Learning and development

Learning and Development provision

Bedfordshire County Council recognises its commitment to the learning and development of all its employees and will actively seek to achieve this by offering a wide range of activities:

• In-house corporate activity and short course programmes e.g. Skills for Change programme, Manager’s Support Programme, IT training, Equality and Diversity programmes, Management training and organisational conferences.
• We have a dedicated Learning Resource Centre (Open Academy) based in County Hall, Bedford  which provides access to a comprehensive range of multi-media resources including Computer Based Training packages, books, CD-ROM’s and videos.
• We have a dedicated learning and development IT portal (Bedfordshire Academy) which provides employees with a focal point for all development activities and a platform to share knowledge and experiences
• We provide a mentoring, coaching and work shadowing scheme to support employees in their roles and maximise the sharing of knowledge across the organisation
• Specific service directorates such as Children’s Services and Adult Social Services, offer very comprehensive course programmes designed to keep staff up to date with vital legislation and good business practice.
• Service directorates will consider sponsoring staff to attend external professional courses and to achieve qualifications to meet their personal aspirations and enhance their role within the organisation
• A regular annual Performance Development Review process is in place to review development and training needs (with mid-year review) 
•  We are Investors in People (IIP) accredited thus emphasising the full commitment and dedication to the support available to employees.

Once employed, full programme outlines and information can be found on the Bedfordshire County Council's Intranet site. We also have a well established, professionally qualified central Learning and Development team who can advise you on appropriate and relevant courses or alternative methods and solutions to meeting individual needs.