This week’s training roundup
Civil servants update
More than 450,000 central government staff will be using a new learning
management system as part of Tony Blair’s civil service reforms. Pathlore and
Hogg Robinson will be managing the Successful Delivery Skills programme after
its appointment by the Office of Government Commerce. The blended learning
programme will cover 26 skill areas. www.pathlore.com
CPS aids witnesses
An e-learning scheme has helped the Crown Prosecution Service train lawyers
and caseworkers to deal with vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. The CPS
introduced the new system to help it comply with new legislation which required
increased training. More than 4,000 staff in various offices around the country
were successfully trained in 78 disciplines. www.cps.gov.uk
Graduates’ fast-track
Supermarket chain Somerfield has introduced an accelerated management scheme
for graduate or graduate calibre staff. It offers successful candidates a fast
track route into commercial or financial management positions. Staff can choose
between a three-year CIMA financial qualification or an 18-month programme on
business. www.somerfield.co.uk
Call tally boosted
Coventry Building Society has improved call centre efficiency by launching a
training blitz. The society introduced a core skills development programme
which focused on dealing with customer requests. Managers were also trained in
staff coaching and as a result the number of calls being answered daily has
risen by 94 per cent. www.coventrybuildingsociety.co.uk
SAS tactics for Dixons
Car preparation centre Dixon Motors has used a version of the SAS military
decision-making system to improve efficiency and performance. A Mission Focused
Leadership programme was implemented by training firm Positive Effects. After
three months production time was reduced by 63 per cent while quality
rejections fell by 60 per cent. www.positiveeffects.co.uk
