Gold online learning shines at Glasgow Council : Program cuts costs and improves efficiency

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a new e‐learning service for Glasgow City Council's 37,000 staff. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains the reasons for the new e‐learning service, the form it takes and the advantages it has brought. Findings – The paper reveals that more than 17,000 courses have been implemented and that 26 generic e‐learning courses are available under the headings of communication and life skills, leadership, team development and personal development. Practical implications – The paper highlights how IT training, which cost £200 per head when delivered face to face, can now be completed at a desk with courses built internally at a cost per head of £2.20. Social implications – The paper details a 6 percent improvement in customer service since the introduction of Glasgow Cares, the city council's first internally built course. Originality/value – The paper reveals that the new e‐learning service is enabling the council to take more control of its training needs in‐house.