To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what training courses were (a) available to and (b) taken up by civil servants in his Department in the last 12 months. (210571)

My Department was formed on 28 June 2007. My Department offers a range of corporate skills development including formal off-the-job training, e-learning and access to a range of learning and coaching materials from our learning and development function. All these are linked to the Professional Skills for Government agenda and our business and improvement objectives.

My Department has also placed great emphasis on good people management. Provision includes line manager coaching and supporting individuals while learning on the job. This is recognised as the most effective way to learn, apply, and develop skills and knowledge.

Internal programmes are available as follows:

Leadership;

Policy Development Skills—tailored to meet the needs of my Department;

Strategic Thinking;

Analysis and Use of Evidence;

Programme and Project Management;

Contract Management;

Financial Management;

People Management; and

Drafting and Writing Skills.