Current status: Answered by Jackson Carlaw (on behalf of the SPCB) on 5 December 2023
To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body whether it will provide an overview of the training programmes and opportunities that are currently available to MSP staff within the allocated £40,000 central budget.
The
SPCB can confirm that following consultation with MSP staff on training via, a training needs analysis, interviews and
engagement forums, a bespoke development programme has been established,
specifically for MSP staff. There are a number of training modules open to all
MSP staff, covering a variety of development areas and these are all detailed
on the intranet pages which all colleagues have access to. MSP staff can
book into and participate in any programme relevant to their role if agreed by
their employing MSP. This year the SPCB have listened to what MSP staff
colleagues are telling us they need and have therefore made significant
investment in training on Mental Health First Aid, Speechwriting, ACAS ‘Training
for Managers’ and UK/Scottish Benefits from the £40,000 central budget so
far.
In
addition to training offered via the central budget MSP staff can also access
additional training that is open to both SPS and MSP staff via our e-learning
platform ‘Learning Pool’ and ad hoc online and in person sessions that run
throughout the year.
The
SPCB is keen to maximise the central budget to the benefit of all MSP staff and
in doing so ensure economies of scale. Whilst requests for specialist
individual training can be made these are considered in the context of the
wider MSP staffing group to ensure that equal and fair access to training is
offered and that we can offer training that represents value for money and
delivers economies of scale. MSPs may also apply to the SPCB direct for
reimbursement of the fees or other charges incurred in providing appropriate
training for a member of staff. MSPs wishing to access this provision of
the Members’ Expenses Scheme will be assisted to do so by People and Culture
staff.