The Teamshaper Index Q1 2025: what’s really happening in public sector L&D

20 May

Teamshaper has launched the first edition of the Teamshaper Index, a quarterly report tracking how learning and development (L&D) is evolving across the UK public sector. Based on responses from 42 organisations including government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts and emergency services, this report offers a clear view of what’s changing, what’s not, and what’s coming next.

If you’re responsible for team development, training strategy or L&D procurement in the public sector, you should find some useful information here.

🔑 Highlights from Q1 2025

📉 L&D teams are shrinking, even as organisations grow

31% of organisations reported smaller L&D teams, despite most seeing stable or growing overall headcounts. The pressure on internal training capacity is real.

💸 Budgets are all over the place

48% of organisations surveyed cut training spend in the past year, but 31% increased it. Most budgets are still managed centrally, though some are experimenting with team-level autonomy.

🧭 Planning is short-term

Nearly half of respondents said their training is planned reactively. Only 12% plan more than a year ahead, potentially limiting long-term impact.

🧠 Leadership and collaboration are in demand

The biggest gaps between what’s delivered and what’s needed? Leadership, teamwork and agility.

🆓 Free resources are filling the gaps

74% of organisations are using free online resources to supplement training. In-house delivery remains strong, but external spend is under pressure.

🔁 Most organisations stick with the same providers

Only 17% changed providers in the past year. That might mean missed opportunities for innovation or better value.

🎯 Customisation beats cost

The top priority when choosing a training provider? Not price. It’s whether the training is tailored to the organisation’s needs. Quality and relevance matter more than ever.

📥 Want the full report?

This is just a snapshot. The full Teamshaper Index Q1 2025 includes: