Development Planning

Development in this context refers to:

  1. the improvement of knowledge, skills and abilities that are directly related to the achievement of the Performance Goals, and
  2. activities that build longer-term skills which contribute to current and future career opportunities.

Discussions around the Development Plan should address:

  • required development activities where there are skills gaps
  • anticipated needs of the organisation
  • opportunities outside the current role
  • the employee's strengths, talents and interests separate from the current position
  • career planning for the staff member.

Development involves a much broader range of activities than just 'training.'  Development activities can include the following:

 Current Role

 Group Learning

 Individual Options
 Secondments  Professional development programs (both internal and external)  Coaching
 Relieving in different roles  Accredited training programs  Mentoring
 Industry Placement  Group mentoring  Professional reading
 Job rotation  Conferences  Professional development programs (both internal and external)
 Project work  Professional networking  Accredited training programs
 Shadowing    Research
 Job sharing    Self-paced learning modules
 Committee memberships    

 

Development plans must be mutually agreed and have regard for the staff member's level of appointment, workload and operational needs, as well as the resources available and equitable access to development opportunities.