This document, which is intended for staff development managers, senior and middle curriculum managers, student services managers, and teacher trainers in further education (FE) and higher education throughout the United Kingdom, summarizes the experience of nearly 20 further education colleges and adult education services in the United Kingdom in developing and implementing staff development strategies and practices to improve student retention. The following topics are discussed: the role of staff development in boosting student retention rates; principles and working hypotheses (messages from the research on student retention, staff development and professional development, strategies for managing change, and development of working hypotheses); staff development (awareness raising and information giving; tutor development, teaching skills and understanding, action research, and development of business support staff); a case study from Lambeth College; outcomes of retention strategies at 14 FE colleges; and other major elements of successful staff development for student retention (rolling programs of teacher education and induction; courses to develop specialist skills; tutor development programs; peer observation, feedback, mentoring, and coaching; professional support and leadership from curriculum managers; and systematic teacher development programs to address local priorities). Eleven figures are included. The bibliography contains 52 references. (MN)