The National Training Organisation National Council is hoping to lead by example by announcing all its staff will be entitled to five annual learning days.

With just 20 full-time staff, the Council will be taking on a potential logistical problem in allowing all staff five off-the-job learning days a year, but Chief Executive Andy Powell thinks it's worthwhile: "By introducing a staff allocation of off-the-job learning days we hope to ensure that staff get to take time away from their day to day jobs - to focus on key aspects of their development." He continued: "Of course, on-the-job learning is also a vital element of the staff development mix, but we are keenly aware that space needs to be created for staff to dedicate time to specific training and development activities...Continuous personal development is part of our organisation's culture, and we are keen to stress that it's not just about going on a course. It could mean work shadowing, attending conferences, visiting member organisations, reading a book or even surfing the web."

The Council is also encouraging all staff to open Individual Learning Accounts, towards which it will make a financial contribution itself. Those working in administration and support will receive a larger contribution. The NTO-NC already has Investors in People accreditation.

The announcement was timed to coincide with last week's National Learning at Work Day.