Dods Training - Transforming L&D in the Public Sector

Transforming L&D in the Public Sector

Tuesday 15th July 2025 | London

EVENT SUMMARY

Learning and development in the public sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce expectations, and the demand for more efficient government operations.

Join us for a full day of insights, interactive sessions, and networking as we explore the future of L&D in government. Featuring expert-led discussions, hands-on taster sessions, and thought-provoking panels, this event is designed to equip public sector professionals with the strategies and skills needed to drive meaningful learning outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to integrate AI into your L&D strategy, enhance strategic thinking, or measure the impact of training initiatives, this event will provide the tools and knowledge to transform learning in your organisation.

Secure your place today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of public sector L&D.

Tuesday 15th July 2025

9.30am - 4.30pm

Royal Society of Chemistry, London

WHO ATTENDS

The conference is tailored for senior HR, L&D and Capability leaders across central and local government, as well as the wider public sector. Given the high-level discussions, debates, and workshop format, the event is specifically suited for professionals at the Manager level and above, including Manager, Head, Grade 7, Deputy Director, Director, Director General, and Permanent Secretary roles. Attendees who do not meet this criteria will be placed on a waiting list and notified accordingly.

PROGRAMME

9:30

Registration

10:00

Welcome & Introduction

Speakers:

Alice McDavid, Head of UK Training, Dods Training

Tina Seth, Head of UK Development and Consultancy, Dods Training

10:30

Keynote Speech: L&D Leaders: A Bold New Playbook

Jonathan and Thembi will explore the evolving role of L&D professionals. L&D leaders are key to achieving business outcomes, and to building a workforce of talented learners. This interactive session will ask: are we rising to the challenge?

Speakers:

Jonathan Marshall, Head of Core Skills and Learning, Government Skills, Government People Group, Cabinet Office

Thembi Watt, Head of L&D Capability and Skills, Cabinet Office

10:50

Taster Session

Choose from the following options (attendees will be asked to rank their preferred sessions during registration):

➤ Strategic Thinking with Katie Driver, Dods Training Associate

A fast-paced yet thoughtful session in which we'll explore what strategic thinking involves, why it can get sidelined despite being essential to civil service work, and how departments can support more and better strategic thinking with simple, practical tools and approaches. The session will give an overview of a typical Strategic Thinking event, with opportunities for discussion, a taster of one or two of our tools, and time for Q&A at the end.

➤ AI in Learning and Development Roles with Sam Isaacson, Dods Training Associate

In this taster session we will look at the way generative artificial intelligence works, discuss some of the possibilities that AI can offer and explore the basics of prompt engineering. Participants will leave equipped to turn ChatGPT into an ultra-keen, curated colleague who never leaves their side!

➤ Creativity and Innovation with Kate Sturdy, Dods Training Associate

So you think you’re not creative? In this taster session, we’ll look at how to bring helpful frameworks and tools to the policy-making environment. Participants will apply their creative thinking to a policy challenge, and understand how this can become a valuable part of core practice.

➤ Communication and Influencing with Jo Henwood, Dods Training Associate

Who doesn’t want to sharpen their impact? In this taster session we will look at the key components of influential communication and consider ways that participants can get their ideas and proposals across in a compelling way.

11:35

Future-Proofing L&D: Designing for the Digital Age

Andy will focus on some key shifts taking place in learning landscape including:

From competencies to skills
From instruction to immersive experiences
From courses to pathways
From individuals to communities

Speaker: Andy Lancaster, Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development & former Head of Learning, CIPD

12:10

Lunch & Networking Break

13:00

World Café Discussion

Interactive roundtable discussions on tackling key learning and development challenges, facilitated by Jo Cook, Editor, Training Journal

13:50

Panel Discussion: Delivering High Impact Learning

L&D leads across sectors will discuss how they have been innovative, prioritised requirements and shown impact.

Speakers:

Tosin Teriba, Policy Profession Lead at MHCLG
Tina Seth, Head of UK Development and Consultancy, Dods Training
Danielle Ware, Head of People Development, Busy Bees Group
Louise Scott-Worrall, UK Head of Learning Services, KPMG

14:30

Taster Session

Choose from the same options as above.

15:15

Proving Impact

In this session, Andrew Jacobs will talk through how the world of work – and learning – has changed. The way we support peoples’ learning is moving and the way we demonstrate our impact in this transformative world is more important than ever.

Andrew will walk through: