What you need to know when thinking about changing your LMS provider

So, you’ve finally decided to change your e-learning provider, but want to ensure you get it right this time. Check out our top tips to make sure you avoid any post-purchase ‘buyer’s remorse’.  If you’re still unsure whether it’s time for a change, then check out our previous post: 8 signs that your e-learning system is damaging your business.

Top tips for finding the right e-learning provider

If you’re already set on finding a new provider, we understand that it’s an important – and perhaps daunting decision to make for your organisation. So, before you risk leaping out of the frying pan and into the fire, read our top tips and get it right.

1. Create a digital ‘road map’ before you start looking at any Learning Management Systems (LMS) to ensure all your systems integrate and avoid duplicating work.
2. Check that a range of assessment methodologies are included in the LMS. You’ll need these to ensure compliance with training such as the Care Certificate. You can’t simply use computer-marked assessments for all of the questions – this contravenes all the guidelines and you’ll quickly come unstuck!
3. Ensure your staff will be supported in their learning 24/7 and have real people responding to your staff – or you’ll just be storing up additional work for yourself. Remember, about 50% of online learning takes place outside of normal business hours – even at midnight!
4. Check that you can capture all online and offline training into one comprehensive Individual Learning Plan (ILP). You’ll want this to be comprehensive and easily accessible especially when you have an audit or inspection.
5. Automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks – your managers will thank you for this and you’ll free up their valuable time to focus on more important interventions. If you’re having to spend more than one hour per week to manage your training, then you’ve got the wrong system.
6. Be clear about what ‘success’ looks like for your organisation by setting realistic KPI’s and tracking and reporting against these. Distil all of your ‘big data’ into actionable insights. Your provider should be able to create bespoke reports that meet your requirements.
7. Recognise that your ‘organisational culture’ will have an impact on your success. If you don’t already value, invest and support your staff – don’t expect e-learning to deliver a quick and easy win. It will fail.
8. Be aware that L&D is an important part of your CQC inspection regime – so make sure your learning provider can help you to evidence your achievements. This is even more important given the new CQC inspection regime.
9. Do not be afraid of change. Changing your e-learning provider can be daunting – but remember, a good one will understand that you’ll need support in lots of areas – from getting senior management buy-in to working with your IT team – they should be capable of helping you through these challenges.
10. Accept that you will change your mind about how you want the system to work after it is launched – no one gets it right, the first time, ever! So, make sure your provider is flexible and prepared to work with you to get things right. Beware the salesperson who takes your money and runs!
11. Finally, work with a provider who will enable you to grow and improve your organisation. Are they really innovative? Do they lead the market or are they a follower? You won’t achieve success by working with a follower!

If you’re experiencing issues with your current system or provider, please get in touch for an absolutely-no-obligation review. Our platform, Care Academy, is powerful, flexible, and cost-effective. We have been working within the HSC sector for more than 20 years and we understand what works and what doesn’t.

Book an obligation-free demo

Feel free to get in touch to discuss your current challenges and see if we are a good fit for you. Or, book a demo here and we’d be more than happy to show you Care Academy and how it could help.

We don’t just simply sell you a system and leave you on your own, we will help you build a ‘roadmap’ to success and ensure you get the best out of your investment. We’re in this together working as a team.