Norfolk successfully combines planning and training

A Service Planning Day in January for Norfolk’s road safety team provided opportunities for individual development and review, as well as inviting members of the team to participate in developing its future work. As such, professional training became entwined with planning for the future.

So why did Norfolk decide to take this approach? First, the county road safety officer, Stuart Hallett was keen for everyone in the team to contribute. Second, as the county’s assistant director, John Joyce, pointed out in his opening remarks, the Norfolk Service Plan has to be developed by those who will be involved - not handed down from above.

To help the process Stuart Hallett invited Valerie Platt from RSN Associates to act as facilitator.

Early in the day the team looked at what they thought they were doing well and where improvements could be made – some soul searching was needed here as people debated the effectiveness of particular approaches. "As one might expect there was not always a consensus - but the debate was very worthwhile," says Valerie Platt. "It is very challenging trying to take on board new initiatives while at the same time trying to cope with everything else - something has to go.

"Devising specific targets was also trickier than it sounds," Valerie adds. "Yes of course performance indictors were part of this - but devising local targets means really examining what the priorities are."

Was the day successful?

Stuart Hallett certainly thought so. "There is still work to do but we have a structure to work from - to which everyone has contributed," he says. "People were even heard to say that they really enjoyed the day."

The course was validated by LARSOA and each participant received a Phase 3 certificate as part of their continuing professional development.

Further information about this article can be obtained from Valerie Platt, RSN Associates, 01277 656606, valp@roadsafetynet.com or Stuart Hallett, stuart.hallett.pt@norfolk.gov.uk