Gov Focus (Dods Training)

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Legacy learning is killing your AI potential

Cassie Gasson

AI is shaking things up, and Learning and Development can’t afford to fall behind. Cassie Gasson shares why it’s time to drop the old playbook, grab smarter tools and take the lead. If you want to stay relevant, it’s all about rethinking how you train, upskill and inspire your workforce  AI isn’t just a buzzword any more – it’s here, it’s evolving at lightning speed, and it’s fundamentally reshaping how we live and work. The UK government recognises this enormous…

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Turbulent times and resilient responses: How UK policy is shaping employer action

Jon Czul

👉 Resilience is the new compliance and policy is driving employer preparedness. With a focus on training, companies need to go from policy to practice as organisational resilience is now a business priority 📑 Jon Czul explores how a learning culture will strengthen this, and why it matters in these turbulent times It’s often said that we live in increasingly turbulent times, and the past few months and years certainly gives credence to that. From Covid and the climate crisis…

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Will closing the skills gap make us happier?  

Emma O’Dell

Skills gaps are making us unhappy at work. Can learning and development initiatives fix them? They’re a good place to start, writes Emma O’Dell  The UK is at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’, with a poll revealing that 20% of workers needed to take time off due to poor mental health caused by high levels of stress at work. For many, most waking hours are spent at work, making job satisfaction a key factor in overall life satisfaction. In addition,…

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First-time Chief People Officer? How to build for success in 2025

Emma-Claire Kavanagh

Focus on enhancing employee experience, navigating legislative changes and upskilling your workforce, advises Emma-Claire Kavanagh  As business leaders grapple with new legislation, evolving technology and customer demands, they’ll be relying on their Chief People Officers (COPs) to build a workforce that can adapt to market changes in the year ahead.    Stepping into the CPO role demands strong HR expertise, but also a deep understanding of an organisation’s long-term goals and the confidence to advise the board at every turn. This…

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Shaping the future: How the UK’s AI action plan transforms learning and development

Jo Cook

The UK Government’s announcement to be an AI superpower will impact every L&D professional’s future Today to the UK government announced it’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has three key goals: These goals are interconnected and aim to position the UK as a leader in AI development and adoption. The goals explored Laying the foundations to enable AI: This goal focuses on creating the necessary infrastructure and conditions for AI to thrive. It involves: Changing lives by embracing AI: This…

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Navigating zero-hours contract regulations: What UK employers and workers need to know 

Pete Taylor

Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights includes a reshaping of zero-hours work regulations. Pete Taylor offers his perspective on the proposed changes   As October progresses, the recruitment and HR industries are focused on the detail of the government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is set to impact thousands of businesses and employees across the UK in the coming months.  Zero-hours contracts remain a central topic of discussion around the Bill, specifically Labour’s plans to give workers on zero hours…

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Switching up the skills sector: Why we need a system for all ages and levels 

Nichola Hay

A well-designed Growth and Skills Levy is crucial; it must benefit all employees across industries, writes Nichola Hay  Kickstarting economic growth is at the heart of the new Labour government’s agenda, with the Prime Minister promising to deliver much-needed stability across all areas of the economy. We are several weeks into Labour’s tenure, and it is highly encouraging to see legislation which will refine UK skills policy and our existing training system being put into place. For example, we have seen the announcement…

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Transforming workplace culture: The opportunity of the Worker Protection Act 

Paul O’Donnell

From compliance to culture: how the new legislation can truly enhance workplace safety and trust, by Paul O’Donnell  HR teams are great at compliance. When a new piece of legislation comes in, like the Worker Protection Act (from October 2024), there will be a list of measures in place. Ready for the board, ready for an employment tribunal to check. Belt and braces.  HR teams need to review systems and policies and ask themselves whether they are working, do staff…

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Skills England – what to expect from the expected

Mandy Gill

Lifelong learning, apprenticeships and partnerships between businesses, education establishments and government – can it all work? Mandy Gill explores the shifting skills landscape Just over a month in and the new Labour government has not delayed in progressing one of its key manifesto commitments – the creation of Skills England. Skills England aims to bridge the current skills gap and support UK competitiveness on the global stage The bill was announced in the King’s Speech and by 22 July, the…

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Bespoke bullying legislation is long overdue 

Thomas Beale

UK laws on workplace bullying are outdated and ineffective, leaving many victims without proper recourse. Thomas Beale highlights why bespoke legislation is crucial for real protection  Reports of unacceptable workplace behaviour have gained significant attention in the media in recent years, indicating that issues such as workplace bullying have become worryingly commonplace. Such conduct can have detrimental effects on the psychological wellbeing of employees, and it is imperative that victims are aware of the legal avenues that are available to…