Category Assessment

The qualification trap: Why apprenticeship frameworks are excluding capable talent

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Apprenticeships were designed to prioritise applied capability, yet assessment frameworks can still exclude individuals who can perform the role itself. And exclusion means less people getting what they need. Michelle Carson examines how this misalignment is narrowing workforce pipelines and…

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Why competency frameworks hit a ceiling for development

Competence Concept: Developing Skills and Expertise for Professional Growth.

Ben Satchwell explains why competency frameworks can support development only within the boundaries of current role performance, because they were built for assurance and consistency. Ben contrasts this with capability frameworks, designed for future readiness, and argue the strongest approach…

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From vanity metrics to business impact: How L&D can prove its value

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If you’re feeling the pressure to prove L&D’s value, you’re in good company. Synergy Learning shares a practical approach to proving impact in business terms. See just how to begin with organisational goals, baseline the right data, choose credible evaluation…

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Stop calling everything a skill

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Ben Satchwell argues that muddled language is undermining people frameworks, HR systems and L&D credibility, especially as skills data becomes machine-readable. Ben clarifies the building blocks from knowledge to behaviour, explains why competencies evidence individual performance while capabilities describe systemic…

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How one council made training measurable, strategic and value-led

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Martin Furminger explains how a UK council adapted the Systems Approach to Training to build a structured, flexible learning system aligned to its People and Culture Plan. He shares how analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation create measurable impact, improve…

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2026 is the year L&D operationalises AI, without losing the human touch

Glowing neon sign on brick wall displays Trends above 2026 within rounded rectangle, symbolizing future outlook, business, and forecasting year

In 2026, L&D must embed AI into real workflows, redesign roles and focus on measurable outcomes, without sacrificing trust, culture and wellbeing. Drawing on views from leaders across HR, learning and analytics, TJ’s Editor Jo Cook explores three pressure points:…

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The rise of learning as a strategic growth driver

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Frédéric Hébert unpacks findings from Rise Up’s 2025 State of Learning Report, exploring why L&D is gaining influence but still struggles for strategic investment. To truly lead growth, learning must align with business outcomes and speak in a language the…

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Stop reporting and start persuading: Unlock the potential of your learning data for business impact

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Most L&D teams collect data, but few translate it into the business language that decision-makers value. iSpring’s global survey reveals a “translation problem” holding many teams back. Tanya Galton shares insights into three L&D maturity clusters, along with practical steps…

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Three ways to show training’s real value

wooden cube with letters ROI and ROE. Return on Equity (ROE) vs. Return on Investment (ROI)

In a world where training drives business strategy, measuring its impact is crucial. Dr. Ajit Kumar Kar outlines three practical approaches, ROI, ROTI and ROE, that help organisations justify investment, track outcomes and align learning with performance. Discover how to…

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The next five years in L&D will change everything

World of Learning Laura Overton Sarah Linsell (C) Jo Cook

L&D is undergoing its biggest shift in decades. At World of Learning 2025, 17 experts shared bold, insightful answers on what’s coming next. From AI to skills strategies and culture shifts, Kirstie Greany explores what the profession must prioritise to…

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