or online interactive workshop
02
Continuous Improvement Practitioner Programme
(LCS Levels 1b and 1c)
A six-day practical programme (including Level 1a) for professionals responsible for leading or supporting improvement in their organisation.
It blends learning, mentoring, and workplace project delivery, typically generating upwards of £30,000 in measurable savings or added value per delegate.
Key areas covered:
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Lean fundamentals and CI frameworks
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Value stream mapping and process analysis
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Problem-solving tools and techniques
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Managing change and engaging people
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Leading improvement projects using A3 methodology
Support includes
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A company mentor to guide project delivery
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Feedback and review from an MN practitioner
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Certification project presentation and evaluation
Typical project duration: 3–6 months
03
Advanced Continuous Improvement Leadership Programme
(LCS Levels 1b and 1c)
For experienced Lean practitioners and operational leaders ready to embed CI thinking at a strategic level.
This programme develops advanced skills in coaching, strategy deployment, and cultural change.
You’ll learn how to:
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Align Lean transformation with business strategy using Hoshin Kanri
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Embed sustainable practices through Leader Standard Work
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Coach leaders to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
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Facilitate advanced problem-solving using A3, 8D, and DMAIC methods
Programme structure:
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3 interactive workshop days spaced for application between sessions
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12 hours of 1:1 coaching with a senior MN practitioner
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A best-practice site visit with access to world-class operations
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Final project presentation (6–12 months post-training)
Typical participant ROI exceeds £100,000 in value or savings delivered through real projects.
Upcoming Events & Education Programmes
Continuous Improvement Practitioner Programme (LCS 1c)Wed, May 13Manufacturers Network Head Office
Advanced CI Leadership ProgrammeTue, Sep 01Manufacturers Network Head Office- Continuous Improvement Practitioner Programme (LCS 1c)Tue, Oct 06Manufacturers Network Head Office
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TESTIMONIALS
What Are Our Customers Say About Us?
"Starting Our Lean Journey"
This Lean course gave our team the tools, confidence, and mindset to challenge current practices and improve. It’s helped us kick-start our business improvement programme.
Chris Tilson,
IVC Brunel Healthcare
"Insightful and Actionable"
The Manufacturers Network provided a fresh perspective and pinpointed where improvements would deliver the greatest benefits. Their practical insights were quickly integrated into our plans
Charlotte Dickerson,
Ricoh UK Products Ltd.
"Excellent Services"
The Manufacturers Network gave us a valuable sense check of our operations. Chris brought clarity, Lean expertise and clear next steps. It’s helped us sharpen focus and align our team for success.
Josh Owens, Director of Operations
Nelipak