1. Developing skills and knowledge
Look at methods to develop skills for individuals and the organisation

2. Continuous professional development
Commonly known as CPD
Takes the format of:
Training- learning process
Development – growing knowledge and ability
CPD – is the process to plan, develop and gain experience
Most professional bodies require its members to complete CPD to continue their membership

3. CPD- methods Vocational training from NVQ to University degrees
Self development through:
Instruction
Coaching
Gathering feedback where error occur
Acquiring knowledge through reading, feedback, researching and critical reflection

4. Training and development, Why?
Training and development helps both the individual and the organisation
Must weigh up the cost to the organisation in both time and money
Can the business afford to allow an individual time off to complete training
Does the business offer funding for training
Would it be beneficial to the organisation

5. Benefits (refer to table on pg 155)
The individual gains confidence and flexibility in the work place showing a more competent performance for the organisation
Improved job performance resulting in work being completed quicker, less supervision, less errors and better compliance with regulations and laws
Enhanced skills helping in the retention of employees
Increased prospect of promotion helping improve staff motivation and morale

6. Strengths & weaknesses analysis used in the learning development
Review the requirements of the role
Identify the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in the role
Identify areas in which your strengths can be built on
Identify areas that need attention in your weaknesses- that will bring you up to a competent level

7. Career goals and objectives
Most people are happy with their job role/ position
Some have ambitions to gain a higher position
This is called Career Goals
A target to achieve a specific advancement/ achievement
This must be realistic – can be achieved financial and timescale settings
Can be broken down into smaller goals

8. Goals and objectives
Having identified the goal from you planning you must set development objectives
These must be SMART
S Specific
M Measurable
A Agreed
R Realistic
T Time-bounded

9. Smart Specific Be exact about what you hope to achieve (be able to do)
Measurable Be able to show/review progression of the objective/s set
Agreed The commitment from outside bodies allowing the individual to achieve the planned objectives – time & resources
Realistic to ensure the objectives are achievable if not break down into smaller chunks
Time-Bounded set a timescale (realistic) to achieve the planed objectives

10. Learning and development approaches
Technical briefing, training and updates
Technical Experts offer topic specific seminars -HMRC
Professional bodies seminars and branch events with guess speakers – North West Kent
Briefings both hard copy and apps
Electronic resources – website
Training courses held both internally and externally
Publications
Colleagues and coaches
Other research tools (talking to experts, visiting work sites & shadowing )

11. Monitoring and reviewing progress
Regular monitoring of progress will:
Measure your progress against your goal shows you are ‘on track’ – Motivation
Helps identify mistakes/ weaknesses
Identify where off track/ behind so you can adjust effort and activities
Identify where goals and plans could be unrealistic and need adjusting
Makes you accountable to external forces (supervisor, line manager)
Ensures cost of training is being used efficiently not wasted
Demonstrates improvements in skills and reaping the benefits (Job satisfaction, recognition & motivation)

12. Monitoring continuation
You can monitor your progress regularly
You could also ask for informal feedback from your supervisor asking about your performance ‘has it improved?’
There is a formal method of evaluation development planning
Performance Appraisal (annual review)
Personal Development Plan (action plan)

13. Review the CPD section on the AAT website
Explore the myAAT where you will find resources