We are draughting our first Learning and Development policy. This is something we have never had before and I wondered if there were any critical elements to be included or tips/advice anyone has from experience as to what MUST be included.
Laura Wright
4 Responses
L&D Policy
I have seen quite a few different policies, strategies and plans, and there certainly isn’t a single definitive formula.
For my part I think a policy is what gives licence and defines the character of L&D in an organisation. I tend to think of it as quite short, general and relatively timeless. You might consider including some of the following:
• the purpose and drivers of L&D;
• the fundamental principles that underpin your approach to L&D;
• how needs are identified and how L&D relates to corporate success;
• the resources needed to implement the policy;
• the sorts of programmes, events and services to be delivered;
• the roles (eg L&D staff, line mangers, learners, top management) and,
• the means whereby decisions about L&D will be made.
More detail goes in a strategy – with probably a short (6 month or year) view and a longer term view – this will also set out the objectives that L&D will achieve. The plan (quarterly or annual) would set out what is there for who, how often, how (re)sourced, the cost, the success measures and so on.
If you are embarking on this for the first time you might consider just one document with the plan as an annex. Whether you call it a policy or a strategy is up to you.
Hope this helps.
Graham
United Nations Organisational learning Framework. (OLF)
Laura,
The United Nations has developed (with the help of the Ashridge Business School) an Organisational Learning Framework (OLF) which comprises 6 principles:
1. learning is strategic
2. learning is part of the culture
3. learning is a shared responsibility
4. learning is accessible
5. learning is more than training
6. learning is effective
For each Principle there are nine Indicators, each clustered at three levels namely:
1. Sorting the basics
2. Focus on learning
3. Living the learning culture
The objective is, of course, to strive to demonstrate those indicators at the third level for all 9 Principles.
If you would like more detail please send me an email at alford@ilo.org
Michael Alford
Project Manager
ILO Management and Leadership Development Programme
Geneva
Happy to share mine
I’m happy to share mine with you if you want to send me your email address. I pulled mine together initially by looking at loads of examples in the CIPD library.
It’s a policy rather than strategy, so it covers processes and forms rather than what’s actually available.
annros@acxiom.com
Strategy to policy
There is a difficulty in extracting policy from strategy, this is assuming that your organisation has a strategy in place. You could develop an overiding policy or break a strtegy down to policy areas. I have developed a number of policies and follow on processes covering all areas of a learning and development service. I can offer help and guidance with a little more information from yourself. Please feel free to e mail via training zone.
Rob