FAQs
About the National School of Government
Civil Service Learning (CSL) and the Common Curriculum
Core Learning Programme (CLP)
Course information, availability and booking
Locations
Accommodation
People with disabilities
Cancellation, Transferring and Financial Information
About the National School of Government
What is the National School of Government?
The National School of Government is government's learning and change organisation for the business of public service. From 1 April 2011 the National School ceased to be a non-ministerial department (NMD) and rejoined the Cabinet Office.Our position inside government means that for over 40 years we’ve worked as special advisers and confidantes to the public sector. You can safely view us as an extension of your internal L&D resource that can be called upon to help you deal with the colossal change sweeping through the public sector.
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What organisations does the National School work with?
We work primarily within the Civil Service, but also reach across government and the wider public sector – from ministers and top civil servants, to those developing policy, and those delivering in the front line.Our work isn’t just limited to the UK. Supporting the strategic priorities of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID) is an essential part of our remit. Our international practice works with government administrations and public sector institutions worldwide to develop their organisations and staff, often in the face of post-conflict or transition challenges.
Top ^ Our work isn’t just limited to the UK. Supporting the strategic priorities of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DfID) is an essential part of our remit. Our international practice works with government administrations and public sector institutions worldwide to develop their organisations and staff, often in the face of post-conflict or transition challenges.
What services does the National School provide?
We’re well known for open courses and offer a wide range of programmes in areas such as management development; leadership, governance and strategy; business and financial management; communications, stakeholder management and client relations; policy making and strategy; personal effectiveness and career development; and for the Fast Stream and many of the professions.We also provide a range of other services that our clients want, including onsite and tailored solutions, coaching and e-learning.
We will continue offering all of our products and services until 31 March 2012 and have the capacity and capability to deliver. From 1 April 2012, all government L&D will need to be arranged through Civil Service Learning (see below).
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Can I still make a booking with the National School?
We are continuing to operate the business this financial year – please do discuss your requirements with us or book onto a course in the usual way. If you would like to discuss training beyond 31 March 2012, please contact our Customer Services team who will be able to help you direct your query.If you are thinking about starting a qualification, or are already undertaking one, please contact our Customer Services team to discuss arrangements.
Our international function is likely to continue, elsewhere in government. Please contact our international team to discuss future work.
If I pre-pay for a course and it gets cancelled, will I get my money back?
NSG does not invoice for a course until the course has been delivered. The only exception on this is if someone books a place and pays for it independently of their organisation. In this case, they will be issued with a credit note to use against future courses or, if they prefer, they will be given a refund.Civil Service Learning (CSL) and the Common Curriculum
What is Civil Service Learning and the Common Curriculum?
Civil Service Learning (CSL) is a new small shared function which will set a Common Curriculum for generic training and development for all departments to follow, buy all generic training on behalf of the Civil Service and provide a range of other services, including some direct delivery of training for those products which can only be done in-house – for example induction or essential Civil Service skills.CSL It came into operation in April 2011 and is gradually being rolled out across Departments. From 1 April 2012 all L&D will need to be arranged through CSL.
2011/12 is a transition year and we are working as a partner of Civil Service Learning to deliver courses on the new Common Curriculum. Working closely with departments to produce the Common Curriculum, it is a programme of learning which meets the collective learning needs across the Civil Service. It provides the right learning for each stage of a Civil Service career.
There are six key strands in the Common Curriculum:
- Civil Service Way
- Leadership of the Civil Service
- Management Development
- Core Skills
- Mandatory Learning
- Specialist Development
The transition year will ensure that there is a smooth handover of provision to CSL and that the L&D service offered to civil servants is maintained. Staff will however notice an increase in blended learning opportunities; while classroom-based training will still have its place, there will be an increase in e-learning and workplace-based training. Civil servants will use the CSL website to access all L&D opportunities from April 2012.
To find out more and to start accessing free e-learning and online resources for all the strands in the Common Curriculum, see the Civil Service Learning website. It takes only a few minutes to register your details.
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Civil Service Learning has now started operating so can departments still use the National School?
