Only half of the UK’s middle managers participate in learning development programmes, reveals new research.

The report from Ashridge Business School also reveals that eight in ten middle managers feel they have to drive career development themselves, by developing their own strategies for learning.

Lack of CPD for middle-ranking bosses is causing a “stress sandwich” that prevents UK businesses from developing effective strategies for beating the financial crisis, said report co-author Amy Armstrong.

Ashridge Business School programme director, Hamish Scott, said that middle managers act as a crucial filter between day-to-day operational demands and the board’s strategy. “Overlooking this critical function is short-sighted,” he added. “Organisations are missing their need to invest in their whole workforce – and not use middle management as a stepping stone position.”

Read the report