Training

The Association is committed to investing in all of its staff so they have the skills required to carry out their duties to a high standard and the organisation is able to achieve its objectives with maximum effectiveness. The Association would wish to achieve a culture of continuous learning and, whilst the Association will give priority to the provision of short training sessions to improve skill levels, all staff will be encouraged to work towards acquiring a relevant qualification, where this is appropriate.

The Association will use the following methods of achieving the above objectives: external training sessions, in-house training sessions by external trainers, in-house training sessions by members of staff, competence assessment (eg. NVQ’s), coaching, self teaching, workshops, correspondence courses, open learning, computer based training, specific job related projects, job rotation, conferences, attendance at college in pursuit of an approved qualification and secondments within or outside the Association.

Induction

All new members of staff will receive induction training which will enable them to achieve high performance levels at the earliest opportunity. This will include information on the organisation’s structure, objectives, procedures, health and safety, employment matters and a brief overview of each team’s work. Additional training needs will be identified within one month of commencement of employment.

Appraisal

Each department Director is responsible for the training and development of the team’s staff and for ensuring new skills and knowledge are used on the job as much as possible. All staff will be expected to attend internal and external training courses and conferences, as considered necessary by the Association, to acquire/update knowledge and skills.

As part of the appraisal system, the Association will, as necessary and on an annual basis, establish a training plan for the following financial year. The implementation of this training plan will be reviewed at quarterly performance review meetings between you and your senior officer.

Courses Leading to a Qualification

Subject to resources, the Association is committed to supporting members of staff on training courses leading to a qualification. In order to be eligible for this type of training, employees must have completed one year’s full employment with the Association. There may be circumstances where this would vary, eg. where training is agreed as part of the recruitment process.

If staff wish to obtain a qualification, they should talk to their senior officer. If eligible and supported by their senior officer, staff should meet with the HR Manager to ensure they are advised of the options and the Association is able to determine if it can assist them. All courses leading to a qualification must be approved by the Chief Executive. To determine eligibility, staff would be required to produce a report supporting their wish to undertake the training and the benefits that would be gained from it. The application will include three options for undertaking the course of study, eg. weekly college attendance, block study, distance learning, etc.

If the Association supports the application, the senior officer will discuss with the member of staff the options for study and any paid absences that can be provided, given the staffing resources available at the time. Following this, the senior officer will meet with the HR Manager to agree the extent of any other resources available, eg to support course fees, examination fees, accommodation, books and travelling costs.

If staff undertake a long term training course, they will be expected to attend all classes, unless they are ill. An unsatisfactory attendance record may result in financial support and any day release being withdrawn. Should a member of staff wish to discontinue the course, or fail the examinations/course work twice, they should discuss this with their senior officer and agree an appropriate course of action.

Where training is provided at the Association's expense towards a qualification, it is a condition that you remain with the Association for twelve months after the end of the course, otherwise repayment of fees/expenses may be required, whether the qualification is gained or not.

Evaluation

All members of staff are expected to provide feedback on training undertaken. This will ensure the maximum benefit is gained from the training provided.

The evaluation process will include an equal opportunities analysis where access to training will be reviewed to ensure no individuals or groups are being disadvantaged. The results of this analysis will be reported to the Management Team and Board.