IM003 – Professional Development Policy and Procedure

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IM003 Professional Development Policy and Procedure

    Purpose

    Eden Estates is committed to a working environment which enables staff to grow and develop their skills and knowledge. Professional development reflects Eden Estate’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that staff are growing in line with the organisation’s goals and objectives.

      Policy

      • Employees should always seek approval from designated authorities before arranging any professional development activities.
      • Application for professional development activities should be approved by your direct manager.
      • Eden Estates will consider funding professional development activities on behalf of staff if the activity is in line with organisational directions.
      • Each application for funding will be considered and decided upon by the Team Leader/Manager.
      • The company allocates funding of $2,000 per employee per financial year for professional development unless authority is granted for more than this amount in special circumstances.

      Procedures

        1. Eden Estates uses the 360-degree feedback method. This will occur once a year, usually at the end of the year. Staff are to access a copy of the Professional Development Self-Assessment Form and fill it out electronically. Self-assessments must be as honest as possible to inform future development needs.

        Comments should be made at each section. The completed form is to be emailed to their direct manager.

        360-degree feedback must include feedback from the following sources: 

        a.) one subordinate (if in a management role)

        b.) one other person in a different department

        c.) one person external to the organisation (client, supplier, contactor, etc.)

        d.) direct manager (in person, in a confidential meeting).

          2. The employee’s direct manager will choose the personnel to participate. The 360-degree Feedback form must be used by those participating. Participants can choose to keep comments anonymous or use comments/statements that may give an indication to their identity. Where they choose to be anonymous, Eden Estates respects and will protect their privacy.

          a.) Feedback must be respectful and constructive.

          b.) The direct manager will send the employee copies of the 360-degree Feedback Form – they will be filled out anonymously.

          c.) Feedback must be collated, reviewed and interpreted by the employee upon receipt.

          d.) They must submit to their direct manager a short, written report of approximately half a page about the feedback provided, including items of positive feedback, areas for improvement and any common trends/threads in the feedback.

          e.) The report must be submitted via email.

          f.) Feedback will be reviewed and used as a source to identify professional development opportunities for the coming year.

            3. The employee is responsible for sourcing some forms of professional development. Professional development opportunities can be quite different between job roles and departments, but Eden Estates encourages consideration of the following:

            a.) formal training

            b.) webinars

            c.) workshops or short courses

            d.) attendance at conferences, seminars and industry events

            e.) entering into a coaching or mentoring relationship

            f.) participating in team-building activities

            g.) participating in organisational learning and development events

            h.) subscriptions to industry newsletters or communications

            i.) networking with others in the industry, such as via LinkedIn

            j.) own personal study (such as internet research and taking initiative to read and learn to address skill or knowledge gaps).

              4. Department managers should consider professional development opportunities that can benefit their own needs but can also be undertaken by the entire team at the same time. When choosing professional development options, staff must keep in mind budget constraints. Evidence of professional development that has been undertaken must be attached to the Professional Development Plan and a copy submitted to the employee’s direct manager by email. Evidence may include:

              a.) emails that show event booking, attendance, etc.

              b.) printouts from websites

              c.) certificates of completion/attendance of activities

              d.) qualifications

              e.) screenshots of videos

              f.) copies of articles or other information researched and read

              g.) online quizzes

              h.) or other suitable evidence.

              Employees are expected to write a short report of a couple of paragraphs in the plan about what they learned from the activity and how they will apply this to their day-to-day work activities. This is to be added to the ‘Reflection’ part of the plan. All entries should be dated when complete.

                Supporting Templates to this Policy and Procedures

                • FM016 360 Degree Feedback Form.
                • TM001 Performance Improvement Plan Template.
                • TM003 Professional Development Plan Template.
                • TM026 Workforce Plan Template.

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