This one-day course equips trainers and HR professionals with the strategic tools to distinguish between performance problems and training needs. Participants will master Goldstein’s, MAST, and DIF models to conduct robust analyses, source diverse data, and design effective Personal Development Plans.
Are you tired of solving the wrong problems in training?
What if you could pinpoint exactly where development is truly needed — not just where it’s assumed?
This one-day course gives trainers and HR professionals the strategic edge to distinguish performance issues from genuine training needs. You’ll master proven models to uncover real gaps, validate data confidently, and build Personal Development Plans that drive real change.
By the end, you’ll know how to analyse Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Competences with precision — so every intervention hits the mark.
Delivered as an open course, closed group session, or one-to-one coaching, this intensive programme counts towards six CPD hours.
To find out more, contact us at lets talk at e q v dot co dot uk.
Pre-Course Reflection
Please reflect on one or more of the questions below and come prepared to discuss your responses during the session.
- Self-Assessment: On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your current skill level in this subject? What factors influenced your rating?
- Development Focus: Identify one specific behaviour, skill, or capability you would like to improve or develop further.
- Relevant Examples: If possible, bring one or two relevant examples or scenarios from your experience that you would be willing to share with the group.
What You Will Learn
Distinguish clearly between a training need and a general performance problem.
Apply Goldstein’s three levels of analysis to scope organisational needs accurately.
Utilise the MAST and DIF models to validate data and define performance gaps.
Differentiate between Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Competences in analysis.
Source and triangulate both hard and soft data to support evidence-based decisions.
Construct targeted Personal Development Plans based on rigorous analysis findings.
Identify and manage key stakeholders to ensure political buy-in for analysis.
Evaluate the cost of poor analysis versus the investment in robust data collection.
Your Post-Course Challenge
- Select one current performance issue in your workplace.
- Apply the Goldstein and DIF models to analyse the root cause.
- Determine if training is the correct solution or if another intervention is needed.
- Draft a brief TNA report with your findings and recommendations.
Counts Towards 6 CPD Hours
This course contributes 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development. Delegates can log these hours as evidence of structured learning for professional bodies and employers.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is designed for professionals who are responsible for identifying development needs within their organisation and ensuring that learning interventions are targeted, effective and aligned with business goals. Whether you are new to training analysis or looking to refine your approach, it provides the clarity and tools needed to make evidence-based decisions about where to focus development efforts.
This course is ideal for:
- HR professionals who need to ensure learning initiatives are grounded in accurate analysis of organisational and individual needs
- Trainers and learning designers seeking to move beyond assumptions and build development programmes based on robust data
- Line managers responsible for identifying performance gaps and supporting team development
- Learning and development specialists aiming to strengthen their consultancy skills and influence stakeholders with evidence
- Talent management practitioners involved in designing Personal Development Plans and succession pathways
- Internal consultants who advise on performance improvement and need to distinguish between training and non-training solutions
No prior experience needed
No prior experience in learning needs analysis is required to benefit from this course. It is structured to support both newcomers to the field and experienced practitioners looking to formalise or refresh their approach with proven models and techniques.
What you will take away
You will leave with increased confidence in your ability to distinguish between performance issues that require training and those that do not, along with practical skills to gather and analyse relevant data. You will be equipped to create targeted development plans that are credible, actionable and supported by stakeholders, ensuring your recommendations lead to meaningful outcomes.
For Groups & Teams
We can deliver this training session in several ways to suit your organisation’s needs:
Open Public Course
Join delegates from other organisations on a scheduled date
Closed Group
Exclusively for your team, using your real scenarios
In Person
Face-to-face at your premises or a venue of your choice
Virtual
Live, interactive online delivery via Teams or Zoom
One-to-One Coaching
Personalised sessions tailored entirely to you
Have two or more people to train?
You may want to consider a closed group course. Benefits include:
Cost effective for teams
Choose a date to suit you
Customise content and timings
No minimum delegate numbers
Uses your real-world scenarios
Builds shared language in your team
Contact us on [email protected] to discuss specific dates and delivery requirements.
How Our Tutor-Led Courses Are Delivered
Before the day
Delegates are given pre-work to complete before attending. This ensures everyone arrives with relevant context and real scenarios from their own experience, so learning is immediately relevant and actionable from the first minute.
On the day
Our sessions are participative and highly interactive. We don’t do “death by PowerPoint” — instead, the day includes a variety of engaging activities throughout:
Real-world casework using your scenarios
Practical hands-on exercises
Real Play (not role play) simulations
Peer learning and group discussion
Case studies and scenario work
Facilitated discussion and structured reflection
What you leave with
Participants leave with:
- Practical tools — frameworks and models you can use straight away
- Clear action plans — specific next steps tailored to your role
- Greater confidence — built through intensive, realistic practice
- Skills you can apply immediately — not theory, but techniques tested during the day
After the day
Post-session measurements and a 30-day challenge ensure that learning is embedded and behaviour change is sustained.
