Towards Maturity and the CIPD have recently launched a new report L&D Evolving Roles: Enhancing Skills that considers the future direction of L&D and the skills that they need to get there.

The report included a number of detailed interviews including this one with Katharine Bollon – Head of Workforce and Organisation Development, Lisa Johnson – Assistant Director, Information Services, Learning and Communications and Sue Rawson – Trainer, Barnardo’s.

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity. Their services help the abused, the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected children across the UK. The charity employs over 8,000 people and 14,000 volunteers who are committed to working to transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

The IT L&D team have developed an adaptable way of working, which means they can respond quickly to business needs while continually keeping their own skills up-to-date. Their focus has shifted from learning delivery to increased use of learning technologies and embedded performance support.

Barnardo’s has a goal to create and embed a learning culture. As Katharine Bollon, Head of Workforce and Organisation Development, describes:

‘By 2025 our CEO, Javed Khan, wants us to be an organisation where learning is an innate part of what we do and how we behave. Where we continually embrace and drive learning at all levels, in all spaces, and in all places – where every day is an opportunity for learning.‘

Quick Tips

• It’s essential for L&D teams to keep its finger on the pulse. This means that IT teams can quickly spot trends and the issues that people need support with. Alongside this, maintain a very strong connection with the business, so that you can respond quickly to the core business needs
• Getting the L&D operating model right across the organisation is critical
• The only constant is change. Develop a culture that embraces to be adaptable, a willingness to aquire & learn new skills and continually develop, through formal training or attending conferences, will resource your ability to adapt to changes.

To view the full case study and discover how the L&D team at Barnardos acheived success, download the pdf below.

Related downloads

• LD Evolving Roles at Barnados