The purpose of this programme is to deliver a Level 9, 10-Credit Certificate in Strategic Workforce Planning, equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of workforce planning and its critical role in aligning strategic and operational objectives. This certification is designed to foster a holistic awareness of the context in which workforce planning operates, enabling participants to approach workforce challenges with a proactive mindset.
By completing this programme, participants will develop the skills and knowledge needed to make more informed and appropriate decisions. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding organisational objectives and their significance in shaping workforce strategies. This deeper comprehension will allow participants to better appreciate the rationale behind key decisions and respond by creating plans that effectively balance workforce supply with organisational demand.
A key feature of the programme is the development of an awareness of the broader contextual factors influencing workforce planning. This includes economic, social, and organisational dynamics that must be considered when designing sustainable workforce models. Combining this awareness with a proactive approach, participants will be better equipped to develop innovative and resilient workforce solutions that are aligned with the long-term goals of their organisations.
Ultimately, the Certificate in Strategic Workforce Planning aims to empower professionals with the tools and insights needed to contribute to their organisations’ success through thoughtful, strategic workforce management. This Level 9 programme provides a solid foundation for making decisions that support sustainable growth, adaptability, and alignment between an organisation’s strategic vision and operational needs.
Context Review and Strategic Alignment
This section focuses on aligning workforce strategies with organisational goals while building flexibility and adaptability into workforce planning. Key topics include:
Strategic Planning: Understand the process of aligning workforce goals with business objectives.
Environment Appraisal: Assess internal strengths and external influences like market trends and regulations.
Stakeholder Insights: Gather and analyse stakeholder views to guide workforce strategies.
Workforce Data Utilisation: Learn methods to review and use workforce data effectively (detailed in Module 2).
Strategic Models: Explore delivery models such as Shared Service Centres, Outsourcing, and Centres of Excellence.
Workplace Flexibility: Build adaptable organisations using functional, temporal, numerical, and financial flexibility models.
Development of Performance Goals Based on Objectives
This segment focuses on connecting organisational objectives with measurable outcomes and workforce needs:
Strategy Maps & KPIs: Translate objectives into actionable metrics and plans.
Workforce Analysis: Evaluate current staff, estimate internal demand and supply, and forecast external labour market trends.
Market Dynamics: Understand workforce challenges, including labour shortages, generational shifts, and external drivers like education and economy.
Closing Workforce Gaps: Refine strategies and recommend solutions, supported by financial planning, IT, and employer branding efforts.
Integrating Plans and Reviewing Systems
Develop effective systems to support talent management and customer-focused solutions:
Key Workforce Indicators: Monitor turnover, retention, and recruitment effectiveness.
Talent Management & Succession: Identify and develop future leaders, while promoting internal growth opportunities.
Build robust, aligned HR systems with clear communication and shared goals:
System Alignment: Ensure consistent and relevant HR practices with fairness, validity, and transparency.
From HRM to People Management: Shift responsibilities to front-line managers for a more decentralised, people-focused approach.
This streamlined programme equips you with the tools to align workforce strategies with organisational success while promoting adaptability and innovation.
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
