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Identifying development needs can be done at three levels:
* For the business as a whole. Here the aim is to understand what is required to ensure that all employees have the right knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform the jobs they do. This is to enable the business to meet its strategic objectives, and may cover both short– and long-term needs. Business related development needs should be identified as part of the business planning process.

* For a specific department or project area. This will be needed for one-off projects, where a change or a new way of working, requires changes in the jobs to be done. It will be important to identify new skills needed and any gaps between employees’ current skill levels and those needed to meet the new demands. Teambuilding activities may also be appropriate.

* For the individual. These needs will be reviewed as part of appraisal discussions with employees and their line managers. Needs may cover enhancing skills to improve performance on the current job, to deal with forthcoming changes, or developmental needs that will enable the employees to progress in their careers.

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