The United Kingdom needs a coherent strategy to develop the competence of its people, to enable individuals to cope with the complex world, and to help them make a personal contribution to society. Collaborators in the strategy are representatives from government, trade unions, the labor force, education, personnel and training, and local interests. Six fundamental principles exist for training and development: (1) promotion of continuous development; (2) integration of learning needs; (3) sharing the cost of learning; (4) creating strategic plans; (5) respecting the national and local strategy dimensions; and (6) making a commitment to the plan. Seven strategic objectives are: (1) agreeing on national standards; (2) obtaining vocational guidance; (3) maintaining educational and training infrastructures; (4) promoting relevant research; (5) ensuring that participants contribute to the costs; (6) encouraging lifelong learning; and (7) ensuring that participant needs are met. Mechanisms for achieving these objectives include holding national forums, considering training costs, setting attainment standards, building a legal framework, discussing needs at the board level, and preparing an annual report. (Appendix A elaborates a positive policy for training and development.) (NLA)