Jerry Arnott, Director of Civil Service Learning
Introduction to Civil Service Learning
Civil Service Learning (CSL) represents a brand new approach to the provision of generic learning and development (L&D) across the Civil Service. Our ambition is to bring learning to the workplace through providing choice, flexibility, quality and value. Civil servants will use our website to access e-learning, view online resources and book onto face to face courses for all generic learning.
CSL became operational in April 2011 and now offers a full range of L&D services. Over 140,000 civil servants are now registered to use the new service which includes over 70 classroom courses, starting from as little as £69. Register now at Civil Service Learning to see what is available.
What is generic L&D?
Generic learning refers to L&D that is relevant and useful for all staff, wherever they work in the Civil Service.
We have designed a Common Curriculum, working closely with departments, which covers the core skills that every civil servant needs to do their job effectively. It complements the learning and development programmes that are specific to individual departments.
The Common Curriculum covers three key topic areas:
| Working in the Civil Service | This covers skills that are specific to working in the government context, for example, writing briefings and submissions, as well as legal awareness or quality and diversity. The policy profession curriculum continues some of this learning for example on Parliamentary processes. |
| Core skills | These are skills which all civil servants need to do a good job and deliver excellent public services. These include customer service, project management, finance and IT skills. |
| Leadership and management development | This covers the skills needed for excellent leadership, people and business management at all levels of the Civil Service. It also includes topics around managing change. |
What does this mean for me?
Civil Service Learning is the approved route for accessing much of the learning that civil servants may need. Like most top-performing organisations, we use a variety of learning methods that can be blended together. Face to face courses are available, and are primarily designed to help people practise and gain confidence in a particular skill. In many cases, civil servants will need to complete an e-learning package or downloadable workbook before attending the course so that they have the basic knowledge in place. There will also be more of a focus on e-learning, online learning resources and workplace-based learning such as coaching and mentoring. This approach is designed to enable civil servants to choose the best blend of L&D for them.
Where can I find more information?
If you are a civil servant you can register now at Civil Service Learning or read our ‘Guide to getting the most from Civil Service Learning’
You can also use our Civil Service Learning FAQs to find out more about the CSL offer.