Balancing New Trends and Regulations in Training

Perform Beyond - Learning & Development with VPS

In episode six of the VPS podcast, host Louise Brogan is joined by Amanda Downes, Instructional Designer and Project Manager, and Maureen Owens, Learning Manager at VPS. Together, they dive into the challenges and strategies involved in balancing new industry trends with established regulatory practices in the development of training programs.

The discussion opens with an exploration of the importance of not falling prey to "shiny object syndrome"—the tendency to chase after the latest trends at the expense of core principles. Emphasising that learning outcomes should always take precedence, Amanda explains how instructional designers play a crucial role in ensuring that courses are both engaging and effective. Maureen underscores the necessity of adhering to regulatory guidelines, which are critical for maintaining course standards and compliance.

They also talk about their relationship with industry bodies like the IOB, CIPD, and the Insurance Institute, which help them stay current with regulatory requirements and best practices. Amanda mentions their involvement in industry forums and learning symposia that keep the team updated with emerging trends. Maureen elaborates on the process of submitting courses for approval to these bodies to ensure they meet CPD requirements, stressing the importance of thorough editorial reviews and quality checks.

The episode also highlights the wider VPS team, which includes not just instructional designers but also in-person and virtual trainers who bring valuable real-world experience to their programs. This collaborative effort ensures that the training programs are both high-quality and compliant. Louise praises the team's ability to balance new and exciting trends with the essential goal of making sure "the learner learns."

Inside this Episode:

1. Balancing trends and regulations in training is crucial. As Amanda Downes wisely put it, the main goal is to ensure that "the learner learns," rather than just getting lost in flashy, new technologies. A timeless reminder for effective education.

2. Real-world experience adds immense value. Maureen Owens highlights the importance of having trainers who can relate real-life examples from their previous roles in financial services, making the learning content more relatable and impactful.

3. Keeping up with industry standards requires a mix of regulatory compliance and cutting-edge trends. Amanda Downes and Maureen Owens share their approaches at VPS, showing how a balanced strategy benefits both learners and clients.

4. Industry bodies play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of educational content. Maureen Owens discusses how VPS submits courses for approval, ensuring they meet CPD requirements and provide real value. Quality checks are non-negotiable.

5. Trend-watching vs. core principles: In learning design, it's easy to get sidetracked by shiny new tech. Amanda Downes emphasises the importance of focusing on core learning objectives to ensure effective knowledge transfer.

Are you ready to dive into the often overlooked but crucial aspect of training? Join us for Episode 7 as VPS breaks down the nuts and bolts of managing logistics and administration in a learning environment.

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