General - FAQs

I am a month away from attending the Programme Orientation, what top three tips are there to help me prepare for the course?

Full access to your assessment guide will be available to you the day of your Programme Orientation. This is done to ensure all learners begin their journeys at the same time and that the appropriate context is applied to what is contained within the document.

1. Contract Management Professional Standards - Get to know this document. Everything relating to the course is focussed and built around these standards
2. Your Line Manager - (or sponsor) is an essential stakeholder on your learner journey. Arrange to meet with them regularly throughout your time on the Programme, so they can understand what your needs are and work with you to enable them. There will be an enhanced line manager guide released in January.
3. Think, Evidence - You may need to source documents that are not readily part of your daily workflow (i.e. meeting records, training certificates, governance structures etc). Starting this process early ensures that you have all the necessary materials ready in advance of any submission deadline. 

What sessions are recorded?

The Programme Orientations are recorded and can be found in your 'Module Resources' for Module 1. 

How important is it that I attend the scheduled sessions?

It is important that you attend the live workshops because they represent the sole opportunity for live interaction with your peers and a Subject Matter Expert. If you have an unavoidable clash, you won't miss any learning content as this is available as a module activity ahead of the workshop and as a downloadable resource, however you might like to catch up with your peers and see the workshop activity. Given the content is focused on interaction, the workshops are not recorded. 

What if I have annual leave? 

If you are on a Training Pathway and have annual leave planned for a significant proportion of the 6 week training period, it is advisable to join the programme at a different time so you can fully engage with the live workshops, the other learning materials and ePortfolio build time. 

If you are on an Assessment Only Pathway or your leave is only for a small period, you should consider your time management to ensure that you will still be able to complete any training and your submission on time. 

Can I swap and change the sessions I am scheduled to attend?

No. Learners select their choice of course at point of enrolment taking into account their availability. Critical or unforeseen circumstances aside, it is expected as a part of the Programme Agreement that all learners meaningfully engage with the Programme and prioritise attendance of sessions and connected assignments accordingly.

Apart from the resources and attending the workshops what other types of support could I consider?

Engagement with peers is a valuable form of support in additions to the resources available. Regular dialogue with your line manager/sponsor is essential. Using those opportunities to give an update on your progression on the programme and to work together to agree any actions you need to undertake.

How can I feedback to the Programme?

Yes. There will be opportunities to do so at the end of your course journey as well as channelling this through the Cohort Managers via the contractmanagementl-d@cabinetoffice.gov.uk email address.

How do I submit a learner adjustment request? 
We want to make sure your learning experience works well for you. If you need any adjustments, please tell us what would help. We are not required to make unreasonable adjustments.  We will always try to offer suitable alternatives. Providing details helps us support you.You do not need to give a diagnosis or medical details.

Please submit your response here or by emailing gcclearneradjustment@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. 

1. What part of learning do you find most difficult?

For example:

• Taking in new information

• Following instructions

• Concentrating

• Group discussions

• Taking notes

• Reading long documents

• Meeting deadlines

2. How does this affect your learning?

For example:

• Feeling overwhelmed by too much text

• Needing more time to understand spoken instructions

• Losing focus during sessions

3. Are there any parts of the programme that worry you?

For example:

• Timed tests

• Role-play activities

• Presenting to others

• Using certain software

4. What helps you learn better?

For example:

• Using noise-cancelling headphones

• Recording sessions

• Having printed slides

5. Have you had any support or adjustments before?

If yes:

• What was the adjustment?

• Did it help?

6. When does your learning start?

(Please give the date if you know it.)

7. Have you already spoken to someone about this?

If yes, who did you speak to?