Enabling Processes

Summary

119.  Steady progress was made with implementation of the Defence Training Review's recommendations. By the end of the year a further 39 had been implemented. Major steps included establishment of the Defence Academy in April 2002, the entry of the Defence Training Rationalisation Programme into formal assessment on passing its Initial Gate in August 2002, and formation of the Directorate General Training and Education in October 2002.

Defence Training

120.  Training is crucial to the continuing operational success of the Armed Forces, as well as to the efficient conduct of the MOD. The Defence Training Review, which reported in March 2001, concluded that overall our individual training and education was of a high quality but that improvements were required. It made a comprehensive set of some 200 recommendations to deliver an individual training and education system that is better integrated, more closely aligned to operational and business needs, responsive to change, and cost-effective. Reflecting the importance of this task, implementation is overseen by a Ministerial Steering Group.

The MOD has now implemented 91 out of the 200 recommendations of the Defence Training Review.

121.  Steady progress was made on the implementation of the Review in 2002/03. A further 39 recommendations were implemented, bringing the total to 91. One key recommendation was the formation of the Directorate General Training and Education to provide the central focus for individual training and education policy within Defence, including the progress of two key modernisation projects - the rationalisation of specialist training, and the development of e-learning. This happened in October 2002.

122.  The Rationalisation Programme remained the highest priority Defence Training programme. This is aimed at delivering a significant proportion of specialist training in joint Defence Schools rather than on a single-Service basis. A Public Private Partnership approach has been adopted. Following Initial Gate approval the programme entered its formal assessment phase in August 2002. A pre-qualification process has been undertaken with potential bidders from industry.

123.  Progress continued on implementation of the e-Learning Strategy, including on establishment of the Defence-wide E-Learning Delivery and Management Capability. This aims to use a managed service over the Department's IT infrastructure to significantly expand access to learning.

124.  Other key training achievements in 2002/03 included:

• formation of the Defence Academy on 1 April 2002. During the year the Defence Academy awarded the contract for the establishment of the Defence Sixth Form College, developed the Technical Officers entry scheme and held the first Defence Leadership Centre courses;
   
• establishment of a Defence Accreditation Cell in July 2002 to set and co-ordinate the Department's accreditation policy across the board;
   
• production of Department-wide induction training guidelines;
   
• introduction of an electronic Performance and Development Report for civilian personnel;
   
• introduction of an Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, which has already attracted over 14,000 registrations;
   
• completion of negotiations on a Funding Agreement between the Learning and Skills Council and MOD establishments that receive Learning and Skills Council funding, significantly adding to what MOD funds alone can achieve; and
   
• launching of a new network of professionally qualified Learning and Development Advisers in March 2003, to improve the advice available to managers throughout the Department on civilian training.

Last Updated: 3 Dec 03