This document is intended to assist individuals responsible for managing staff development in adult and community learning (ACL) in the United Kingdom. The guide presents step-by-step advice for designing and implementing an approach based on the belief that staff development should do the following things: (1) relate holistically to the organization's mission statement, strategic plan, self-assessment process, and quality improvement development plan; (2) reflect aims and values; (3) fit seamlessly into the planning cycle; (4) involve everyone in the organization on a top-down and bottom-up basis; (5) respond to local and national initiatives and targets; (6) react to short-term and long-term need and be proactive; (7) address organizational and individual requirements; and (8) when services are contracted out, fully involve partners in every aspect of the process. The following are among the other topics discussed: (1) standards and a qualifications framework encompassing ACL; (2) the internal policy and planning context of staff development; (3) identification of staff development needs; (4) designing staff development programs; (5) implementing staff development (modes of delivery; coaching; mentoring; accreditation); (6) evaluating training effectiveness; and (7) approaches to managing successful staff development. Eight figures, 13 activities, and 16 case studies of current and emerging good practice are included. The bibliography lists 25 references and 5 useful World Wide Web sites. (MN)