Current Processes

A mixture of tools and systems is used across CSG business units for recording and tracking learning and development activity.  This ranges from paper based systems to the use of a bespoke learning and development software package (Simply Personnel).  Eight different tools and systems have been identified during the analysis.  Approximately half of the business units use Microsoft Excel as one of their tools, making it the most popular choice, and 7 out 10 areas use MS Word or MS Excel.  The table below shows the picture by business unit and also shows their latest headcount for reference:

While the majority of business units record details of the training, learning and development received by their own staff, a common process, a subset of those business units have a responsibility for training delivery to other parts of the university and maintain associated records for training delivered as well as training attended.  Many business units formally record training needs and some business units have created workflows to facilitate the request and approval process, as detailed in the table below:

A number of other learning and development processes are undertaken and this varies by department.  These processes include maintaining integrated job profiles against training needs, workflows for managing training requests, maintaining Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records, providing records for external accreditation, storing appraisal documents, tracking costs of training courses and recording feedback from staff about courses they attend.  More information is contained in the Appendix to this report.

The diverse nature of departments across CSG, in their size, structure and remit, impacts the approach to managing the tracking and recording of learning and development activity.  This is seen in the variation in numbers of staff within each department and the associated level of co-ordination and visibility required.  Some departments have dedicated internal HR support for managing the administration of learning and development activity.