Individual Development Plans are compiled in order to identify, prioritise and implement the training needed for the development of employees.

Every Company should be committed to the continuous training and development of its employees to achieve its vision, mission and strategic objectives and to empower employees. Companies should manage training and development within the guidelines of relevant national policies and legislation.

It is suggested that an integrated approach to Human Resource Management be followed, that Human resource development should form an integral part of human resource planning and management.

In order for Skills Development Plans to be successful they should be based on sound Human Resource (HR) practices, such as the HR Plan, job descriptions, the result of regular performance appraisals and career development programmes.

The Individual Development Plans of employees should be included in their annual performance agreements. This approach will ensure the alignment of individual performance objectives to the company's strategic objectives, and that training and development needs can be identified through performance management and appraisal.

Career-pathing ensures that employees are placed and developed in jobs according to aptitude and identified potential. Through training and development they can acquire the necessary competencies to prepare them for future positions. A comprehensive competency framework and profile for all posts in the company should be including the relevant registered unit standards, will specifically assist in the compilation of Individual Development Plans.

Individual Development Plans are compiled for individual employees and the data collated from all employees in the company will form the basis for the prescribed Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), which companies are required to compile. The WSP will co-ordinate all training and education activities in the company in a specific financial year and will enable the compilation of the Annual Training Report (ATR) on progress made in Skills Development to the Sector Education and Training Authority.

Lead the Field provides a suggested format for Individual Development Plans, linked to the documentation of the Learning Ability Battery.