Get inspired this Learning at Work Week
Philippa, Fiona, Jane, Jo and Trish from the Government Communication Service (GCS) Standards and Capability team, reflect on the newly updated GCS Career Framework , and their own learning and development during Learning at Work Week.
Learning and development is something we think about a lot in the Standards and Capability team.
Along with our colleagues across GCS HQ, our focus is on how to define what good looks like for comms, and then how to help teams and colleagues achieve it.
We recently launched the GCS Career Framework, which maps out clear career pathways so that all GCS communicators can develop the right skills for the careers they want.
The Framework looks at our professional training offer, GCS Advance – but it also encourages you to consider the 70:20:10 model of learning, and on-the-job and relationship development as well.
When we were discussing what we wanted to say here, we got to talking about our own most impactful pieces of learning in the last year, and realised that they cover the 70:20:10 model (see below) pretty neatly.
The 70/20/10 rule in action
GCS recommends basing personal development on the 70:20:10 framework, which suggests learning comes from:
- 70%: On-the-job experience (like Philippa)
- 20%: Formal training and development (like Fionna and Jane)
- 10%: Coaching, mentoring and networking (like Jo and Trish)
See what sparks your curiosity
Formal training
Fionna, who’s new to GCS, found the GCS Advance Practitioner programme perfect for a deep dive into specific areas.
Fionna said:
“The programme itself offers an excellent range of specialisms and has given me a deeper dive into areas throughout GCS to help improve my understanding, allowing me to incorporate my learning into my everyday working role. If you are like me, new to GCS and come from a background outside comms I highly recommend the course.
“Another course I enjoyed was the GCS online course: Propriety and Ethics for government communication – it was really interesting and current as well as beneficial to my current job role. I have also been utilising the experience of my team around me and asking for feedback wherever I can to help further aid my learning and development.”
On-the-job learning
Philippa mastered data collection, Excel and the GCS AI Co-pilot through practical application and readily available resources.
Philippa said:
“My learning and development has been very much in the 70% camp of on-the-job training whilst building the MCOM Self Assessment Tool. I used the excellent tools, training and expert knowledge within GCS alongside free resources from places such as Civil Service Learning, the Government Analysis Function, YouTube and a good old Google search!
“The GCS AI co-pilot was invaluable in helping build the formulas we use in the MCOM Tool and to develop excel skills (I was also hugely helped by Ashley Poole I should add!). To set the work we do on Propriety and Ethics (P&E) in context I listen to podcasts such as The Rest is Politics and keep an eye on the news from a range of sources.
“It is what I would do anyway but it’s good to remind myself to see P&E through the eyes of the general public too.”
Correction notice: Since this article was written the GCS AI Co-pilot has been renamed Assist, effective July 2024, but the content published here remains the Version of Record.
Coaching and mentoring
Jo recently started coaching again and loves the reminder of active listening and powerful questioning.
Jo said:
“I’ve been working my way through the Experience Assessment to become a Chartered Fellow of CIPD, and I’m starting to coach again after a break. The CIPD has helped me really consider what I’ve achieved, but also the gaps that I need to address. And coaching and mentoring colleagues is fantastic for reminding me how to listen and ask the right questions, as well as incredibly rewarding.”
Sharing and collaboration
Jane highlights the value of in-person sessions for sharing experiences with colleagues.
Jane said:
“Earlier this year, I completed the GCS line manager excellence training. It was excellent timing for me to reflect and refresh – I am an experienced line manager but new to the civil service. I found the coaching skills and conducting high quality conversations sessions particularly beneficial – reflecting on how to prepare and build trust and confidence around all types of conversation. The in-person sessions were a fantastic way of sharing experiences and insight with colleagues from across GCS HQ.”
Find your perfect learning blend
Whether it’s a formal course, a YouTube tutorial, or sharing what you’ve learnt with a colleague, there’s a learning path waiting for you – and sharing your learning goals, resources, and top tips with your team will help embed it all.
As we start to plan the next phase of the Career Framework, we’re also keen to get your thoughts and input on what more support you need, signposts you would value or top tips that you’d like to pass on – so please email us at: gcs-standards@cabinetoffice.gov.uk on any or all of the above.