BCI's Policy Framework on Training and Development
The Commission recognises that it has an important role to play in the development of training and a training culture within the independent broadcasting industry. Moreover the Commission recognises the long-term strategic importance of engaging with the industry in addressing the issue of skills development.
In the broader context of the Irish economy, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness has recognised the importance to industry of promoting and enhancing access to training, the development of new skills and the acquisition of recognised qualifications. It also advocates lifelong learning as the key to a future of sustained economic growth and social development at a time of ongoing change.
Within this context the Commission feels that this is an opportune time for the industry to broadly consider training systems, standards and certification and to actively participate as full partners with the Commission in the development of same. The Commission seeks to work in partnership with all stakeholders within the industry and with mainstream training organisations to develop a culture and function around training and by doing so, to invest in the industry’s primary resource, its staff.
Role of the Commission
Partnership is a key principle in the Commission’s approach to its role in this area. The BCI will work to facilitate the industry in the development of training however it recognises that a commitment and enthusiasm from the industry is paramount for the success of this work. Partnership involves the recognition of a common interest among all stakeholders and their participation in addressing the challenges currently facing the industry.
The Commission attaches great importance and weight to the development of training and will pursue this on two levels. Firstly at a strategic level, the Commission will encourage and challenge the sector to develop a sustainable enterprise led training initiatives which exemplify good practice and which contribute to the overall development of industry standards and sectoral competencies.
Secondly, the Commission will be open to supporting and responding to individual on the ground training initiatives emanating from the sector. This will include the development of structures, the piloting of new and innovative training methods and identification and training of suitable trainers and other practical training solutions presented to them by the industry, one of its representative bodies or an individual station. The Commission has also given a commitment to support training, which will facilitate an increase in the amount of Irish language programming within independent radio.
In all of these initiatives presented the Commission will pay particular attention to evidence of the inclusion of a number of key principles, namely that the initiatives are enterprise led, that the industry has shown a substantial involvement and commitment to them and that there is good practice in relation to training needs analysis, delivery and evaluation. The Commission also promotes equal opportunities in relation to training as it recognises that managing diversity successfully will help organisations to nurture creativity and innovation and to access hidden capacity for growth and improved competitiveness.
While the Commission will develop its training function, it does not wish to divorce this area of work from its licensing and contractual functions and will continue to regard training and development as an important element in assessing licence applications.
In defining and delivering appropriate responses to the training and development needs of the industry, the Commission takes cognisance of the developments and experience already existing at Irish and international level and the resultant models and recommendations that have emanated from these. The Commission aspires to building on this experience in a flexible and dynamic manner and in conjunction with the industry to develop training solutions, which contribute to the overall development of good practice and a culture of excellence within the sector.