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During 2007, RTCs carried out regional conferences for their TLOs in order to improve training co-ordinations and work on action plans, but most important, to set up a network that seeks excellence through learning in the whole world. Brian Lawrence, RLDM Singapore, and Diane Malamut, RLDM Washington, tell us how these conferences have impacted in their respective regions.
South East Asian and South Pacific Training Liaison Officers’ Conference The first South East Asian and South Pacific TLO Conference was held at the Singapore RTC on the 28th and 29th of August 2007. Although the turn-out was somewhat disappointing; only 6 out of a total of 12 TLOs who were invited attended, a great deal was accomplished during the two day conference and the TLOs returned to their posts with action plans which they intend to carry out in the next two quarters of the year.
A Welcome drinks session at the Regent hotel bar was held the night before the conference and a welcome lunch was held at the Trader’s hotel on the first day of the conference.
Among the topics discussed were the roles and responsibilities of TLOs, what the TLOs have contributed to learning & development so far, a discussion of expectations for training visits from both posts and trainers, the future of training evaluation in the FCO and the roll out of the new Training Needs Analysis software. We also made presentations on PSG and IiP. The RLDM handed out a new Development Guide for Training at the RTC to the TLOs. This guide presents all the training programmes run at the RTC and the additional services that the RTC provides such as coaching and investors in people reviews and health-checks.
Comprehensive multi-point action plans were drawn up by the TLOs and these were to be put into action upon their return to post. All in all it was a successful first run and we’re hoping for full participation next year.
Americas TLO Conference The first America’s TLO Conference took place in Panama in August 2007. It was jointly organised by the Washington & Lima RTCs, and 25 out of 38 posts within the Americas were represented.
The main objective of the conference was to create a TLO support network that would enhance learning and development efforts within the region. Topics discussed: - Recent Learning & Development at Posts - Creating the Learning & Development Strategy - Enhancing the TLO & RTC Partnership - Marketing the RTC - Professional Skills in Government (PSG) - Investors in People (IiP) - Evaluating Training Effectiveness - Training Visit Reports
One of the major outcomes of the conference included a comprehensive action plan for both the RTCs and the TLOs. These action items will improve the ability to champion learning and development for all staff. Participants felt that it was invaluable to share best practices, discuss issues, brainstorm new ideas, and foster contacts within the region. |
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Training Liaison Officers: Setting up the network |
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Left: Brian Lawrence, RLDM Singapore, leading the South East Asian & South Pacific TLOs Conference Right: Americas TLOs Conference in action |
