Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is an organization that ensures natural resources in Wales are managed in a way that promotes economic, social, and environmental well-being. Founded in 2013, NRW is an organization resulting from a merger of three companies, leading to a complex organizational structure with disparate systems for managing training and performance. NRW provides services like flood risk management, water quality monitoring, forestry management, conservation of habitats and wildlife, and environmental enforcement. It also offers guidance and support for businesses and local authorities to comply with environmental regulations. The organization faced challenges in consolidating training management, dealing with piecemeal solutions, and lacking a centralized learning and performance management platform.
NRW sought a learning management system (LMS) due to the fragmented nature of their training systems, which included a mix of eLearning platforms and manual spreadsheet management. The organization aimed to address issues related to competency frameworks, performance management, and the inefficiency of managing training across various systems. The search for an LMS had extended beyond months and into years. Victoria Watson, Programme Manager, brought a newness to the exploration, and within her tenure, she convinced the organization to partner with Kallidus, but her work was just beginning.
Why Kallidus for compliance and development at NRW?
Kallidus was chosen for its modular approach, allowing future opportunities for NRW to integrate the system with HR and applicant tracking functionalities. The platform’s integration with performance management, its comprehensive training package, and its support for the Welsh language were key factors. Kallidus’ intuitive design and user-friendly interface also played a significant role in its selection.
- Modular Approach: The ability to build upon the system with HR and applicant tracking functionalities was seen as a positive aspect, allowing for a scalable solution that could grow with NRW’s needs. NRW was anticipating a need for multiple platforms to support its employee experience and needed the learning platform to be a core component while also allowing for flexibility.
- Integration with Performance Management: This feature was important because it facilitated discussions about training as part of performance discussions, making it easier to align learning opportunities with performance goals. Learn LMS includes performance management functionality in-platform and derived from its award-winning performance management platform, Perform.
- Comprehensive Training Package: Including a large training package, with pretests/refreshers, was valued for its ability to support effective learning and development initiatives. Kallidus OTS (off-the-shelf) courses offered immediate and comprehensive training for compliance and development paths to jumpstart NRW’s learning journey.
- Welsh Language Support: The platform’s support of the Welsh language was a significant plus, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all staff.
- Intuitive Design and User Interface: The platform’s general look and feel were highlighted as more intuitive and user-friendly than other systems, which was expected to facilitate staff adoption and use.
How will Kallidus help NRW with its employees’ learning journeys?
NRW aims to improve compliance with mandatory training, enhance the availability and uptake of soft skills courses, and develop detailed dashboards for monitoring learning outcomes. The organization seeks to ensure that employees are competent and have pathways for development and growth, aligning with broader organizational goals of attracting and retaining talent and investing in employee development.
Victoria’s role as a program manager was pivotal in the discovery and implementation of the LMS and continues to be now that Kallidus has launched at NRW. Unlike traditional project managers, Victoria manages the entire employee experience program, encompassing 13 projects, including the LMS. Her approach involves strategic planning, interdependency mapping, and ensuring the LMS is aligned with NRW’s overarching strategy. Victoria’s dedication to championing Learn LMS, conducting awareness sessions, and her hands-on involvement in addressing technical and user adoption challenges underscores the uniqueness of her role in the successful launch of Kallidus at NRW.
We look forward to sharing the results!
