Well, times have changed in the past couple of years, certainly for the sites which I now manage (MFT, including Oxford Road, Wythenshawe, North Manchester, Trafford Etc)
Its all about what's fair and reasonable and meeting somewhere in the middle really, sometimes we invest a massive amount of money on staff to build their CV, its also in their interest to develop for promotion etc.
Self Study - Well obviously that's an application process
Technical Training Courses - Submit your expressions of interest when mass emailed out, or discuss during appraisals etc. There's no need to submit a course application etc.
The real question, i.e. travel time - We tend to absorb it as an employer, quite rightly so, allowing individuals to finish early on the day to travel or paying back time in lieu etc. Obviously we put up the hotel and costs as per NHS T&C. If someone wants to travel on two days (there and back) and not come into work then we need to compromise in relation to the actual or expected travel time.
Malcolm - Insurance - In regards to insurance, this is covered under business insurance in your own vehicle and under AFC you are under 'directed business/work'
Chris - Covid 19.... Well the problem with Covid 19 is that most manufacturers were not offering technical training therefore we have been left in a semi-backlog situation, not of our making. We have invested significant amounts of money and time in the last 6 months on bringing this back on track.
In terms of CPD/Training, our Trust has just pulled this back a notch, however if it was essential we would allow it thought.
