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Each year, HRD’s Regional Learning and Development Team (RLDT) delivers the RTC Conference in London. This important annual event allows RTC staff to return to London to review the previous year's work, set priorities for the forthcoming year, receive additional training and updates from various parts of the office, and to focus on their personal development. The 2007 conference was the second such event. The event, held at One Whitehall Place, took on a traditional focus. The RLDCs were given the opportunity to engage in round table discussion, looking closely at RTC operational issues and focusing on forthcoming priorities for the whole RTC Network. In addition there was a chance to undertake their own personal development by taking part in a ‘Stakeholder Manager’ workshop.
As this was my first chance to meet my fellow RLDCs I was particularly looking forward to the event, as well as being nervous that my own organisational skills would stand up to scrutiny by these experienced co-ordinators.
The aims of the Conference were clear and laid out on the first day: - The opportunity to review all aspects of participant’s jobs and RTC operational issues; - Give an update on the FCO’s current position on Professional Skills for Government and Diversity; - Provide delegates with knowledge of the newly developed ‘Induction’ e-learning package for Locally Engaged members of staff; - RLDCs to share RTC best practices and procedures; - Supply participants with information on the ‘Training Needs Analysis’ tool in preparation for roll out early in 2008.
During the 4-day event we were joined by some excellent guest speakers. Michael Shearer, Assistant Director Diversity and Equality took some time from his busy schedule to explain his new role within the FCO and where the ‘diversity’ agenda fits with the RTC Network.
The Professional Skills Team had a 2-fold message, to re-enforce the Professional Skills for Government initiative and also to début the new e-learning package “Induction for local staff”.
The Training Needs Analysis package currently on trial is an important tool for the RTC Network, as it will highlight gaps in skills training both individually and at Post and Regional level. The RLDCs will be heavily involved in the implementation of this programme when it is rolled out this year ensuring all staff in their region undertakes this.
At the end of the final day it was clear that the conference had been a great success. All participants had benefited from sharing experiences, gaining different perspectives on their own jobs and comparing how their RTC’s operate.
Personally I cannot say enough how extremely fortunate the FCO is to have such a dedicated and professional group of people working within its midst and what a pleasure it was to spend time with them.
Christine Kelly Regional learning and Development Co-ordinator HR-RADICAL, OAB, Room 2/115 FTN: 8008 0337
RLDCs talks about the Conference
“This was my second RLDC conference in London, which provided me a good opportunity to understand our own job responsibilities and to discuss best practice with other counterparts. The presentation received from Michael Shearer on Diversity was interesting, where he highlighted the regional, cultural differences, individual differences, etc”. Vinod Kumar, RLDC New Delhi
“The conference provides a great opportunity not only for self learning & development, but also for strengthening the friendships within the network, which contribute greatly to the success of the RTCs”. Carol Boyle, RLDC Hong Kong
“The topics covered will help me and my colleagues to promote L&D activities - I particularly enjoyed the Diversity, PSG and the best practice exchanges with other RTC colleagues. I’ve got a clearer idea of future initiatives. Reiterating that we are all a team”. Christine Kelly, RLDC London |
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2nd RLDC Annual Conference in London By Christine Kelly, RLDC London |
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Vinod Kumar, RLDC New Delhi |