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Civil Service Core Learning Programme

Leaders across the Civil Service have agreed that establishing a common programme of learning and development, to be shared by all departments, is a vital ingredient in the transformation of the public sector. We have been commissioned by the Civil Service Learning and Skills Board (L&SB) to lead development of this Core Learning Programme.

It will:

* build leadership capability and depth – through a leadership development programme tailored to the needs of government and underpinned by its values (the ‘Civil Service way’);
* promote the highest standards in policydevelopment and implementation by driving consistent approaches, common standards, and common language – advancing shared understanding across government;
* equip civil servants to respond rapidly tonew government priorities, both nationally and internationally;
* deliver essential elements of learning and development more efficiently across the Civil Service through economies of scale.

The programme has six key strands:

* leadership;
* talent development;
* achieving policy outcomes;
* professions;
* priorities;
* core knowledge.

Each is being co-developed with Civil Service teams and is sponsored by an L&SB Director.

The first courses will run in the spring of 2010, with the full programme being rolled out from April 2011.

Most courses are being developed with specific audiences in mind. This means that enrolment will largely be by invitation from Permanent Secretaries through heads of profession or departmental learning and development co-ordinators.

More information will be released as the programme evolves. To learn more, visit: nationalschool.gov.uk


"It is time for the leadership of the Civil Service to get its act together in learning and development. The Core Learning Programme that we have commissioned the National School to deliver is a key ingredient to the continued improvement of the capability of the Civil Service."

Sir Suma Chakrabarti, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.

Chair, Civil Service Learning and Skills Board