Human Resources

Learning and development

The fourth selection process for the Focus Accelerated Development Scheme took place in August. Three members of staff joined the 19 who have already benefited from this scheme. ‘Focus’ is due to be replaced by new programmes during 2004-05.

The Future Leaders’ Development Programme aims to invest in and exploit our internal leadership talent. We plan to identify and develop our staff in order to fill the many vacancies expected to arise at senior levels in future years. This programme will provide similar opportunities to Focus. Alongside this programme, two locally-administered development activities will offer leadership development opportunities for all staff in management and leadership roles. The new leadership programmes will include a wide range of local training initiatives.

Our programme of development for all middle managers continued with follow-up workshops on operations and change management issues. We extended the programme to include team leaders and all staff in technical teams.

Total spending on training represented 13 per cent of the salary bill, an increase from 9.8 per cent in 2002-03.