Ethos Public Relations Manchester

E-learning helps unite remote workers

by Ethos public relations

Many businesses in Scotland have to address the challenge of handling remote teams and staff members but one organisation has found e-learning to be a highly effective communication tool.

Cairn Housing Association has over 3,500 homes under its management across urban and rural areas across Scotland including staff teams in Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Coatbridge and Thurso. Sandra Stock, Director of Human Resources explains that delivering staff training has been a challenge.

‘As one of the largest national providers of social housing in Scotland, we have a widely dispersed staff, some of whom find it difficult to attend “classroom” training sessions due to travel and cover arrangements.”

However, Cairn Housing Association has embraced e-learning as a means of tackling these problems.

At a recent event hosted by Virtual College’s Housing e-Academy at Strathmore Business Centre in Edinburgh, Sandra Stock explained to housing colleagues from across Scotland how e-learning had removed barriers to staff training usually associated with employees working at remote locations.

“In order to ensure we present a quality and united corporate brand it is vital that all staff, regardless of where they work, carry out several mandatory training courses,” she said.

“In the past, organising traditional training could be a logistical nightmare as staff had to travel to training courses and we had to arrange cover – and of course it was not particularly cost effective.

“However, e-learning has helped to put an end to that as the courses can be accessed on any computer at any time and even learners who are not confident using IT have found that they can work at their own pace.

“It also offers excellent value for money.”

Housing e-Academy advises mangers to get the best from remote employees by establishing clear communication channels and taking extra steps to build trust and put in place robust processes.

“Cairn Housing Association was the first Scottish housing association to become a member of Housing e-Academy,” said the company’s Naomi Hepworth.

“In a short time Cairn has totally embraced this new way of working and mandatory training has been rolled out across the whole organisation, raising staff awareness on important topics.

”Cairn Housing Association has recently been awarded an Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Virtual College’s Virtual Awards 2012. Sandra said all our staff have been involved in this learning initiative and we won the award for the confidence our staff have shown with e-learning and actively driving e-learning forward within Cairn.

Jean Slater, Chairperson of Cairn HA said, “We are delighted to have received this national award and is a real testament to the determination of our staff to embrace continuous learning. This is all part of Cairn’s ongoing improvement programme to create A Better Cairn and deliver great services to our customers.”

Posted at 3^rd July 2012

Virtual Awards prove popular

by Ethos public relations

Virtual College’s Housing e-Academy recently announced the winners of its first ever award scheme which recognises excellence in e-learning throughout the housing sector.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “We decided it was about time the hard work and innovation of our members was recognised through an award scheme and these were fully supported by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) who were the main sponsor of the awards.”

As a leader in e-learning and with an eye on value for money, Housing e-Academy made the award ceremony virtual which meant nominees could watch the announcements and presentations from their own desks!

“Our clients place a strong emphasis on value for money which is one of the reasons they use e-learning in the first place,” said Chloe. “There was no splashing out for a table, no overnight accommodation and no travel expenses incurred!

“The ceremony made regular presentations throughout the day live on our YouTube channel and the feedback we have received from the awards has been very positive.”

The winners were:

Most successful e-learning roll out strategy – North Hertfordshire Homes

Best use of resources to make e-learning accessible to all staff – ABCL

Best e-learning internal marketing campaign – ABCL

Outstanding tenant engagement with regards to e-learning – First Choice Homes

Outstanding e-learning achievement – Individual – Barbara Hill, Incommunities

Outstanding e-learning achievement – Organisation – Cairn Housing Association

Best adoption of e-learning in to organisational culture – Leeds Federated Housing Association

Megan Henderson, HR Manager from Leeds Federated Housing Association Ltd said:

“We were so pleased to have been shortlisted and even more delighted to have won! We recognised the positive change in perception towards e-learning from working with our managers on the re-launch of induction and believe this was a result of involving them from the start. Changing a culture does not happen overnight, we know we are still early on in our journey and that we are yet to realise the full potential of what e-learning has to offer us as an organisation. “

Chloe adds: “The awards have been very well received and they will definitely become a feature of our annual calendar.

“Using a virtual presentation ceremony has also proved popular and several of our members have said it is something they may well replicate themselves in the future.”

View the award ceremony at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rfTlI7WhrM For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

Posted at 22^nd June 2012

Share good practice at free networking event

by Ethos public relations

In these tough financial times, Scottish housing associations and ALMOs are being asked to look at ways to be more cost effective without compromising on service and quality. With this in mind, the sector is invited to attend a networking event which shares good practice in online learning and looks at why this training method is proving so popular.

