Buckinghamshire New University
22nd April 2022
Marshalls has collaborated with Buckinghamshire New University to create content appropriate for the university context and assisted them with implementing a brand-new Learning Management System (LMS). We worked alongside Christine Boucher, who is the Learning & Development Business Partner at the University to deliver the project following the tender award.
The University went out to tender for a new provider of its eLearning content to meet its obligations in terms of mandatory training as an employer and specifically to meet training needs within the context of the HE Sector. It was made mainly for colleagues employed by the University, but also, they were looking to explore options to make content available to enrich the students learning experience.
Also, the university required a new, efficient LMS. For many universities, implementing an LMS can be a tricky situation and hugely problematic – it is important to get the right LMS that can track progress, and be accessible for all users. Moreover, the content that you upload onto the LMS must be engaging, and it must avoid the “tick-box” format that a lot of E-Learning modules often follow.
“Selecting the right eLearning provider was important to meet the needs of our users more closely both students and staff, whilst remaining agile to the changing needs of the organisation. We were particularly keen to enhance user access and support, systems interface, functionality and reporting, and work with a provider with proven sector experience, all which Marshalls have been able to provide.”
On course selection, mental health is an issue which affects people across all sectors, therefore it is no surprise that Buckinghamshire University wanted to invest in the resources for both their students and their staff. The university has procured these modules to ensure they can offer the right support at the right time to those in most need and enable their colleagues to feel confident in having conversations on such a sensitive topic.
When asked about the choice of courses, Christine said:
“We have chosen two mental health eLearning modules specifically to help colleagues feel confident in having conversations with students and colleagues that they’re concerned about. The first module is from the Zero Suicide Alliance and is a 20-minute programme which covers s how to be suicide-aware, starting a conversation and how to signpost to further support.”
“The second module covers the wider topic of identifying, responding and supporting mental health issues, including anxiety, and where to go for help. This includes example scenarios in video format with constructive analysis around how to deal with such situations. This is in addition to three modules already available on wider topics around mental health support for both students and staff.”
The result was increased employee engagement; reduced time spent on induction; remote staff feeling part of the university community; protection for employees so they are aware of their rights; and managers being clear on their responsibilities and duty of care. Our team was there to implement the platform from the beginning with no hidden consultancy charges. The platform is robust and allows the university to show any external provider accurate reporting on training.
“Marshalls are highly customer centric and are responsive to our learning needs as we become accustomed to the new learning management system. They have delivered on their commitments, and we look forward to developing our in-house expertise going forward.”
We have been really pleased with the feedback from Christine and her whole team and look forward to continuing our work together and provide support for them when needed.
