Department of Health
e-Induction Programme
The Challenge:
The Department of Health (DH) faced the challenge that many large organisations face with employee induction; a large workforce at varying levels and geographically dispersed locations. The classroom induction sessions contained lengthy and detailed information which were not relevant to all, plus new employees could sometimes wait several weeks before being able to attend. DH recognised the need to transform their traditional classroom based Induction programme into one delivered via e-learning.
The new programme needed to provide
- a single solution to suit all entry levels into the Department
- a tracking system to show the topics that had been accessed
- a meaningful assessment of delegate understanding
- accessibility to both visually and hearing impaired people
Additionally, Academy Internet needed
- to gain the commitment of dozens of subject matter experts to make time to contribute their own expertise and knowledge
- to work with the DH project team to develop the Induction training and achieve approval for instructional approach, content and technology
- to implement the e-learning within a complex outsourced IT environment in order to be available online, on CD and also accessible from the DH intranet
The first DH e-Induction was delivered in 2003.
The Solution:
A highly engaging, cost effective and easy to use induction training course. The subject areas covered include compliance issues such as health & safety, as well as security, diversity and equality, an overview to the Department, organisational procedures and career management.
New staff now receive structured training from the first day of employment, or even before they start, so they hit the ground running. Existing employees can use it as a reference for information.
Other benefits identified include:
- Substantially reduced training costs
- Consistent delivery of Induction messages
- Interactive format encourages self learning
- Staff can work at their own pace
- Enabled familiarisation with the organisation
- Questioning and testing confirms understanding
- Developed employment satisfaction
- Ability to track progress
The Next Stage:
In 2007, DH decided to update the course for several reasons. The course benefited from a new, fresher look and feel. Using more up to date technology enabled maintenance and accessibility to be achieved more simply. Content regularly needs updating, as the DH undergoes frequent changes to e.g. its ministers. Transferring the content to Academy Internet’s rapid e-learning authoring tool, Originate, has made these updates much quicker and simpler.
Case studies
Digital Learning & Communication
- Deloitte
Employability Skills Workshop Conversion - National Trust
Customer Service Workshop Conversion - ECPAT
Awareness & Competency e-Learning - Kenwood
Product Knowledge e-Learning - National Trust
e-Induction and internal communications - The Department of Health
e-Induction e-Learning programme - Fish4
Online viral ad campaign – “The UKs funniest accountant”
- Coca-Cola Latin America
Managing Virtual Teams - virtual delivery - British Library
Writing for the web training course - eBookers
e-Profit workshops
- BITC responsible business case study
Academy Internet - Small Company of the Year