Training spend

Request the amount spent on staff training by category.

Investment in staff training affects service quality and workforce development. Knowing how training budgets are allocated shows what an authority prioritises for its workforce.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], I am writing to request the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR]: 1. The total amount spent on staff training and development. 2. A breakdown of this spending by category (e.g. mandatory or compliance training, professional development, leadership programmes, external courses). 3. The total number of training days provided. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Any Scottish public authority. You can find the right authority in the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • If the authority says it does not categorise training spend this way, ask for the total and a list of the ten largest individual training contracts or courses by cost. That still reveals the priorities.
  • Specifying a single financial year keeps the request focused and within cost limits.
  • Comparing training spend per employee across departments can show where investment is concentrated.