To provide advice and support to Heads of Faculties, Departments and to all staff regarding initial and continuing professional development and training approaches, activities and opportunities. To provide a responsive and prioritized programme of courses, seminars, workshops  and other events for personal and professional development and vocational training for all staff consistent with organizational priorities, faculty and departmental needs and as an aid to staff retention, motivation and job satisfaction. To ensure that training needs arising from strategic developments (e.g. teaching and        learning, Quality Assessment, research, use of IT and reorganizations or other developments) are adequately identified and addressed by the Centre or in collaboration with other departments, according to national and international standards. To provide an induction programme, including, wherever appropriate, mentor support which links into and is seen as a first step in a continuing process of training and development consistent with lifelong learning. To develop appropriate procedures, including appraisal, for identifying training needs, meeting these needs and for their evaluation. To support managers at all levels by developing programmes of management training and development and other support networks which will help them function effectively. To develop and maintain collaborative links with International Universities networks in order to provide access to a broad range of opportunities for SQU staff and to facilitate the exchange and development of good practice across the sector. To establish and work through networks of staff to provide advisory and consultative links (e.g. research & academic staff, administrative staff, technical and support staff). Provide personal development and career advice to individuals and groups in order to support personal and professional development at a time of continuous challenge and change. Ensure equality of opportunity and access to training and staff development for all staff groups.