Naomi Hepworth, Account Manager for Virtual College’s Housing e-Academy said: “We operate in a business environment that is increasingly regulated and continues to place a high importance on customer service and satisfaction.

“E-learning is becoming particularly popular in areas such as compliance, customer service and legislation and this event will share sector success stories as well as provide guests with information about new trends and technology which could impact on their training programmes.”

Housing e-Academy has organised a series of these events across Britain using a format that has produced excellent feedback from attendees. The free event will also include lunch and a guest speaker.

“E-learning is continually evolving thanks to new technology and the growth in social media,” said Naomi. “This event is for both experienced e-learning advocates and those organisations that may be new to e-learning.

“In fact, we will be able to provide an opportunity for people to pilot e-learning for a short time to allow them to ensure the content is right for their business and to make sure it is really effective.”

The social housing e-learning networking event is on 26th June at the Strathmore Business Centre, Edinburgh from 11 am to 2.30 pm. It is FREE but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your place email naomi.hepworth@housingea.co.uk or telephone 01943 885085.

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here

Posted at 25^th May 2012

Scottish landlords embrace e-learning

by Ethos public relations

The Scottish Social Housing Charter and the new regulatory framework from the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) have recently come into effect. In response to this new legislation, one of the UK’s leading e-learning providers is gearing up to help Scottish landlords comply.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College, said:

“We are reviewing a number of our e-learning courses to ensure they meet the specific requirements of housing legislation in Scotland.

“Scotland’s social housing sector is facing a reduction in its capital budget of 30 per cent and e-learning is a cost effective solution to training requirements.

“Despite having less money to spend, our Scottish providers still have to ensure that both staff and involved tenants are fully conversant with legislation and issues facing the sector.”

Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association recently took the decision to move to a blended learning approach, (i.e., combining face to face training with e-learning) through the Housing e-Academy as part of its corporate-Learning and Development Programme for 500 staff in Scotland.

Jackie Carter, Learning and Development Advisor, said: “E-learning means we can offer a wider selection of training to all staff using a flexible approach which allows them to learn at their own pace and in their own environment.

“Feedback so far has been positive and from our point of view it means we don’t have to organise cover for staff attending a training course.

“We are very encouraged by the result of e-learning and we are hoping to add more e-learning modules during the coming year.”

There are over 180 social housing providers in Scotland and the feedback received by Housing e-Academy suggests e-learning will be a pivotal part of staff and tenant learning in the future. As well as offering value for money, it is ideal for those organisations that have staff based across a wide geographical area.

Cairn Housing Association in Edinburgh is one such member of the Housing e-Academy. Sandra Stock, Director of Human Resources at Cairn Housing Association said: “As one of the largest national providers of social housing in Scotland, we have a widely dispersed staff, some of whom find it difficult to attend classroom training sessions due to travel and cover arrangements.”

Using e-learning in place of traditional classroom training can save thousands of pounds from the annual training budget and with less money to deliver arguably more services, Housing e-Academy believes its bespoke packages for the Scottish social housing sector will help relieve some of the pressure.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk. Click here to read more press releases for Housing e-Academy from Ethos public relations.

Posted at 27^th April 2012

Online training now available for PAT

by Ethos public relations

Responding to customers’ requests, the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 700,000 learners, has introduced an online training solution that provides competency for Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

The course has been developed in line with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which places a requirement upon employers to implement a programme of maintenance, testing and record keeping of all electrical appliances within a workplace situation.

This competency based online training ensures that the learner has the knowledge and skills required to carry out a PAT test. Persons testing appliances must be familiar with the test instruments used and, in particular, their limitations and restrictions so as to achieve repeatable results without damaging the equipment or the appliance.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said "We are pleased to be able to provide an online training solution for PAT testing. The course has been broken down into sections, enabling people to work through the content in their own time and revisit any material as and when necessary. Throughout the course there are videos which provide a visual representation of the steps involved in PAT testing."

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

Posted at 17^th April 2012

New Housing Award is launched

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 700,000 learners, has just launched a new housing award for the sector.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said:  “As a leading e-learning provider working with 130 housing associations across the country, we have the privilege of seeing some fabulous best practice.”

“We think it’s about time therefore, this hard work and innovation was recognised using an award scheme especially designed for e-learning in social housing. We are delighted that the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) share our enthusiasm for the project and is the main sponsor of the awards.”

There are 11 categories in the e-learning social housing awards, the majority of which are open to any housing association or ALMO which has successfully adopted e-learning within its organisation.

