Learning and Organisational Development
At DCU, our guiding principle is, 'People First'.
That means prioritising your learning and growth, and nurturing your development, professionally and personally.
DCU People’s Learning and Organisational Development team is dedicated to supporting you as you grow and progress. Our mission is to give you the tools and resources you need to unlock your full potential.
Development Programmes
Our development programmes are designed to scaffold your career journey, encourage you to broaden your horizons and support you through the challenges of work.
Find a form
Educational (fee) supports
DCU has Educational Support schemes for staff who wish to embark on further education.
Each of the schemes has an individual set of guidelines, which you should review before submitting an application.
- Fee waiver scheme
- Fee concession scheme
- Fee payment support
Probationary process
A probation period offers an opportunity for both DCU and a new employee to:
- gauge compatibility
- address any early challenges
- lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career
Find all the forms you need and more about the probationary process with the Probationary process Toolkit.
DCU People Systems and Training
Our dedicated DCU People Systems and Data Team is committed to providing comprehensive support services to departments and users across DCU. Our mission is to facilitate efficient workflows, maintain data accuracy, and uphold compliance standards for internal management and statutory reporting purposes.
![Guy with a flip chart and group observing](/sites/default/files/styles/traditional_television/public/staff/2024-08/istock-536403893.jpg?itok=T9fVneeI)
Planning framework
DCU's Human Capital Planning (HCP) Framework is comprised of a planning process, which supports the identification of priority workforce needs over a 3-5 year period, and actions plans that will specifically focus on strategic recruitment, succession planning and retention. The ultimate goal of the University’s Human Capital Planning Framework is to provide the right people, with the right competencies and experience, in the right place, at the right time in order to deliver on our reputation as a University of global significance, while continually developing our workforce through strong leadership. Find out more
FAQs
We support the personal and career development of all staff. We cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration and excellence within the DCU community through:
- designing and delivering training programmes covering various topics
- facilitating career development opportunities,
- overseeing performance management processes
- enhancing organisational effectiveness
- promoting employee engagement,
- managing talent initiatives.
LinkedIn Learning is our primary online platform. We also provide toolkits on critical thinking and designing training. If you're looking for content used during a training session, please email us.
Yes. Generally, we share all content we use in sessions with attendees.
You should receive a Zoom link or location details at least 48 hours before the session begins.
If you want to cancel your attendance on a course, you must do this at least 48 hours before the course begins within Core HR - My Training History.elect the ellipsis and click Cancel.
Each course or programme has a dedicated page that can be accessed using the A-Z or Upcoming Courses pages on our website. At the bottom of the dedicated page we link to CORE, where you can book the course. Please book courses as early as possible, and no later than 48 hours beforehand.
Yes. We send feedback forms at the end of each session, which contain a suggestion section. You can also email us directly at learning.development@dcu.ie.
Sometimes. Check the individual session page. Course fees are charged to your school, unit or research centre.
Once you have booked a session via CORE, you receive an email confirming the booking.
Yes. We have several mentoring schemes for staff, including our standard Staff Mentoring Scheme and our Reverse Mentoring Programme.
We have three career frameworks to help guide training and development support:
- The Research Career Framework supports and guides researchers on their wider career path.
- The Academic Career Framework supports both individual career planning and development conversations with line managers and/or mentors.
- The Professional Development Framework is a tool for staff, managers and mentors to enhance career planning, personal development and performance conversations.
DCU all staff have access to LinkedIn Learning. It provides over 20,000 comprehensive, high-quality audio and video courses from experts. We also have PRD training and other programmes available online.
We have a range of initiatives to promote EDI in our L&OD programme. For ongoing information please visit the EDI section of our website.
Yes. Please send us an email explaining your needs.
Yes. DCU offers a range of educational supports for staff.
The TEU focuses on supporting teaching staff and those who support teaching, while L&OD focuses on staff in general.
PRD is DCU’s performance review process. It provides staff with a structured framework to have conversations regarding performance, and their professional and career development.