Helping our local authority clients meet their statutory training needs, when resources are limited, is one of my primary aims in 2024.

The number of authorities where expenditure is exceeding income is growing fast as is the number served with a Section 114 notice.  I used to sit on the Board of a local authority in West Yorkshire, and managing the finances was difficult during the good times given the breadth of competing demands. I’m sure it has become almost impossible now.

The managed learning service we provide to our local authority clients offers them several benefits when training budgets are under pressure.  I have outlined the key ones below: -

1. Learning Efficiency: We use our knowledge of the learning required to achieve compliance in an authority and address these specifically, avoiding generic learning that is often unnecessary. Through focusing only on their learning needs gaps and by utilising our supply chain of 800 competitive learning providers, we routinely reduce our clients outsourced learning costs.

2. Use of Resources: Our Managed Learning Service handles all aspects of learning, from needs analysis through to delivery and evaluation. We complement or reduce the workload of internal learning teams and handle all learning administration. We identify areas where skills are lacking or inefficient practices exist, and our training focuses on implementing sustainable efficiencies. We maximise attendees on courses, avoid cancellation charges and negotiate competitive design and delivery fees.

3. Technology Integration: We help our clients introduce and integrate modern technologies and tools such as LEAN working or digital learning platforms that reduce costs and enhance management practices.

4. Transparent Management Information: We provide live ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track learning uptake, cost and the effectiveness of training initiatives. This enables authorities to analyse progress towards compliance and financial stability.

In summary, we offer both practical and strategic support to local authorities facing financial challenges including those indicated by a Section 114 notice.

If you think we can help you by providing targeted, cost-effective training solutions that can contribute to the development of skills, optimisation of resources and the establishment of sound financial practices then make contact, I’m sure we can help.