6 Responses

1. CPD
   Mike
   How opportune, I’m looking at this too.
   A couple of my cheap tricks are to use libraries and bookshops to browse the latest books and decide what to ignore/borrow/buy. I have recenty had trial membership of books24x7.com – it didn’t suit me but maybe useful for others. As to courses and conferences, the ITOL convention (just happened in Dec) is, for the benefit of other readers, worth considering. Many exhibitions also have free taster sessions (eg the CIPD one at ExCel in April) – as I am sure you know, they can be a mixed bag but selecting a few and visiting the exhibition is a good option for those less experienced than you.
   A number of freelance trainers I know form a loose arrangement to meet up once or twice a year, either to ‘train’ each other (or share experiences) or to pool their resources and buy in someone to facilitate something they all feel would be of value. Over the years I have, through contacts, joined a few of these even though I’m not a freelancer and found them to be excellent (and with a spin off of some really authentic network building too).
   I know one group are off to the ASTD conference – admittedly more expensive but $800 for 3 days is good value if you can get cheap flights and accom – see astd2008.org
   Happy New CPD
   Graham

2. time for action?
   Well now the Christmas pud has gone down and the subscription to the gym re-established – time to think about your CPD activity…

   What are you planning to do this year – share your thoughts with colleagues –

   You may spark an idea for others..
   Mike

3. CPD – Solutions Focus
   Dear Mike and others,

   I can highly recommend the training courses provided by sfwork – The Centre for Solutions Focus at Work.

   Solutions Focus is an approach that I came across a couple of years ago and I have found it invaluable in all aspects of my work from training and one to one coaching through to team and organisational development, anything in fact that involves change on an individual or organisational level.

   sfwork run a number of training courses that I think provide great CPD opportunities for those in training and HR. They are also very reasonably priced. In fact, there is a series of “Discover Solutions Focus” courses starting at the end of this month at a cost of only £99. Attached is a link that provides more information.

   http://www.sfwork.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=400

   Best wishes and happy new year
   Antoinette

4. CPD in 2008 – Consulting Skills
   Hello.

   In the spirit of CPD in 2008 – if you like to learn via reading, try http://www.changingminds.org

   Also, can anyone point me in the direction of a consulting model they use when consulting externally or internally within L&D/ HR? Many thanks.

5. consulting models
   Hi Barbara
   The primary models I use for consulting include:

   Process Model
   Business consulting model

   There are a number of different consulting models are listed here – http://www.rapidbi.com/managementmodels which may help you.

   Mike

6. thetrainingshop.co.uk
   Hi
   I’ve been in training for 10 years and attended several workshops at the training shop with my last company.

   The sessions were always lively, fun and great value for money. I didn’t always come away having learned loads, but more often than not picked up the simplest of things that I could take back and use.

   I think they do a package whereby if you book so many courses, they give a discount. My team were based nationwide and we all took advantage of being able to attend at whichever venue suited us.

   I’d recommend them for some light hearted CPD.

   Julie