Personal Development & Training
The NICS is committed to creating a learning culture where staff can achieve their full potential, increase their productivity and expand their professional and personal horizons.
In addition to on the job training for positions, line managers and staff can agree personal development plans which outline learning and development required for the staff member to become effective in their role. The NICS facilitates training and development opportunities for staff through the following;
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Centre for Applied Learning
The Centre for Applied Learning (CAL), based in central Belfast, is the provider of general training to the Northern Ireland Civil Service. CAL delivers a wide range of training programmes, including administrative, finance, leadership and management, policy and legislation training.
CAL offers over 100 courses across a range of categories, aligned with the NICS Core Competence Framework, to help staff prepare their Personal Development Plan. NICS staff have access to the CAL prospectus and can apply for CAL courses to help their personal and career development.
Assistance to Study provides staff with financial and study assistance to pursue a course which is related to their work. There are two categories of Assistance to Study:
⇒Essential Qualifications - provides 100% funding for staff in posts where the qualification has been specified by the Head of Profession as essential to the post.
⇒Further Education – provides 80% funding for staff who receive approval to undertake a course of study in their own time which is relevant to their work.
Any staff member can apply for financial aid for a course they wish to undertake under Assistance to Study – Further Education. However, approval under Assistance to Study – Essential Qualifications will only be granted where the course is specified as essential to the post.