The value of professional development for technical staff Frances Grebenc HR/OD Partner (Learning and Development) University of Edinburgh

How do we learn? Kolb’s Learning Cycle – Doing – Thinking/ Reflecting

Kolb’s Learning Cycle

Your goals for today WHY are you here? WHAT are you (and your line manager) hoping today will achieve? HOW they will you use today’s learning back in the workplace?

What is development? Development is what happens when an individual's actions change in a relatively permanent way as a result of experience gained through formal or informal learning.

Continuing professional development Aims to raise standards of practice and to ensure on-going professional competence. It does this through: – addressing development areas – maximising strengths – enabling employees to meet the challenges of their profession

Additional benefits An overall improvement of knowledge and skills within a work team. An increase in motivation for some staff

Identifying Development Needs – When? Introduction of new processes or kit, any other changes Feedback discussion Induction Annual reviews/Appraisals Team Discussions Observation of day to day practice

Identifying Development Needs – How? Establish: the main purpose and key responsibilities of the role what skills, knowledge and experience the individual needs in order to perform effectively and progress in their role what professional qualifications are desirable or mandatory what development opportunities are available to the individual

Identifying Development Needs – How? Continued the best ways to keep their professional knowledge up-to-date the type of learning that works best for the individual the internal (e.g. coaching) and external (e.g. professional body) support that can be made available to the individual

PDP

Meeting Development needs – How? Training Courses Self organised seminars Visiting other areas and institutions/ shadowing Job swaps/ Secondments On the Job learning – Delegation – Projects – Mentoring/Coaching Reading Keeping a personal reflective learning log Action Learning Groups

Any Questions