RNLI launches prize‐winning learning zone : Users offered the chance to chart their own course

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a one‐stop shop to deliver blended learning for crew, volunteers and staff of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the reasons for developing the new system, the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – The paper explains that resources are now classified by RNLI competencies, with key ones linked to personal‐development plans. Staff can add performance goals and link these to relevant courses. Crew can see their training‐assessment status and service history. And other volunteers have development plans guiding them to recommended courses and resources. Practical implications – The paper reveals that, in the first ten weeks alone, more than 1,000 people used the new system, compared with the previous annual average of 300. Social implications – The paper highlights the role of the Charity Learning Consortium in bringing together more than 100 charities, housing associations and not‐for‐profit organizations to make e‐learning more affordable and effective. Originality/value – The paper provides eight tips for e‐learning success.