EMPLOYEES of local companies are being invited to study for a management diploma with staff from South Lakeland District Council.

SLDC's human resources officer Janice Wilson, who has responsibility for training development, is introducing the Institute of Management course and hopes it will attract workers from other businesses in the area,

as well as staff from neighbouring local authorities.

The course, which will be delivered by staff from Lancaster and Morecambe College, will start on October 1 and those taking part will be committed to four hours on a Monday afternoon.

It will involve discussion, lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, role play and a residential element.

Those taking part will learn about management and self-development; planning and control; quality and safe systems; procurement and effective use of resources; recruitment and redeployment; information and communication systems.

'To meet best value criteria and in order to learn best practice from other local authorities and businesses we are opening the course up,' said Ms Wilson.

'We are delivering it to our own managers but also promoting it to other local authorities and businesses to get other managers involved.

'The take up initially has been excellent.

It has been so good and so well supported that I have had to start preparing for next year.'

The course costs £ 350 plus £150 for assessment and £100 for the residential element.

If there are any personnel managers who want more details they can contact Ms Wilson on 01539-733333 ext 7414 or they can e-mail her on J.B.Wilson@slakeland.gov.uk.