Training Courses - Places Handbook

Training Courses

The following table provides a short, independent review of existing analytical and delivery training courses from a range of key providers, for those wanting to build on the information provided in the Places Handbook. In the first instance you should see what your organisation provides internally, in most organisations this will mean consulting with your Learning and Development department.

There are a wide range of external training providers should you not find what you are looking for internally.

For Government Office staff only:

We recommend that GO staff in the first instance, explore available Learning and Development opportunities from the Policy and Learning Centre (PLC). For example, the [Working in Localities: Ladder for Development: GO staff only - Dead Link] includes modules such as Analysis, Acumen and Communication. You can find out more about existing opportunities on the GO Learning and Development pages: GO staff only - Dead Link.

Name of training course	Provider	Target audience	Content	Length	Cost
Learning and Development activities available to GO staff	[GO Network – Policy & Learning Centre: GO staff only - Dead Link]	GO Staff only	The Learning and Development schedule available on the intranet to GO staff should be the first port of call for learning and development activity relating to the planning cycle. For example, the Working with Locality	varies	Free to GO staff
Analytical and themed courses and workshops	[Regional Observatories (ROs)/RDA analysis teams - Dead Link]	Anyone working locally with an interest in specific topics/areas of work	Regional Observatories are a good source for training on areas such as the use of evidence. We have highlighted a selection of courses available, however you should contact your local RO/RDA to find out what is available locally.
	[Intelligence East Midlands - Dead Link]		Provides network events and short courses throughout the year, such as ‘Introduction to Evidence’ and ‘Understanding Data’	Half day - one day courses	£50 - £110
	[North East Regional Information Partnership - Dead Link]		Offers a number of events and seminars throughout the year, which has included in the past events focused on ‘How to improve the evidence base’ and ‘migrant health in the North East’	One day seminars	Most recent seminars have been free of charge
	South East England Intelligence Network - Dead Link]		The website has a number of events listed such as ‘Informing Public Policy’ and ‘Targeting Analysis on Migration and Economy’	Half day - One day events and seminars	Varies
	West Midlands Regional Observatory - Dead Link]		A number of events listed, included themed events such as ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Islam and Muslim Culture’ that cover information, evidence and public policy	Half day - One day events and seminars	Varies
	Yorkshire Futures - Dead Link]		The website provides a comprehensive events programme, including seminars, workshops and courses on topics such as ‘Becoming a World Leader in Skills’.	Half day – One day events	Varies
Analysis and use of evidence	National School of Government, Virtual School on-line learning & networking	Senior Civil Servants at grade 7’s and below	Analysis and Use of Evidence is a group of self-assessment tools, designed to test knowledge of the Analysis and Use of Evidence core skill and direct the user to further learning opportunities as appropriate. The objectives of the course are to strengthen departments’ analytical capability and to highlight further developmental needs.	Not specified	Free subscription
Successful Delivery	National School of Government, Virtual School on-line learning & networking	Anyone wishing to have a broad understanding of programme management in government based around the PSG competencies	This package, which has been produced in collaboration with the Office for Government Commerce, is aimed at anyone who wishes to have a broad understanding of programme management in government and is based around the PSG competencies. Among other things, this package will help you to understand the delivery landscape and framework; identify the steps, information and techniques to help delivery planning; assess and manage risk; identify key decision points; and understand the OGC gateway process.	Not specified	Free subscription
Policy Making and Government learning and development offers a range of learning methods such as: Open programmes Tailored training Consultancy services Action learning Qualification programmes e-learning	National School of Government	Those working in Parliament, Government, Civil Service and the wider public sector	Learning methods vary, however, products and services strive to help participants to: Understand the government context: Parliament, government and the Civil Service Master the techniques of devising and delivering policy or strategy Acquire practical skills in drafting, briefing submissions, replies to Parliamentary Questions, ministerial correspondence and speeches	Varies	Varies
