Professional Development Programme information sessions, 29 November 2022

As part of our commitment to support the professional development of our staff and to align our workforce with future UCL business needs, we are currently exploring options for UCL Human Resources (HR) and Learning & Development (L&D) Professional Development Programmes. 

What is it?

We are hoping to launch the HR and L&D Development Programmes in Spring 2023. The programmes will be funded through the UCL Apprenticeship Levy, and will provide structured training, allowing you to enhance your career prospects through the development of valuable skills and earn a nationally recognised qualification as well as relevant CIPD membership. 

There are a variety of training opportunities available covering qualification levels 3 to level 7. Please see our mid-career apprenticeships page for more information about opportunities for existing staff. 

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for those who work in HR and L&D related roles or anyone who may wish to move into such a role. It is for staff who wish to deepen their HR or L&D expertise, apply new knowledge skills and behaviours within their current role and contribute to the organisation’s success through the development of its workforce. There are opportunities to follow specialist pathways including Organisational Development, Recruitment and Learning and Development. Some programmes are also designed for managers and leaders who wish to develop their strategic HR expertise. 

These opportunities will be open to staff who have successfully completed their probationary period and are on a permanent contract. It is essential that line-manager approval and commitment is confirmed as part of the application process, as approximately 20% of time will be spent in ‘off the job’ training. 

Some programmes have specific essential eligibility criteria and requirements and those with previous related qualifications will need to check eligibility before making an application. 

What will the information session cover?

There will be two separate information sessions led by potential training providers Be-Pro Development and Reed Learning. 

The sessions are aimed at those who have an interest in undertaking this development programme and managers and supporters who may wish to encourage and support the development of their team’s HR professional skills. 

The purpose of these sessions is for you to gain an insight into the range of HR and L&D development programmes and an understanding of what different providers can offer. As the training will be provided as part of the UCL Apprenticeships Scheme, the sessions will also provide an opportunity to answer your questions about apprenticeships, to address and dispel some common misconceptions about apprenticeships, and to outline the benefits that this development opportunity can bring to you and UCL. 

These one-hour online sessions will include:

• A 30-minute presentation from the training provider covering:
   - An overview of the range of HR and L&D programmes and their content and structure
   - The delivery method of training
   - An explanation of the 20% off-the-job training (what it is and the expectations)
   - An explanation of the End Point Assessment (EPA)

• A Q&A session with the provider and the UCL Apprenticeship team to answer any further questions you may have

• Outline of the timelines and process for the initial internal application through to the launch of the training programme in Spring 2023.

We are currently in the scoping phase of this project and there is no obligation for those that attend the information session to apply for the development programmes. We would encourage you, where possible, to attend both sessions so that you have an insight into what different training providers might offer. 

We will be seeking feedback from you following the sessions. This feedback will be helpful to the UCL Apprenticeship team to identify the scale of need across UCL and the most appropriate training to meet your needs and will inform our decision making as we formally appoint a training provider.  

How do I book?

Please register using the link below by 12 noon on Wednesday 23 November. You can register to attend one or both of the sessions. There is an option on the booking form to register your interest, for staff who would like to find out more but who are unable to attend the information sessions.

The sessions will be held on MS Teams. Teams meeting links will be sent a few days prior to the event.

Register for the HR and L&D Professional Development information sessions -  Tuesday 29 November

Please email Paula Sandamas, Apprenticeship Manager at p.sandamas@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions about the programme.