E-learning takes flight at Bluebird Care : New system enhances recruitment and service delivery

Purpose – Explains the advantages brought by e-learning to Bluebird Care, a provider of care in the home. Design/methodology/approach – Explores the reasons for the adoption of e-learning and describes the way in which it has been implemented. Findings – Reveals that e-learning courses were implemented for new recruits as part of the induction process, to ensure key skills are gained before staff go into the home. The solution was rolled out to all care workers as an integral part of ongoing career development. Practical implications – Charts improvements in the recruitment process and staff retention to maintain high levels of customer care. Time from interview to induction training fell from over one month to one and a half weeks, following the introduction of e-learning courses for new starters. Overall training costs have fallen and staff retention has increased through improved access to information and a clear career-development program. Originality/value – Gives the inside story of the introduction of e-learning at a major provider of care in the home.