They include:

Outstanding achievement - organisation
Outstanding achievement - individual
Outstanding Tenant engagement award
Tenant learner of the year
Best use of resources to make e-learning accessible to all staff
Best internal marketing campaign
Outstanding adoption of e-learning into organisational culture
Most successful roll out strategy

“The awards will be a fantastic opportunity for the housing sector to celebrate the hard work individuals and organisations put into making a success of e-learning,” said Kathy Hanson, Head of Learning, CIH.  “They will also be a great platform from which to share best practice in this new area of learning delivery.”

The awards are free to enter and the deadline for nominations is 11 May. Shortlisted entries will be informed on 15 May. The overall winners will be announced through the Housing e-Academy website and Twitter feed in a Virtual ceremony on 14 June. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate from the Housing e-Academy.

Go to www.housingea.co.uk for a full list of category descriptions and to download the application form. For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 4^th April 2012

Contractors can embrace renewable revolution via e-learning

by Ethos public relations

With more and more housing associations including some form of renewable energy source into new build homes, it is important that contractors are kept fully up to date on the latest installation and maintenance techniques.

However, face to face training courses can mean a lot of down time off site - but a new course from Virtual College, the umbrella organisation of Housing e-Academy, in partnership with NICEIC will enable learners to satisfy the requirements of the City & Guilds 2399-01 scheme without spending two days in the classroom.

Alternative and renewable energy sources are a high priority on the Government's agenda and the demand for environmental technologies is growing and will continue to do so.

This means that when it comes to awarding contracts, housing providers are increasingly looking for contractors with operatives who have specialist knowledge.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, which works with over 100 social housing providers across the UK said: “The competition for contracts is intense and so the more diverse skills a contractor can offer – the better.

“Many social housing providers are looking for renewable energy expertise. E-learning allows builders to demonstrate that knowledge and they don’t have to pay a hefty price tag.”

There are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification. However, it is recommended that learners complete their 17th Edition before attempting this course which is available for just £60 + VAT - for a single user or at a discounted price for group sales of 10 or more.

“Don’t be left behind in the renewable revolution,” said Chloe. “Thanks to our partnership with NICEIC, contractors have the ability to build that all important competitive edge.”

For more information please contact info@housingea.co.uk, or telephone on 01943 88508.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 22^nd March 2012

CIH embraces e-learning

by Ethos public relations

Several housing associations recently attended the launch event of a partnership between e-learning experts Housing e-Academy and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). The partnership will see CIH members given access to Housing e-Academy training in order to work towards their continual professional development record.

Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College, with over 700,000 learners, already works with over 100 social housing providers across the UK and sees this partnership as providing an opportunity for more organisations to embrace this cost effective training and learning route.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, said: ‘More and more social housing providers are beginning to see the benefits of e-learning, such as having a consistent training programme in place for all staff and the ability to train staff who work remotely.

“The partnership with CIH will make learning even more cost effective and is a great opportunity for CIH members.”

The Housing e-Academy and CIH partnership will allow CIH members to receive 15% off the Housing e-Academy’s Professional Individual Membership (PIM). The PIM allows users to access three continuing professional development accredited courses, making it the perfect solution for those who require further training for their CIH development record.

Red Kite Community Housing, North Hertfordshire Homes, Poplar HARCA and Habinteg Housing were among the attendees who were keen to take advantage of the new offer.

Martin Winn, Director of Professional Development, CIH, said: “I am delighted that we are working with Virtual College to develop the e-Academy. Its specialist experience in delivering e-learning courses mean that we will be able to offer high quality courses at an excellent price.

“In future, everyone working in housing will be able to access these courses wherever they are in the country and be able to learn at any time to suit their work commitments and lifestyle.”

CIH members can access this training via the Housing e-Academy website – www.housingea.co.uk For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 16^th February 2012

CIH teams up with the Housing e-Academy

by Ethos public relations

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), as the professional body for housing, has joined forces with a leader in the field of e-learning to offer its members access to the latest training techniques and courses at a reduced rate.

Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 650,000 learners, already works with over 100 social housing providers across the country and the new partnership will promote its Professional Individual Membership (PIM).

This provides a choice of three continual professional development (CPD) accredited e-learning courses, as well as additional benefits such as free webinars and the latest housing training news.

Kathy Hanson, Head of Learning from the CIH, said: “As a professional body we see CPD as a vital tool in helping our members, keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

“Housing e-Academy is a well known and well respected deliverer of e-learning and this new partnership will allow our professional training to reach a wider audience, allowing more housing staff to respond to the challenges faced by the housing sector.

“We think that working with the Housing e-Academy will perfectly complement our existing products and services”.

Housing e-Academy courses focus on the strategic use of online solutions to enhance the traditional approach to education and training.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our organisation. We have a wide range of courses suitable for anyone working within the housing sector including board members and tenants.

