Funding for Training and Development

Where the training or development opportunity incurs a cost, the decision regarding whether we will provide the funds to cover these costs will be based on: 

• Is the training/development required to enable you to be more effective at your job? (The answer needs to be – Yes.)
• Will the training/development provide you with the skills and/or competence that we require? (The answer needs to be – Yes.)
• Will you be able to apply the new skills or competence in your role? (The answer should be – yes, either immediately or within weeks.)

Depending on the answers to these questions we may provide the funds that are required for the training or development that has been identified. In every case, you must have the agreement of a director and ensure that you have gained agreement for all the costs that will be incurred.

When we provide funding for training or personal development, there will be occasions when we will ask you to agree to stay employed by us for an agreed period of time after you have completed the training. Should you leave our employment prior to this, you will be asked to reimburse a pro rata proportion of the funding you received. All such details will be included in a written study agreement, which will be provided to you in advance of you taking up the development activity.

This policy will normally apply when two criteria are met: 

• When the course is of significant duration and/or expense and/or
• When it has led to significant time off work and/or
• When it will result in a recognised qualification.