Yes, you can still use the National School of Government. Civil Service Learning (CSL) is being rolled out across government departments during 2011/12. For now you can arrange and attend training with the National School in the same way as before in your department. From 1 April 2012, you must go through the CSL website for your generic learning.The National School is supporting Civil Service Learning during this transition year. We are the sole providers of the training for the Leadership of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Way strands of the Common Curriculum and offer management development and core skills training which meets the standard to be provided under the Common Curriculum. We also still offer a range of training courses, qualifications, tailored work and consultancy. Delegates need to ensure they have the approval of their budget holder before they make bookings.
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I’ve heard that Civil Service Learning don’t want us to do residential training any more, so can I still come to Sunningdale?
Civil Service Learning is looking at more cost effective ways of delivering the learning that civil servants need. That will mean more work-based learning and e-learning, but it will still allow for some classroom-based training, including residential training, where it is the most cost effective solution. During this transition year, you may still make use of the residential training that NSG has to offer, provided you get the agreement of your budget holder.Core Learning Programme
What happened to the Core Learning Programme?
Much of what was in the Core Learning Programme now forms part of the Leadership of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Way strands of the Common Curriculum, established by Civil Service Learning (CSL). CSL is providing a subsidy to the costs of the Leadership of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Way courses. The subsidy – of around 10% of the course costs – has already been applied so that the price advertised is the price you will pay. You should book your place through the National School’s booking system – once you have approval of your budget holder to do so.Top ^
I’m a Fast Streamer. What is happening to the Fast Stream training programme?
The Fast Stream courses that were part of the Core Learning Programme continued to run until the end of September 2011. Now that this arrangement has come to an end, Fast Streamers can book onto Fast Stream, or any other, courses in the usual way.The Fast Stream Development programme will continue and will be taken over by CS Learning and will continue to provide an attractive high quality development programmes. Ways of improving the consistency of experience and mobility of Fast Streamers are being explored to ensure that Fast Streamers develop the skills and competencies the Civil Service needs (in areas such as operational delivery, project and programme management, commercial awareness, etc).
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Course information, availability and booking
Where can I find a list of the courses you offer?
You can find our most up-to-date, interactive course listings e-brochure here. Alternatively, you'll find the most up-to-date course information on our website. Just visit our courses page for topic listings.Top ^
Can I attend a course at the National School of Government if I’m not a civil servant?
We welcome attendance from all sectors, with the exception of some courses which do have certain criteria in place. The course administrator will be able to advise you as to whether you can attend.Top ^
I’ve got a team of people who need some training; can you deliver the course at our offices?
We can deliver any of our courses at a venue of your choice. This offers a number of cost benefits; including saving your staff travel time and travel costs. Please contact the course administrator to discuss your requirements.Top ^
I need some training, and it doesn’t seem to be covered by the courses listed on your site. Can you develop bespoke training for us?
Consultancy and tailored programmes account for almost half of our work. Organisations across the public sector value working with us because of our knowledge of government. It gives us unique perspective. And if you are part of the Crown, you don’t need to tender to make use of our services. Our consultancy brings objectivity, offers new insights and challenges ingrained thinking. Our interventions can provide the key to unlocking more effective performance within teams or organisations. These might be anything from a simple event, to a full service including consultancy advice, leadership development and coaching. We’d be delighted to discuss your training needs in depth and design a bespoke learning intervention to meet your needs.If you know the subject area you are interested in please contact one of our Tailored Support Units. For broader enquiries please contact Parmjit Horwood on 01344 634 141, gtn 3803 4141.
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If a course is being offered in Sunningdale, can I get it in London?
Many of our courses are run at different locations. Please check the course web page for details of where the course is running.Top ^
A course I’m interested in is no longer running.
Along with the rest of the Civil Service, the School is going through a process of reforming and achieving efficiencies. As part of that, we have reviewed our portfolio of learning, and have realigned our offer to fit with the government’s current priorities. We want to ensure that we provide the learning and development solutions that are appropriate to you in these challenging times. We have refreshed our offering and where we’ve identified overlaps we’ve reduced the number of courses being offered. This is with the intent to make your decision on which course to attend easier but also to enrich your learning as there will be more participants. If you find one of the courses you are interested in has been cancelled, please contact one of our Tailored Support Units who can discuss your needs in more detail and explore other learning options with you.Top ^
How do I book on?
