Civil Service in the news
National School of Government publishes 2008&2009 portfolio
The National School of Government has published its Portfolio of training and development programmes for 208–09.
The portfolio is available online, or can be mailed direct to your office and contains details of 400 training programmes and events organised into themes relating directly to Professional Skills for Government and the Civil Service Leadership Framework.
National School Chief Executive and Principal Robin Ryde says that public servants at every level, and sector, will find training for them.
“As busy public servants ourselves, we understand that learning must be relevant to each participant’s real life working priorities, and reflect the pressures on time they face.”
Robin Ryde, Chief Executive, National School
As well as the training courses for leaders, managers and professionals working in government, the National School also focuses on the big strategic issues facing government. This year’s Portfolio highlights the importance of cross-cutting approaches after the Comprehensive Spending Review implemented 30 new Public Service Agreements in 2007, many of which require departments to work together to achieve targets.
Customised learning
The National School is increasingly asked to design or customise skills development packages to the specific requirements of teams or organisations. Services such as coaching or ‘live’ learning events on client premises and involving work issues in real time are increasingly popular. Alternatively, National School learning can be accessed online through the Virtual School – a web–based resource comprising e–learning packages, materials, online networking and other services. ‘Government Select’, for example, provides access to an abundance of useful material, whilst ‘Understanding the Civil Service’ offers a comprehensive online induction programme for people who are new to the service.
Both the National School Portfolio for 2008–09 and the Virtual School can be found at www.nationalschool.gov.uk [External website]
