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March 16, 2010
Posted by: Laura Overton
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Press Release (16th March 2010)
The biggest survey of learning technologies in the voluntary sector ever undertaken has revealed some interesting findings. More than 80 charities – representing more than 50,000 staff and volunteers - took part in the survey, carried out by independent e-learning analysts Towards Maturity in partnership with the Charity Learning Consortium (CLC). Findings revealed that:
Learning technologies are helping charities to deliver more for less:
The top four benefits of adopting learning technologies are: improving flexibility of learning; improving access to learning; cutting costs and increasing reach – important to organisations often relying on part time staff spread countrywide.
Moving forward, they are expecting even more from their investment:
Over 2/3 of participants are looking for their investment in learning technologies to help increase staff retention; to improve training quality; to increase the number of qualified staff; to enhance the induction process; to reduce time spent learning; and to improve administration efficiency.
There is tremendous enthusiasm to adopt new approaches to learning:
72% say their internal learning teams are willing to embrace change.
More than 60% are looking to increase their allocation of budget in this area:
With the emphasis behind investment being more about improving learning delivery and its impact, rather than just finding a ‘cheaper option’.
“In this study we wanted to see how innovatively charities are thinking about skills and the extent to which they are using technology to address the needs of staff and volunteers, particularly when budgets are stretched but demand for a wide range of skills continues to grow,” said Laura Overton, Managing Director of Towards Maturity.
Martin Baker, Managing Director of the CLC added: “We were particularly pleased to see that more than 30% of the charities that took part make e-learning available to directors and senior managers - when directors are using learning technologies, the overall business impact from e-learning investment is significantly higher. Leading through actions delivers results and we would expect those charities where directors are e-learners to benefit.”
Moving forward, there is certainly no lacking in participant’s enthusiasm and commitment to change. But with increased budget allocation comes increased expectation of results: “In order for future investment not to disappoint, charities should take the opportunity to learn from each other – as well as from practices in the private and public sector – and this is where I hope the CLC can help.” added Martin. (Photo of Martin Baker attached.)
John LeRossignol, Learning Resources Manager at RNLI, commented: “The personalised benchmark report we received has provided a framework for learning technology strategy and implementation that I keep coming back to – in essence it has helped me to define my objectives, highlighting areas where we can further develop a culture of learning within the RNLI.”
You can download the full report below:
Other highlights from the survey include: What’s hot and what’s not in learning technologies in the voluntary sector:
What’s hot:
- Electronic learning materials (75%+ of survey participants use)
- Web resources (65%+)
- Online surveys and questionnaires (65%+)
- Online administration (50%+)
What’s not:
- Video, games or virtual worlds (<7%)
- Blogging and chat (< 11%)
- Podcasting (<13)
- Rapid development tools (<15%)
Notes to editors:
Survey participants: 76% of participants were from larger organisations with 250+ staff (46% of these were from organisations with over 1,000 staff). 71% of the participants had staff spread over multiple sites: 18% were multinational and 53% national but with many locations to serve.
Contacts: PR contact Susie Finch, email: trainingsusie@btconnect.com Tel 01453 768855 Mobile 07986 095 403. You can also contact Wendy Stanley at the CLC on 08451 707702 or Laura Overton at Towards Maturity on 07831144265.
About the Charity Learning Consortium:
Formed in 2001 by six charities looking to share learning resources, the Charity Learning Consortium (CLC) now has more than 60 member organisations and continues to grow from strength to strength. The CLC provides members with a large portfolio of e-learning, offers networking opportunities and a place to discuss best practice in the voluntary sector. Members have access to an online networking tool; shared member resources and e-learning documentation. They may also be invited to attend quarterly member meetings (dependent on subscription level) to discuss developments, take part in free workshops and watch member presentations on their challenges and successes in implementing e-learning. Find out more at www.charitylearning.org
About report authors and Towards Maturity:
Towards Maturity, an independent not for profit organisation, provides ongoing research and resources to organisations looking to improve the way they use and provide learning technologies. More than 700 organisations have taken part in Towards Maturity Benchmark research over the past five years - now considered to be the most comprehensive independent review of the use of learning technologies in the workplace in the UK. The charity benchmark was authored by Laura Overton, Managing Director of Towards Maturity. With more than two decades of experience, Laura has contributed to initiatives with the European Commission, the UK’s Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Becta. She is a Fellow of the Institute of IT training (IITT), a popular industry commentator and is the most recent recipient of the IITT’s Colin Corder Award for lifetime contribution to the learning industry. Fnd out more at www.towardsmaturity.org