Please call Customer Services on 01344 634 628, gtn 3803 4628 to make a temporary booking. You will need to confirm your place within 10 working days by completing a booking form – and faxing the form to 01344 634 091, emailing a scanned booking form to customer.services@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk or posting it to National School of Government, Customer Services, Sunningdale Park, Larch Avenue, Ascot, SL5 0QE.Top ^
How can I find out if there’s availability on the course?
Please call Customer Services on 01344 634628, gtn 3803 4628 or the course administrator who will be able to advise you on the availability of the course you are interested in.Top ^
When will I get joining instructions?
Your joining instructions will be sent to the email address supplied approximately four weeks before the course starts.Top ^
Will I have to do any pre-reading or any other preparation?
For some of our courses you will be required to undertake some pre-reading or complete some pre-course questionnaires. Details will be included in your joining instructions.Top ^
Do I acquire continuous professional development from any of the courses?
Some of our courses carry continuous professional development (CPD) points. Please refer to the individual course description for details.Top ^
I need to miss part of the course, is that ok?
Please contact the course administrator who will put you in touch with the Programme Director to discuss your needs and the best solution. It may be that you are given evening work to catch-up.Top ^
Is there a dress code?
Dress is informal/smart-casual.Top ^
Locations
We are located in Sunningdale Park, London Victoria, and Edinburgh.Sunningdale
Sunningdale is situated 40 km (25 miles) west of London, near to Ascot in Berkshire. London is within easy reach taking just 50 minutes by train from Sunningdale to London Waterloo and 1 hour by road. There are great rail and road links connecting Sunningdale to both the north and the south of England. For international travellers, Heathrow and Gatwick airports are within easy reach.
For more information about getting to Sunningdale Park, the complimentary shuttle service and pre-day arrivals, please visit the Sunningdale Park information webpage. To pinpoint exactly where we are in relation to you, take a look at Google Maps.
London Victoria
Our office at Belgrave Road in London is within easy reach of Whitehall, the City of London and the West End and situated to the rear of Victoria rail station.
For more information about getting to Belgrave Road, London Victoria, please visit the Belgrave Road information webpage. To pinpoint exactly where we are in relation to you, take a look at Google Maps.
Edinburgh
Situated at the heart of Edinburgh, 23 Walker Street is a 10 minute walk from Haymarket Station. When attending an open course in Edinburgh it is likely to take place at a venue in the city centre. Venue details for your course are included in your joining instructions. For international travellers, Edinburgh airport is approximately a 30 minute drive or train journey to and from the city centre.
For more information about getting to Edinburgh visit the Edinburgh information webpage. To pinpoint exactly where we are in relation to you, take a look at Google Maps.
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Accommodation
Sunningdale
All courses at Sunningdale Park are residential and the course fee includes accommodation. We do not offer any discount if you don’t stay at Sunningdale Park.
The estate is managed by De Vere Venues. Your bedroom will be available from approximately 12:30pm on the day of your arrival. Luggage may be left in a secure room within Trevelyan. All bedrooms are en-suite and towels and soap are provided. There are also tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone, Wi-Fi access, hairdryer and a television in each room.
For more information about the facilities at Sunningdale Park visit the Sunningdale Park information webpage.
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What if I choose not to stay at Sunningdale Park?
If you decide to commute each day or stay with friends and family, please let us know that you won’t be using your bedroom. This is for Health and Safety reasons (for example, if there’s a fire on site at night then we need to know who is on site).Top ^
Can I arrive the day before the course?
If you wish to stay the night before the start of your course, a bedroom may be available to participants on request through De Vere Venues, our partners here at Sunningdale Park. To book please complete the online pre-day arrival form.Dinner is available up to 21:30 on a Sunday and 21:00 on other days in the Steam, Bake and Grill restaurant in Pepys building. After this time sandwiches can be provided if we are advised in advance. Please contact your course administrator who will arrange this for you. Please note that you will be asked to pay in full on arrival at Sunningdale Park for both your bedroom and dinner, if taken. Full details of cost and payment methods are on the booking form on our website. All other food and accommodation costs during your stay are included in the course price; with the exception of bar bills which need to be settled on departure.
