Linc Cymruâ??s Learning and Development Officer, Sandra Walsh, describes how they will be employing e-learning for Financial Inclusion and Care related topics such as the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) scheme.
What needs motivated you to adopt e-learning?
As a result of the recent opening of Linc-Cymru’s first Nursing Care Home and the decision to take the facilities services at our extraCare schemes in house, just over 50% of Linc Cymru Housing Association’s employees now work remotely. A new approach to organisational- wide learning was necessary to ensure that all employees received equal access to learning resources in a timely manner.
Plus, with the expense of classroom based learning increasing, the end result desired was a carefully blended approach combining e-learning with the traditional training approach.
How does the investment in e-learning benefit the delivery of services to the public?
Linc Cymru is employing e-learning as a tool to improve the accessibility of learning resources for our employees. Ultimately, our vision is one that deploys better trained staff to enhance our services to our clients.
We were the first organisation in Wales to achieve accreditation from the Centre for Housing Support (CHS) for the high standard of service we provide within our extraCare housing and building the capability of our staff and maintaining this was key.
How does the investment in e-learning enhance your role as a HR officer in Learning & Development?
With the successful adoption of e-learning, the Learning and Development team now has a solid communication platform from which to shout about our passion for knowledge.
Enhancement of Linc Cymru’s learning delivery capability is one of our key priorities. Learning Pool has delivered a flourishing medium to facilitate this goal.
As an Investor in People organisation, how does e-learning contribute to this?
Embracing e-learning is testament to our Investor in People (IIP) accreditation. Our purpose behind e-learning aligns succinctly with the IIP framework for improving organisational performance.
What are the top tips you would share with anyone thinking of embarking on an e-learning roll out?
For us, taking the first steps in an effective e-learning roll out is about having a gradual approach to implementation and seeking out subject matter experts from within the organisation.
After building strong courses and identifying our early adopters, our aim is to launch learning pool to the organisation. The key is to take your time.
However, quick wins can be achieved by using the Quick Build courses in the Learning Pool catalogue – these are great courses that are 80% completed and just waiting for the addition of your own organisation’s branding and tailoring. We found them invaluable.
What are your current hot topics in the Housing Association arena and how is e-learning helping with this?
As a Housing association, Linc Cymru has taken a lead in combating financial exclusion amongst our tenants and residents. As well as offering financial services and impartial advice to tenants, we are supporting community financial institutions like credit unions through partnership working and investment.
Linc Cymru’s financial inclusion e-learning module will ensure our employees have the latest advice available to assist tenants.
For those employees who cannot attend a Linc Corporate Induction, our planned e-induction will assist.
What are your aspirations for Linc Cymru’s e-learning programme for 2010?
We’re fortunate to have received management commendation of our e-learning in the current build of our new e-learning suite which has helped us.
I am confident that comprehensive training solutions delivered through e-learning will grow year on year. An action packed e-learning programme for Linc Cymru will be planned for 2010!
Want to know more?
Contact elearning@learningpool.com or call 0207 101 9383 to hear more about Linc Cymru’s comprehensive e-learning programme and to book an online demonstration of Learning Pool’s services.