Government Commercial Function Commercial Learning and Development - Learner Policy

Government Commercial Function Commercial Learning and Development Learner Policy 

1.   Introduction

2. This policy is aimed at individuals participating in any Government Commercial Function (GCF) Commercial Learning and Development Programme or Event.

3. This includes learners and departments on centrally funded learning as well as wider   public sector organisations that have paid for learning.

4. This policy document is intended to provide clarity on the rules and conditions that dictate participation in any Government Commercial Function (GCF), Commercial Learning and Development Programme or Event (for example: Spotlight On series).

2.  The GCF Commercial Learning and Development Programmes 

2.1  The Bridge Programme

2.2  Programme for Accredited Commercial Leads

2.3  Associate Commercial Specialist, Commercial Specialist and Senior Commercial Specialist (ACS+) Development Programme

2.4  Programme for Accredited Associate Commercial Specialist, Commercial Specialist and Senior Commercial Specialist (ACS+) 

3.   Cohort allocation

1. GCF Learning and Development programmes operate locked cohorts (i.e. once in the cohort you cannot normally switch cohorts).

2. You will not be able to cancel or change an event at any point after the launch event. If you are unable to attend an event at any point after launch, you will not be able to attend an alternative event (you are part of a locked cohort). It is the learner's responsibility to catch up on missed events with their cohort action learning group.

4.   Participation

4.1 As a participant you should: 

    4.1.1. attend punctually to all sessions and actively engage in learning.

    4.1.2. complete any pre-work or other actions in a timely manner and before the next session.

    4.1.3. let the Commercial Learning and Development Team know of any unavoidable absences from the programme by emailing commercial-development@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

    4.1.4. contribute to a positive, safe and respectful learning environment which values and respects everyone. 

    4.1.5. keep a record of your learning and progress in an online or paper journal.

    4.1.6. use the content (including but not limited to: slides, handouts and case studies) on the GCC solely for your own personal learning (you are not allowed to adapt it or distribute any of it).

    4.1.7. update your information contained on the GCC to keep it accurate, current and complete.

    4.1.8. inform the Commercial Learning and Development Team of any learner (reasonable) adjustments and any changes either permanent or temporary. Please note any declarations will remain confidential.

5.  Use of AI

5.1  We acknowledge that the majority of learners are currently using AI tools in their daily lives. However, the Commercial Learning and Development programmes have been specifically designed to enhance learners' critical thinking capabilities, analytical skills, and commercial acumen. In light of these objectives and to support your development, we respectfully request that you:

        5.1.1. do not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create or represent your work in response to exercises or activities in our programmes.

    5.1.2. protect the intellectual property of the programme by not sharing any resources, course content or discussions with external sources and/or AI (for example, but not limited to: Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot or Claude AI).

6. Learner adjustments 

6.1  Please inform the Commercial Learning and Development Team by email of any learner adjustments you may require to complete the programme. This will enable the Commercial Learning and Development Team to action your needs as soon as possible. 

6.2  The team is experienced in supporting candidates requiring learner adjustments. You are advised to inform the Commercial Learning and Development Team at your earliest convenience.

7.   Cancellation

7.1  A strict cancellation policy is in place for all GCF Commercial Learning and Development programmes. Please click here to read the cancellation policy.

8.   Learning while on leave

8.1  It is against Cabinet Office policy to take IT abroad whilst on annual leave except in exceptional circumstances and where approvals have been gained. 

8.2  We understand that some learners may wish to continue with their learning when on leave and vacationing abroad. Vacations are an opportunity to rest and take time away from the workplace and we highly recommend that you take this opportunity. 

8.3  We strongly recommend that if you know that you will be taking a vacation when booking on to a GCF programme cohort then you should join an alternative cohort with dates that do not coincide with your vacation. If you were to miss a webinar, owing to leave arrangements, you should catch up with the other learners in your action learning group on your return

9.   Learning while in the office

9.1 We are aware that many offices are now open plan. If you join one of the programme webinars or events from the office we advise the following:

9.1.1 You should be alone, for example, in a private room so that others cannot overhear comments or view any materials etc.

9.1.2 Headphones must be worn at all times. Speakers that could allow others to overhear the discussion must be turned off.

9.1.3 If you wish to join the discussion or comment and are not in a private space then the chat function should be used so that you are not overheard.

9.1.4 Do not comment on the session to those not in the webinar.

10.    Learning agreement (this agreement is available on the GCC)

10.1 Please read the following statements which set out the agreement between participants on the programme and GCF Commercial Learning and Development. Once you have read the statements, please tick the box on the GCC to indicate your agreement. 

I agree to:

• Attend all webinars punctually while actively engaging in learning including completing all pre-work and journal activities in a timely manner.

• Let the Commercial Learning and Development Team know of any unavoidable absences from the programme.

• Commit to a cohort and I understand that there is no option to change cohorts.

• Catch up with my action learning group on what I have missed in the event of my unavoidable absence from all or part of a webinar.

• Contribute to a positive, safe and respectful learning environment which values and respects everyone.

• Keep a record of my learning progress in an online or paper journal.

• Use the content on the GCC solely for my own personal learning and not adapt it or distribute any of it.

• Update my GCC profile to keep it accurate, current and complete.

• Inform the Commercial Learning and Development Team by email Commercial Development Mailbox of any learner (reasonable) adjustments needed and/or change in reasonable adjustments whether temporary or permanent

• Inform my IT department if I experience problems accessing Microsoft Teams which is the platform we will be using for delivery.

• Not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create or represent my work in response to exercises or activities in this programme.

• Protect the intellectual property of the programme by not sharing any resources, course content or discussions with external sources and/or AI (for example, but not limited to: Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot or Claude AI