Frequently Asked Questions
 I would like to go on a course advertised in the staff development guide, what should I do?
Please print out the booking form , fill it in, getting your manager/team leader/supervisor to sign it, and then return it to Staff Development at U1006.
Why do I need to complete one booking form for every course I wish to attend?
Although you might want to do several courses, they may be delivered by different providers and at different times. Completing a form for each course enables us to most accurately track your request and its fulfilment. We also like you to complete one form for each course because we like applicants to think through specific outcomes for each event.
 I would like to undertake a professional/Masters course outside the School, what should I do?
If you know what you want to do and the Masters/programme relates to your job, if your manager supports the application and budgets allow, we will happily support your learning with School funds. Please complete the application for external funding form .
If you are not quite sure what you want to do or where to do it, then arrange a discussion with one of our team. We can provide information and advice on how to get started.
Contact: Claire Hackshall
I would like some development, but am not sure what to do. Can you help?
First speak to your manager. It may be that there are specific learning opportunities that link to your job and/or suggestions they can make with you. Otherwise, contact us to arrange a discussion with one of our team. We can provide information and advice on how to get started.
Contact: Claire Hackshall
I work on a frontline restaurant counter and can't get release. Does that rule me out for staff development?
Absolutely not! We run programmes at all times of the day and can be as flexible as your needs. Contact us and we will attempt to provide useful support that allows you to make the most of our development programme.
Contact: Claire Hackshall
I want to learn a new skill for my social and personal development not my job. Can you help?
We're happy to provide general advice on more broad-based lifelong learning opportunities and can now help fund this through our Learn for You scheme.
Contact: Staff.Development@lse.ac.uk
I have a new staff member joining the school soon. What do we offer by way of induction?
It is important that all new members of staff are properly inducted and that means getting it right locally as well as accessing our central welcome package. Our central welcome package includes:
Contact: Staff.Development@lse.ac.uk
English is not my first language. Do you help with this?
The LSE is an international community and many staff may have English as an additional language. We can support people looking to develop language skills.
Contact: Chris Connelley
I didn't get many qualifications at School. Can I get certificates for my learning here?
We recognise that currency through qualifications is important for many staff and run an number of certificated programmes, including Certificate in Management Studies , Introduction to Management NEBSM and NVQ . We also fund staff to attend external programmes in areas that we do not cover and many of these options are certificated and/or qualification routes. Applicants are invited to complete the External Funding Application Form in these cases.
 How much does it cost me to do courses at the school?
All our programmes are funded centrally and are therefore free to staff. However, if you book for an internal programme and then drop out without notice, we do reserve the right to levy a charge to cover costs.
What if I book for something but find I cannot attend?
Let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate the place and avoid levying a late cancellation charge. Also, make sure when booking you make a note of the date and do not double book.
Contact: Claire Hackshall
What do you offer?
Last year, LSE staff development ran over 200 events at the School, from formal certificated sessions to lunchtime briefings. Already this calendar year we have run over 100 contact sessions, so there is something, quite literally, happening every day. Some events are individual sessions while others are group events. Some are open to all staff - others are focussed on specific audiences. Some sessions run over long periods, others are short briefings. Full details are set out in our new subject booklets - see List of courses .
Where does staff development take place?
The School has a dedicated staff development centre at Rosebery Avenue Hall where most staff development activity takes place. Shorter, informal one-to-one events are also scheduled at a range of venues at Houghton Street.
See online maps: How to get to LSE and Finding your way around LSE: room numbering and accessibility
Why do you not offer dates?
Our aim is to respond to staff needs as rapidly as possible and to offer choice about how we meet them. Having fixed dates in the diary months ahead, some of which are cancelled after long waits, which we are keen to avoid hence our decision to work to a new 'just-in-time' method.
 What if you cannot offer learning in-house?
Where we cannot support learning in-house, we make use of appropriate external events to supplement and complement our programme.
Do I have to be a manager to go on manager training?
We are keen that existing managers access our wide ranging provision, but also want to provide incoming candidates with skills to do their new job. Accordingly a number of people looking to management roles do participate in management learning with the support of their current line manager.
I want to create a personal development plan but am not sure how to go about it. Can you offer advice?
Make an appointment to sit down with us and we will help make sense of personal development planning. Many areas in the School do now offer local personal development plans linked to jobs, so check out what is available from your manager or supervisor.
Contact: Claire Hackshall
I know I need some help in x area but don't want to go on a course. Can you advise me regarding my options for coaching?
We think that coaching can provide focussed dividends and increasingly use it across the School. As a result of the arrangements we have with most of our providers there is flexibility built in which can help us trigger coaching arrangements at very short notice after some initial diagnostic work. ^
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