Does My Business Need a Director of Training?

As businesses grow and evolve, one question often arises: Do we need a dedicated Director of Training? While smaller organisations may rely on informal learning structures, sustained growth, compliance demands, and leadership development often require a more strategic approach to training.

A Director of Training provides oversight for workforce development, ensuring that learning initiatives align with organisational objectives. Rather than ad-hoc training sessions, this role focuses on structured programmes that build capability, close skills gaps, and support long-term performance.

A Director of Training helps ensure that training requirements are met consistently and documented appropriately.

In regulated industries such as financial services, insurance, and consumer finance, training is not optional. Compliance, risk management, and ethical conduct depend heavily on employees understanding evolving regulations and operational standards. A Director of Training helps ensure that training requirements are met consistently and documented appropriately.

Beyond compliance, effective training strengthens leadership pipelines and succession planning. Organisations with structured learning strategies are better positioned to retain talent, adapt to change, and maintain operational resilience.

However, not every business requires a full-time Director of Training. Some organisations benefit from outsourced training leadership or advisory support, particularly when building or restructuring their learning frameworks.

Ultimately, the decision depends on organisational size, complexity, regulatory exposure, and growth ambitions. What remains constant is the need for intentional, well-governed training that supports both people and performance.