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Latest GoodPractice Learning Trends Survey Reports Increased Stability for L&D

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The third GoodPractice UK Learning Trends Index has just been released and shows increased stability in the UK Learning and Development sector. Conducted in conjunction with Reed Learning and INL Consultancy, the aim of the Learning Trends survey is to help learning and development professionals stay up-to-date with the state of their industry and the key issues their peers are facing.

Increased focus on management performance interventions

The latest survey results show that L&D is continuing to target its activity and impact upon the groups of employees who are strategically critical to organisational success. Leadership development therefore retains its place at the forefront of the L&D agenda. However, there is now a noticeable shift away from more general talent management interventions in favour of a greater focus on improving the performance of the middle management population. Management performance is now the second most important issue for L&D overall, up 20% on the previous survey figure. By contrast, interest in talent management has fallen by 15%, to sixth place overall.

Organisational execution and efficiency is more important than ever

 In terms of L&D's external business drivers, the key priorities for learning departments remain consistent with previous survey results. 80% of Learning Managers have reported that improving organisational execution and efficiency is their top business driver, an increase of 15% on the previous survey. This is followed by a need to support employee engagement and commitment initiatives effectively (58%) and reduce overall costs (52%).

GoodPractice's Chief Executive Peter Casebow says: "It is really encouraging to see from the survey that the crisis phase of dramatic cost reduction and streamlining is now coming to an end. This indicates a welcome return to a more stable position for the UK's L&D profession."

Product Development Director at GoodPractice, Owen Ferguson, also comments, "Now we have three sets of Learning Trends survey results, covering the past 18 months, we're starting to see some significant patterns. In broad terms, learning departments are investing more in technology, and cutting back on external provision. It will be interesting to see how this changes with any further shifts in the economic climate."

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Notes to Editors

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For further information about the Learning Trends Survey Report, go to www.goodpractice.com. To request an interview with Peter Casebow, please contact [email protected].