HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 c15W
30. Dr. Palmer

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to enhance IT expertise for Jobcentre staff. [81299]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

Jobcentre Plus managers identify individual training needs with their members of staff. Each member of staff has a personal development plan that includes training to ensure they have the IT expertise required for their job. National training plans are developed side by side with the development of new IT systems to ensure that staff are equipped to use the new systems when they come online. Jobcentre Plus is also carrying out a study into the practicalities of using computer-based learning to ensure that best practice is followed in IT training across such a large organisation.

Through the timely identification of learning needs and provision of suitable training, Jobcentre Plus are enhancing the IT skills, knowledge and confidence of staff so that they can deliver a high quality service to the public.