Providing high-quality L&D content for all at the RSPCA

Amid a department restructure in 2019, the charity's L&D professionals were looking at what learning tools they could offer leaders and managers across the organization.

But over time, that evolved into a search for a learning solution that would be accessible and useful to every member of the RSPCA's almost 2,000-strong workforce. Despite having an LMS, their existing content was all of the same format, so they began browsing content libraries, looking to develop a blended learning program.

However, the team decided to look for something more universally accessible and helpful to staff, be they Inspectors, Animal Rescue Officers, or Headquarters employees. They wanted a learning solution people could utilize on the go, because the RSPCA has just as many staff operating out in the field as behind a desk.

"We wanted everyone in the organization to be able to take advantage of whatever solution we settled on. It had to be modern—and it had to be bitesize! Finally, of course, our learning solution had to be affordable—we are a charity, after all."

Kerry Gabriel O’Sullivan—Learning and Development Manager, RSPCA

Mind Tools experts gave multiple demos of our offering to RSPCA staff, joined some of the charity’s webinars, so employees could have honest conversations about the future of their learning and development.

The same day the RSPCA re-launched its LMS, it also launched its Mind Tools offering, complete with an exciting campaign to boost engagement from the get-go. This was instrumental in promoting the L&D team’s profile across the company, and demonstrating they were there to support staff no matter what their needs.

Around the time of adopting Mind Tools, the RSPCA had also brought in a brand-new performance contribution system and process, which involved running manager and employee training webinars. With Mind Tools, the RSPCA was able to collate specific resources for the training, and signpost people to playlists about performance management.

The RSPCA’s L&D team have regular catch-ups with the experts over at Mind Tools to discuss what’s coming up. Together they peruse the engagement planner due to be sent out in the weekly Mind Tools email, then look ahead to adjust the content in light of the charity’s current context.

Mind Tools proved an instant hit at the RSPCA, especially since the charity had been driving focus on developing managers at all levels. According to Kerry, within weeks the new learning offering throughout the charity had ignited positive change in terms of strategy, motivation, communication, engagement, and trust.