Learning and Development Policy Template

Learning and Development Policy

Purpose of Learning and Development Policy

This Learning and Development Policy sets out [Company Name] approach to supporting employee learning, skills development, and career growth. The policy explains eligibility, approved learning activities, funding and approvals, manager and HR responsibilities, and the standards expected of employees and approvers. The policy exists to ensure development activity aligns with business needs, supports performance improvement, and is delivered in a fair and consistent manner.

Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all employees of [Company Name], including permanent, fixed term, and where applicable, contractors for designated development programs. It covers internal training, external courses, conferences, e learning, professional certification, and on the job development activities unless otherwise stated in specific program documentation.

Learning and Development Principles

[Company Name] supports continuous learning to enhance individual capability and organizational performance. Learning and development activity should be relevant to the employee's role, career progression, or to address identified capability gaps. Priority is given to mandatory compliance training and role critical skills, followed by development that supports strategic objectives.

Eligible Learning Activities

Eligible activities may include:

• Mandatory and compliance training required for the role
• Role specific technical or professional courses
• Leadership and management development programs
• Conferences, seminars, and workshops aligned to business needs
• Approved e learning and online courses
• Job rotations, mentoring and coaching where formally documented

Funding and Budget

Training and development are funded from centrally managed budgets or departmental training budgets as approved by the business. Employees should not commit to costs before receiving formal approval. Where funding is provided, it covers the cost categories agreed at approval and may include course fees, exam fees, and authorized travel or accommodation within approved limits.

Application and Approval Process

Employees wishing to undertake learning should submit a training request through the established process, providing a rationale, expected benefits, estimated costs, and any dates required. Requests are reviewed and approved in line with the following roles and responsibilities.

Role of Managers

Managers are responsible for:

• Assessing the relevance of requested learning to the employee's role and team objectives
• Confirming operational coverage during training time and endorsing the request
• Supporting on the job application of new skills and setting development goals
• Monitoring completion and evaluating impact on performance

Role of HR

HR is responsible for:

• Administering the training request process and maintaining records
• Advising on appropriate learning solutions and available budgets
• Approving requests that require central funding or cross departmental cost allocation
• Coordinating mandatory training and maintaining compliance records

Approval Levels and Exceptions

Approval decisions are made according to budget ownership and training cost. Manager approval is required for role relevant requests. HR or designated budget holders must approve requests requiring central funding or exceeding departmental approval limits. Exceptions to this policy must be documented and approved by HR in consultation with the relevant business leader.

Time Off for Training

Time off for mandatory or company funded training is granted with manager approval and should be scheduled to minimize business disruption. For voluntary development activities, time off is subject to operational requirements and manager consent. Where training occurs outside normal working hours, time off in lieu will be handled in accordance with applicable working time policies.

Certification, Exams and Study Leave

Where certification or exams are funded, employees may be required to provide evidence of completion. Study leave for externally required exams may be granted at the discretion of the manager and HR. [Company Name] may require employees to agree to conditions for funding, including repayment, if employment ends within a defined period after course completion.

Mandatory Training

Mandatory training related to safety, compliance, data protection, or role critical requirements must be completed within the timeframe specified and recorded. Failure to complete mandatory training may affect role eligibility or access to systems and facilities.

Recording and Evaluation

Training outcomes, attendance, and completion records will be maintained by HR. Managers and HR should evaluate the impact of learning on performance and consider follow up actions such as coaching, additional training, or reassignment of duties to embed new skills.

External Providers and Procurement

When engaging external trainers or providers, procurement and vendor selection should follow [Company Name] procurement policies. Contracts with external providers must be approved by the appropriate budget holder and documented by HR or procurement where required.

Non-Compliance

Non compliance with this policy includes failing to follow the approval process, not completing mandatory training, or breaching agreed funding conditions. Consequences may include denial of future training requests, requirement to repay training costs under agreed terms, withdrawal of access to company funded programs, or other disciplinary measures consistent with company policies.

Review and Policy Changes

This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changing business needs or best practice. [Company Name] reserves the right to amend the policy. Employees will be notified of significant changes through normal communication channels.

Note

If you are unsure how this policy applies to your situation or need clarification on any point, please contact HR for guidance. HR can provide advice on eligibility, the approval process, and available development resources.