I am the Learning & Development Manager for the Housing, Regeneration & Environment Department in Lambeth Council. Broadly speaking, this means I have to analyse the training needs of approximately 800 people across a diverse range of backgrounds, levels and skills, identify the best way to close the skills/knowledge gap, implement a solution and evaluate the outcome…..within budget.

My role has a lot of scope for creativity as I have to continuously think of new ways to engage staff in learning, such as using forum theatre, introducing a Learning At Work Day, and designing e-learning courses. I also have a very analytical and strategic role as I need to ensure that the training offered is aligned with our departmental and organisational priorities so that spend can be justified. But I would say that the largest part of my role is communicating and influencing - gaining buy-in from our Executive Board by emphasising the return on investment in training, encouraging managers to allow their staff to participate in learning and follow-up after the course to help evaluate outcomes, and engaging staff to think about their development and take ownership of it.

Nadia Nagamootoo, C.Psychol, Registered Occupational Psychologist
London Borough of Lambeth