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I’ve got special dietary requirements, can I be catered for?
Vegetarian dishes are included in the menu. Please notify your course administrator of any special dietary requirements when completing the administration form.Top ^
What if I’ve got childcare to sort out?
The National School of Government no longer has a workplace nursery on site. However, we have made arrangements with three local nurseries that can cater for children from three months to five years. All three nurseries are within four miles of the National School. If you do not have your own transport, taxis can be arranged to and from any of the nurseries. For further details, including booking arrangements, please telephone 01344 634 846, gtn 3803 4846. Fees are payable directly to the nursery. For more useful information about Sunningdale Park visit the Sunningdale Park information webpage.Top ^
Is there a car park?
There is a car park at Sunningdale Park; but please note that car parking space is limited.Top ^
Is there a prayer room on site and will I be allowed out to pray when I need to?
We do not have a dedicated prayer room however we can arrange for you to either have a larger bedroom in which you can return to and pray; before and after the course and during refreshment and lunch breaks or alternatively you will be allocated a syndicate room for your sole use. If we have a large contingency of international visitors we make sure they are allocated separate male and female prayer rooms.Top ^
Do you have a cash point on site?
There are no cash dispensers on site, however in extreme circumstances cheques may be cashed at Trevelyan reception provided they are supported by a valid cheque guarantee card. There are cash machines available in Sunningdale village. Bar bills can be charged to your bedroom account and must be settled prior to departure, providing a credit/debit card has been given as a guarantee on arrival. If paying at reception by credit card an additional fee will apply. Currently this fee is £2.50 for Visa and Mastercard and £3.50 for American Express. There is no additional charge for paying with a debit card.Top ^
How do I get to a bank/chemist?
Sunningdale village has a bank and chemist. You would need to take the complimentary shuttle service to Sunningdale train station. The bank is located opposite the train station (2 minute walk) and the chemist is a short (5-10 minute) walk up the A30.Top ^
Belgrave Road, London Victoria
For courses running at Belgrave Road, the cost of overnight accommodation is not included in your course fees and you are required to make your own reservations. If you do need accommodation when attending a course at Belgrave Road, you will find a number of hotels which are very close by. Most departments now have contracts with hotel booking services. You should check with your own department to find which options are open to you, and what the payment arrangements are.
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Is there a prayer room?
Yes, we have a prayer room available. You will be able to pray before and after the course and during refreshment and lunch breaks.Top ^
How do I get to a bank/chemist?
There are all major banks on Victoria Street along with a variety of chemists including, Boots.Top ^
Edinburgh
For courses running in Edinburgh, the cost of overnight accommodation is not included in your course fees and you are required to make your own reservations. If you do need accommodation when attending a course in Edinburgh, you will find a number of hotels which are very close by. Most departments now have contracts with hotel booking services. You should check with your own department to find which options are open to you, and what the payment arrangements are.
When attending the course lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the day.
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People with Disabilities
We aim to provide independent equal access for all our guests and this is reflected in our site facilities. We can also make provisions for your companion should you need their assistance to enable you to participate fully on your course. If you indicate on your booking form that you have any requirements due to a disability or any other reason, we will contact you at least six weeks before the course starts to discuss your residential and course requirements.Alternatively please contact our Diversity Officer on 01344 634 223, gtn 3803 4223 or the course administrator in advance to discuss your particular requirements.
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I’ve got mobility problems; is there full wheelchair access?
Sunningdale ParkThere is good wheelchair access, which includes lifts in Pepys, Northcote House, Evelyn Sharp and all bedroom accommodation buildings. Mobility scooters can be arranged. Some of our bedrooms have level access showers for people with limited mobility. Please note that the gymnasium and the swimming pool are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Belgrave Road
There are lifts to the 3rd and 4th floors and a wheelchair access toilet on the third floor. There is a disabled parking bay available which you can book by telephoning 01344 634 470.
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I’ve got hearing problems; is there an induction loop in the training rooms?
Sunningdale ParkWe have induction loops in our lecture theatres for hearing aid users, text phones, a Kurzweil scanner and warbler alarms. Some of our bedrooms have contrasting décor for people with visual impairments.