“One of the main benefits of e-learning is that the courses are so accessible. It adds to the range of activities that CIH members and non members have access to.

“Participants CPD points can still be accrued towards the 20 hours required each year. This new partnership will make learning even more cost effective and is a great opportunity for CIH members.”

The new partnership will be formally launched at the CIH offices on 31st January 2012 in London.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 7^th December 2011

Housing e-Academy reveal Best Practice Tips

by Ethos public relations

With Christmas fast approaching, Housing e-Academy, part of Virtual College with over 650,000 learners, has compiled its ‘12 days of e-learning’ advent calendar.

The calendar reveals top tips and best practice generated by social housing providers on what, in their experience, has been the best way to ensure successful implementation of e-learning across their organisations.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy said: “We work with 119 social housing providers across the country, they consistently provide feedback on our courses, and how e-learning has worked for them.

“We decided the best way to share this good practice would be in short bursts of information and at this time of year, what better way to do that than by using the 12 days of Christmas theme?”

Best practice ideas include suggestions on how to involve managers, how to engage learners and how to communicate and market your e-learning across the organisation and to tenants. Chloe also revealed that some days of the advent calendar would uncover more than just best practice ideas.

“I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that some dates will include a few festive treats and surprises! It is Christmas after all.”

If you would like to access the Housing e-Academy Advent Calendar, log on to www.housingea.co.uk every day from 13th December and click on the 12 days of Christmas link.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 5^th December 2011

Top ten skills for all Housing staff

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners, has identified a number of key transferable skills that staff working in the housing sector should have in today’s workplace.

“As social landlords work to become more efficient, housing staff are being asked to do more and to take on new roles,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of The Housing e-Academy.”

“What started as a drive for value for money has resulted in many landlords creating a flexible working environment which benefits both the organisation and the individual, as people learn new skills and also bring new ideas to the table.”

The top ten key transferable skills are Presentation, Time Management, Effective Meetings, Communication, Environmental Awareness, Questioning, Lean Office, the Appraisal Process, the Recruitment Process and Project Management.

Chloe said before embarking on any new training, managers must talk to staff to find out how they prefer to learn. The Housing e-Academy experience suggests that using online learning resources is having a positive impact on learning and keeping the costs down. Having managers' input in the delivery of training is also important.

The Housing e-Academy has now developed a Baseline Package which provides short courses on the key transferable skills.

“This package is the perfect way to introduce e-learning to all areas of your organisation and provide a quick and easy way to fulfill a wide range of training needs,” said Chloe.

“Having a majority of staff with some understanding of these key skills will make your housing association operate at its best.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

Click here to read more press releases for Housing e-Academy from Ethos public relations.

Posted at 31^st October 2011

21st Century Apprenticeships up for grabs

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, which is part of the Virtual College with 580,000 learners, has just launched a 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme, which is free for social housing employers.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “The 21st Century Apprenticeship package has been developed to streamline the apprenticeship process – from advertising and hiring, to recording and assessing apprentice development. We recognise that some businesses can be put off by the administration of apprenticeship schemes and we are determined to remove this barrier and make the process as easy as possible.”

Earlier this year, the Coalition Government said it was increasing its annual funding for apprenticeships by £250 million. This extra cash – which is on top of the £398 million a year currently available – will be up for grabs by 2014/15 and could deliver 75,000 more apprenticeship places**. It is clear that apprenticeships will become an integral part of many businesses in the future and social housing providers should get involved as early as they can.

Any RSL or ALMO interested in the new 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme should register with the Housing e-Academy and tell them how many apprenticeships they have available. The Housing e-Academy will source a training provider and advertise the apprenticeship. Applicants take an online suitability assessment and are shortlisted for interview.

Once hired, the apprentice, the training provider and the social housing provider have access to an online apprenticeship system where they can view and assess progress.

“The Housing e-Academy is a specialist in the sector and so we are well aware of the issues and demands on your business,” said Chloe.

“We are also uniquely placed as part of Virtual College, to have access to the experience and knowledge of one of the UK's leading providers of total solutions within the e-learning arena. Therefore, we can provide housing organisations with the best in both housing and learning expertise.”

“There is no doubt that a 21st century organisation needs a 21st century apprentice,” said Chloe. “The first organisations to join the programme are going to get the best people, so register your interest sooner rather than later.”

** source - http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/searchResultsEditorial.aspx?qsearch=1&qkeyword=apprenticeships&x=25&y=

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 25^th October 2011

Free Neet tenant training for tenants

by Ethos public relations

Statistics just released show that 16-24 year olds not in employment is at a record high of 91,000* and a significant number of young people are now considered ‘Neet’ - not in education, employment or training.

