The Performance Conversations and Professional Development Planning Program is core to staff training and development. This FY saw an increased focus on online workshops and “just in time” one to one coaching and training delivered internally as a response to COVID-19 and the switch to online teaching delivery. COVID-19 also impacted staff’s ability to attend external training and conferences, which was significantly reduced from last year.

A combined total of 52 days of Professional Development Leave, an entitlement under the Enterprise Agreement, and study leave were approved for seven members of staff: one staff member working on a Graduate Certificate; one staff member working on a Bachelor Degree, three staff members working on their Masters Degrees and two staff working on their PhD submissions. This is a 40% increase on last year and a 140% increase from FY 2018–19, demonstrating a clear and continued commitment to supporting the continuing professional development of staff.

In addition to developing core capabilities such as leadership and customer service, staff participated in a range of training relevant to the changing COVID-19 work environment.

Training undertaken included:

• Online Classroom Management
• Zoom training
• Leading Remote Teams
• Counselling Fundamentals
• Cultural Competence
• Presentation Skills
• Risk Management and Due Diligence
• First Aid Training
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Infection Prevention and Control Training.