‘Raising our Game’ ILM Level 7 Certificate in Leading Sustainable Communities	Academy for Sustainable Communities	Built environment professionals, neighbourhood renewal and regeneration practitioners, elected members, staff from local, regional and central government, policy makers, economic development agency personnel, staff in business support organisations, managers of corporate social responsibility.	A practical, work based learning programme consisting of six units: personal development planning, sustainable communities, team and partnership working, leadership and vision, community engagement and leading project implementation.	Over a period of 7 months. Each month typically includes a 1-day workshop, an action learning group, eBriefings, reflective log an assignment.	£2,500 per person
The Warwick Diploma executive programme in Public leadership and management	The Institute of Governance & Public Management (IGPM) at Warwick Business School	Managers and executives in the public and third sectors	The course aims to mobilise specific core capabilities to provide long-term purpose and vision, motivate and empower staff, facilitate change, establish credibility, build partnership, influence and negotiate, focus on communities and delivery outcomes and develop a commitment to continuous learning. Participants study six 3-day residential modules, each assessed by a 3,000 word essay. The programme also includes an 8,000 word dissertation.	Over a period of 18 months on a part-time modular basis	The course fee (as of Oct 08) was £6,500 for September 2008 and £6,800 for June 2009.
A number of short courses such as: Making decisions and setting goals; Negotiation skills; Thinking strategically; and Research methods	University of East London (UEL)	Anyone can apply	UEL is a learning community that seeks to meet the needs of all students through a uniquely flexible, student centred approach. It therefore offers a number of innovative flexible and work based learning programmes.	Range from 1-day to 12 weeks	Range from £150 (for 1 day courses) upwards
Provide a broad range of learning and development opportunities, including a range of five day programmes covering such topics as: strategic commissioning; community governance; oversight and scrutiny; and outcomes, performance and resources	The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at University of Birmingham	All those involved in the related discipline irrespective of professional or sector background or level of expertise - public, private and third sectors including Community Safety Partnerships, Local Strategic Partnerships, Local Authorities, Health and other service providers. Especially valuable to managers and members wanting to consolidate their knowledge and extend their skills	The courses can be incorporated into a Continuing Professional Development programme or a fuller postgraduate programme.	A 5 day programme consisting of a 3 day session and a 2 day session	£950 (VAT exempt) Plus £250 for University accreditation (if required)
A range of one day open seminars around the themes of: political and strategic leadership; scrutiny; commissioning and procurement: shaping localities governance, partnership working and accountability; outcomes and performance	The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at University of Birmingham	All those involved in the relevant discipline irrespective or professional or sector background	INLOGOV offers the opportunity to explore a different way to service delivery, using academic insight with practical, relevant and results driven solutions. Seminars include relevant speakers and discussion sessions, and provide the latest news on policy development.	1 day	£299 for advance payment with booking form; £350 for payment via an invoice after the event
Advances Management and Leadership of Local Governance (AMLLoG)	The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at University of Birmingham	Middle or senior managers working for a local authority and looking for an opportunity to widen their understanding of the modernisation agenda and develop managerial abilities and skills	It consists of four modules: Governing and managing public services Managing beyond boundaries: partnerships, procurement and contracts for public service The changing agenda of local government: new thinking on the management of local government Understanding organisations: leading change	It consists of 4 modules, each lasting 4 days	£4,950 per person (£1,300 per module) If you do not require overnight accommodation, the fee is £3,250 per person (£855 per module)
A range of relevant conferences, seminars and workshops	Audit Commission	Service providers and key players from central and local government	Conferences, seminars and workshops providing forums for discussion, training and interaction with experts on key areas of service delivery.	Ranges from 1 – 2 days	Ranges from £399 - £460 (ex VAT)

How to Use the Handbook

Designed and developed by James Thomson / Archived from [http://www.gos.gov.uk/placeshandbook/index.asp Dead Link]