Resourcing the training and development function

Compared to HR issues like pay and reward, or performance management and recruitment, in the case of training, strategy and policy are less procedural.

Its needs analysis and design are much more situation-specific.

Delivery is not through an administrative system, but by a trainer or manager, by self-managed use of resources - or all of these.

The emergent roles in training require mixes of higher level business understanding, facilitation skills, and in-depth knowledge of the learning process.

Those with strengths in all these skills are in high demand and scarce supply.

These are the results of a study and survey of over 100 major UK employers, with detailed case studies, which offer a model of the emerging roles for trainers and the skills they need for the future