ABSTRACT
The role of the training department thus evolved dynamically to provide development support, supplying resources, monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes and maintaining a team of mentors and supportive managers/supervisors. In short, it became a support function, providing a very valuable, flexible service, without requiring day-to-day involvement in direct training and delivery. Co-operation is important if we want our learner/manager/support function triangle to work effectively. The concept of triangular integration will help line managers and support function managers to 'read from the same route map', thereby allowing the overall development track to be planned to meet as wide a range of needs as possible. There are three stages in the progression towards working as a closely-knit team, whether this is climbing the rock face, playing in a team, working in the office or liaising within any group of people. Moving towards the level of co-operation helps develop team spirit, and promotes the positive atmosphere of 'reading off the same route map'.
