Beginnings

WashBox did not just happen.

It came about from a need to use better material in assessment events than paper based in-tray exercises. We felt that a “real” scenario would be far better and so by and by WashBox came into being.

This was before anyone in the Training and Development field used a lap top, or even knew what one of those did! The company even had a location - Henley in Arden - but don’t ask how it got ther, as we have long forgotten.

Original work on the company included a product, a 12 volt washing machine for caravans and the leisure industry, a staff list and many scenarios. We did not know if it was financially viable!

Evolving Specification

All this work than languished in a filing cabinet for 10 years. Things change. Companies started to lookfor original material for assessment work and WashBox was developed for the PC, as a 3 hour programme. This was soon reduced to two hours.

We aimed to create a realistic Management Assessment tool that could be used for a variety of purposes. We wanted to overcome the obvious limitations of in-tray exercises which we had used ourselves in assessment exercises.

So we created a small manufacturing company that produces low voltage washing machines for the caravan and leisure market. Well, it is a nearly feasible product!

We also wanted to give the content the breadth that reflected a changing scenario in a small, but developing organisation. So we created major and minor situations, reflecting issues from the strategic to the trivial.

Also, of critical importance, was the need to make things happen in real time. So all dates are dynamic. That means that when the programme is used, everything is based around the date of use.


In the 2 hour version, a diary is also available, 60 days forward and even salaries on CVs get increased. Perhaps in the current climate we should change this!

Just when we had developed the first complete programme the MSC competency set appeared, replacing the MCI one we had used to develop our Review programme. A major database re-writetook place.

The original programme has also become:

  • Paper based
  • 1 hour and 2 hour duration for PC
  • Web based

The virtual company also became a real one in order to sell the simulation!

But we still do not actually make washing machines for caravans.

WashBox was developed by:

Karen Moore CPsychol

A highly experienced Industrial Psychologist, Karen has been involved with management development and assessment with both UK and multi-national organisations. She has produced a very successful 360 degree feedback instrument, as well as may other purpose designed tests.

Jeremy Woods FCIPD

Has worked in the HR world for about 36 years, from trying to recruit staff to plug a 300% labour turnover problem (poultry processing), to the thin-air heights of multi-national management development.

Involved in a wide range of live training activities and assessment centres. Also involved in computer based training from the first training internet (1982 - not many people know that!).

Produced dual screen computer based role plays (selling skills and interviewing) in 1995. Specialises in producing software for Trainers.