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 Capability Board (CSCB), formerly the Civil Service Learning and Skills Board, 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 policy development and implementation by driving consistent approaches, common standards, and common language - advancing shared understanding across government;
• equip civil servants to respond rapidly to new government priorities, both nationally and internationally;
• deliver essential elements of learning and development more efficiently across the Civil Service through economies of scale.

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

Each is being co-developed with Civil Service teams and is sponsored by an CSCB 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.

This site will be updated as more information becomes available.

"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 Capability Board