Introduction

The Staff Development Unit was first set up in January 1998, since which time it has generated a comprehensive service base for all grades of staff in its core work areas:

• Provision of information and advice on occupational learning and vocational skilling
  
  
• Generation of a policy structure for staff learning and development
  
  
• Provision of specific consultancy for departments/divisions/ teams and individual staff, especially around Investors in People
  
  
• Design and delivery of specific staff development opportunities in the following domains:
  
  
  • Management
    
    
  • Customer service
    
    
  • Personal development, to include financial awareness
    
    
  • Health and safety
    
    
  • Basic skills and return to learn, including English as an additional language.

The in-house team comprises the Head of the Staff Development Unit, the Staff Development Unit Manager, three part-time Staff Development Consultants and a part-time Work Scholar. They are assisted by a team of freelance consultants able to offer a wide range of specialist experience and interventions.

Several hundred development events are run by the Unit each year, using a combination of formal, open and bespoke sessions. Some of the programmes offered are certificated options like the Introductory Certificate in First Line Management (ILM) and the Certificate in Management, whilst others are national projects, like the personal development programme Springboard. Increasingly, work is developed specifically with and for particular audiences, the aim being to offer choice and clarity around key learning objectives.

Over the years, the team have developed a reputation for innovation and creativity, leading on supporting national Learning at Work day activities and tactical use of the annual IIP Week for some concerted activity. In February 2002 they launched the Learn for You scheme for lower-paid staff, designed to stimulate learning for life in this often invisible and neglected group. The scheme has proved to be immensely popular with staff.

Their philosophy might best be summarised as inclusive and activistic, with a commitment to accessible and relevant events which add value to the individual participants and enhance the performance of their host departments and ultimately the School.

The team also administer funds for external development, supporting learning off-site where it cannot easily be offered in the School.

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