Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any local sources of help with training for my business?
Small businesses can seek advice from their local Business Link. Other companies can also get advice on training from the local Chamber of Commerce. These Chambers are local, independent, non-profit making and non-political organisations, funded by membership subscriptions. In addition to providing advice on training, the local Chamber can also offer help with information resources, networking and savings on overheads.

Are there any organisations that can help me with training in my particular industry?
Yes, they are called Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). SSCs are small, employment led bodies, based on dialogue with government, agencies and learning providers, which identify how skills fit into individual business strategies.

Is there any financial support available to my business for training and development?
Yes, for more information visit the Lifelong Learning website. Local Business Link operators can also provide advice to small firms on other sources of funding available in the area.

In the March 2002 budget, the Chancellor announced £40m for workforce development pilots to test new approaches for providing courses to employees who do not have basic skills or qualifications at level 2.

Financial support will be given to employers who provide time off to their employees to study. This will vary with the size of the firm - small firms employing less than 50 people will receive up to 150% of the average wage costs of low skilled workers, while large firms will be expected to bear some or all of the costs of paid time off.

Management Training

Where can I get help for management training for myself and my team?
It depends on the management skills you are trying to gain and on your preferred learning method. Some managers prefer to attend management courses at a Business School or Higher Education institution whilst others prefer to learn online as this enables them to study without leaving their workplace. The Business Link Management Development factsheet (59Kb) gives further information for small businesses on the different styles of learning available.

Investors in People

How can I get the Investors in People Standard?
The Standard can be awarded to any size or type of business. To obtain the Standard you must show that your investment in people is effective because:

• You are really committed to developing the people within your business.
• You have clear goals and make sure that everyone within the business understands them.
• Your investment in people in your business directly helps them to meet those goals.
• The people within your business understand the impact that the investment has on their performance.

Your business will be assessed to determine if it meets the Investors in People principles before the Standard is awarded.

What are the benefits to my business in meeting the Investors in people standard?
Thousands of businesses have worked with Investors in People in the ten years since it was introduced and the numbers are still growing. They choose it because it's practical. Because the Standard encourages them to focus on the results they get from their investment, it delivers tangible results itself.

More than 75% of Investors in People organisations, in a major research study (Building Capability for the 21st Century), enthused about the benefits that meeting the Standard had brought them:

• Higher productivity
• Greater competitiveness
• Higher customer satisfaction
• More motivated staff
• Better company image
• Improved internal communication
• More focused and productive training

Apart from its effect on the bottom line, investing in people will benefit the people in your business too. Firms who are Investors in People say that their people work harder and better because they have a greater sense of purpose, while sickness, absenteeism and staff turnover fall.

Skills and Qualifications

How can I improve the basic skills in my workforce?
Recent research estimates that there are approximately 7 million adults of working age in Great Britain with poor basic skills. The research also shows that many people who do not have adequate basic skills develop coping strategies so that the problem can go undetected.

It has been shown that, if individuals within a work force have poor basic skills, raising their levels of literacy and numeracy will increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. This in turn means that they will become more productive and will be able to work more flexibly and learn new skills.

Individuals can contact the Learndirect Helpline on 0800 100 900 for information on free training aimed at improving basic skills. Small businesses can contact the local Business Link operators for assistance in developing a company-based strategy for tackling basic skills issues.

Where can I get help with IT training for my staff?
Learndirect run a wide variety of online courses to improve business IT skills. As long as your business has Internet access, your staff can use the courses to learn without leaving your work premises. Details of the courses available can be found on the Learndirect website.

The Department of Trade and Industry's 'UK online for business' service exists to help UK small businesses exploit the business benefits of IT. You can contact your nearest UK Online Business Adviser by telephoning 0845 715200 or by visiting the website.

Contact local Further Education Colleges or Universities to access the many courses available that lead to nationally recognised and industry specific qualifications.