Belgrave Road
We have induction loops in our lecture theatres.
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Can you provide a pallentypist? Can you provide a sign language interpreter?
We can organise this for you. Please contact our Diversity Officer on 01344 634 223, gtn 3803 4223 or your course administrator in advance to discuss your particular requirements.Top ^
I’ve got a sight disability; do you provide course materials in Braille?
Sunningdale Park and Belgrave RoadMaterials can be provided in Braille, large print and audio on request. For those with visual impairments we have Supernova and Zoomtext software loaded on to delegate PCs for use within the lecture room, and in Sunningdale Park, it is also on one of the open access machines in the Learning and Resources Centre. We also have a CCTV magnifier available on request.
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Cancellation, Transferring and Financial Information
What happens if I have to cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel a booking or transfer to a later date, please ask your payment authoriser to do this through our Customer Services on 01344 634628, gtn 3803 4628. Only cancellations and transfers notified by the payment authoriser will be accepted.If you withdraw from a confirmed booking and your place is not taken by someone else from your organisation when you withdraw, you must pay a cancellation fee:
| Notice of cancellation or transfer | Percentage of course price charged |
| Number of days/weeks before programme is due to start | |
| Top Management Programme | |
| 3-12 weeks | 60% |
| Within 3 weeks of start date | 100% |
| All other courses | |
| 29 days or more | 10% |
| 15 to 28 days | 50% |
| 1 to 14 days | 90% |
| On the start date or later | 100% |
| (We include weekends in the above calculations) | |
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Can I have a discount if I book more than one place?
We do not give a discount for more than one booking.Top ^
What happens if I am sick and can’t make it on the day?
Please contact Customer Services on 01344 634628, gtn 3803 4628 as soon as you can to let us know. We will implement our Cancellation in Case of Sickness Policy – this means that your organisation will need to pay the full (100%) invoice but you will be able to re-book onto a later run of the course at a cost of 20% of the course fee. If you cancel the day before the course is due to start then your organisation will have to pay 90% of the course fee and you will be able to re-book onto a later run of the course at a cost of 30% of the course fee. If you are able to send a substitute from your organisation then please let us know and we’ll waive any cancellation charge.Top ^
What if I’m too busy at work and need to transfer to a later run?
Full cancellation charges will apply unless you can send a substitute.Top ^
Do I have to have permission to attend?
Please follow your internal procedures when applying for courses. You need to get permission from your training officer or the person who holds your training budget. We will not accept booking forms unless they have been authorised for payment.If you are paying for yourself to attend a course, and not through your organisation, you can book on as an individual and we ask for payment in advance of the course.
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What does the course price include?
At Sunningdale Park the price includes all accommodation and food during the course. At the Scottish and London centres, the price includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch, but not overnight accommodation. We may sometimes need to change the venue from the one stated. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as possible.Top ^
How do I pay for my course?
An invoice will usually be sent within a month following the course start date, unless you request us to send it earlier. We can issue invoices in advance if you ask us to. Payment is due within 30 days of the date of the invoice. Cheques and payable orders should be made payable to National School of Government. We accept payment by government procurement card, credit card or debit card and we will send you a receipt acknowledging payment within 7-10 working days. Please note we do not accept American Express or Diners Club cards. All other payments from UK and non-UK bank accounts should be made into our Citibank account. Please contact our finance department for details. Our e-mail address for remittance advices and queries is finance-income@nationalschool.gsi.gov.ukTop ^
Do you charge VAT?
We do not charge VAT.Top ^
My learning and development budget has been reduced. Can I still use you and how?
The leadership of the Civil Service recognises the National School of Government as the Civil Service’s preferred in-house learning and development provider. We combine subject matter expertise with inside knowledge of the Civil Service context. We offer a range of options to help support the learning and development needs of civil servants right across government.There are a number of options you could consider:
- E-learning packages. We offer a range of e-learning programmes, many of which are free. E-learning can provide a really cost effective way of meeting your organisation’s learning needs. As a web based resource it allows the busy public servant to learn quickly and conveniently at work. We can also help organisations deliver their own engaging e-learning and manage secure online communities.
- Common Curriculum
- On-site and Bespoke Learning