Learning and Development
Birmingham encourages staff to reach their full potential. A range of training and development support schemes are available to assist staff to develop. This may include on the job training, mentoring, coaching, shadowing opportunities, support for post-entry and other relevant educational qualifications, internal and external skills and knowledge development courses and seminars.
Birmingham City Council is committed to developing all staff and having a mobile and flexible workforce that can meet both the immediate and long-term service needs, for the Council to be able to deliver quality local services. This includes:-
Internal Recruitment First
We recognise the value of our own staff first and foremost. Therefore, the vast majority of job opportunities are advertised internally, initially.
So once you secure a position with us you can be assured of a wide range of promotional opportunities. This is a commitment Birmingham Council has made to its staff that you may not find in other local authorities.
By offering internal recruitment the Council is actively encouraging development opportunities within the workforce, to promote choice, competency and skill development (training) and career paths.
In-Source
In-Source, an internal development and deployment service, helps staff who would like the opportunity to consider;
....acquiring new skills?
....doing another job, or an alternative career?
Our In-Source Service provides support to staff who want access to personal and professional development opportunities and it helps to facilitate the Council’s aim to have a more flexible workforce. This is done through offering a range of placement opportunities that enable staff to develop new skills and competencies also to try different roles within the Council; for example, it can help staff to change from one role to a completely different area of work e.g. clerical to care. The role moved to could be radically different from the individual’s existing or previous position, but one in which they have an interest and feel that they could develop the necessary competencies, if given the right support. This is available where there is both an interest from the individual combined with an organisational need.
Investors In People
The Investors in People (IIP) Standard provides a framework that helps Birmingham City Council to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of our employees.
Birmingham City Council believes in giving our staff the necessary support to help them to reach their potential, improve their skills and gain greater job satisfaction. Great success is achieved by encouraging staff, valuing the contribution they make, and everyone pulling together as a team.
Thought the IIP standard we achieve benefits, such as:
• A good working environment
• Recognition and development
• Pride in being part of a successful organisation
• Good quality training when required
• Improved job satisfaction
• Better communication
• Skill and career development opportunities
• Increased responsibility and involvement
• Health and safety gains
The benefits seen by Birmingham City Council in working towards the IIP Standard are:
• Improved productivity
• Customer satisfaction
• Improved motivation
• Reduced costs and wastage
• Enhanced quality
• Competitive advantage
• Public recognition