“The Neet figures are continuing to rise,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners. “One in six 16 to 24 year olds (16.2%) are currently not in education, employment or training.

“The increase in tuition fees, along with the abolition of the Educational Maintenance Allowance, means that many young tenants, or children of tenants, will benefit from any help their housing provider can provide.”

With this in mind, the Housing e-Academy via its parent company Virtual College, is offering free training to Neet tenants. The on-line courses available include time management, customer care, health and safety in the workplace, data protection in the workplace, money matters and climbing the career ladder.

“We recognise that many housing providers are already doing a lot of work to support Neet tenants where they can,” said Chloe.

“We believe our free training will be a welcome addition to existing programmes and help to make finances stretch that bit further."

The learning can be completed at home or at a designated office. Housing providers can even assess the young person’s training record and print out a certificate of completion.

Organisations who want to do this and set up a learning management system can do this for free. Individuals - (NEETs) - can also self-register with Virtual College.

“Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that British school-leavers are more likely to be classed as Neet than in countries such as Estonia, Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia,” said Chloe.

“It’s vital that the business community does what it can to help our young people gain knowledge and confidence in what is an increasingly competitive job market.”

For more information about the free Neet training telephone 01946 605976 or email info@virtual-college.co.uk.

*Report by The Office for National Statistics.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 17^th October 2011

E-learning helps explain Gypsy and Traveller culture

by Ethos public relations

Evictions have long been a feature of traveller life but the eviction at Dale Farm has attracted media attention on a scale previously unseen.

“The Dale Farm story perfectly highlights the tensions between Gypsy and Traveller communities and the rest of the population,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of The Housing e-Academy, part of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners.

“It has raised the issues faced by this particular community like none other - and has divided opinion right across the country. This story comes on the back of the TV series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding which many claim has also enforced negative perceptions about the Gypsy and Traveller culture.

“The housing sector prides itself on being professional and so it is important we are not using out-dated stereotypes which fail to grasp the big picture and to ensure we are fully aware of the issues facing these communities.”

Chloe believes that changes to planning legislation mean we could see more stories like this - albeit on a smaller scale. It is likely that social landlords could be involved and so it is vital that frontline staff have some knowledge of the communities they are working with.

She said: “Housing staff could be called on to play ‘enforcer’ as they deal with issues around anti-social behaviour or ‘social worker’ as they help to reduce discrimination or embed any support initiatives that are introduced.

It is with this in mind that The Housing e-Academy has worked in conjunction with Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE) to develop a new e-learning course to objectively outline the past, current and present issues faced by Gypsies and Irish Travellers in the UK. It examines how negative situations for this community can be challenged and looks to the future to reduce prejudice and discrimination.

“Prejudice against Gypsy and Traveller communities continues to run deep,” said Chloe. “Housing professionals should ensure they are leaders in breaking down barriers and helping to erase this prejudice.”

Understanding Gypsy & Irish Traveller Identity in Society is due for release October 2011. For more information contact a member of the team on 01943 885085 or email info@housingea.co.uk.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 5^th October 2011

Tenants love e-Learning

by Ethos public relations

Tenants love e-learning say the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 580,000 learners. The company has been staggered by the number of requests it has received for its free tenant training mini courses which it has been releasing throughout August.

“As a result of feedback from our existing members, we have developed a series of free training courses,” explains Head of the Housing e-Academy, Chloe Weatherhead. “We have deliberately kept everything really simple to use so that all housing organisations have to do is register online - then tenants just sign in to access the courses.

“In just a few weeks we’ve had over 50 new housing organisations sign up, that’s in addition to our existing member organisations already using the courses.”

The Housing e-Academy has worked with TAROE (the national umbrella organisation for tenants and residents associations) and Leeds GATE (gypsies and travellers exchange) to develop the learning, which covers a wide range of subjects.

They include consumer topics such as How to Save Energy and Feeding a Family on a Budget – to more community focused activities such as Building a Community or Issues around Alcohol. Some of the courses are designed to help residents develop their personal skills such as Getting Started with Social Media or Preparing for Interviews.

The most popular module so far has been Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour.

Accent Group own and manage over 19,000 properties across the country and are a keen advocate of e-learning. Management Information Systems Co-ordinator, Kelly Hogg, said the Group has welcomed this initiative, which helps meet some of its own corporate objectives around resident involvement.

“We have set a target to provide training to 20% of our tenants,” she said. “We are promoting the Housing e-Academy mini courses via an e-learning leaflet and in our tenant magazine.

“This really is a timely idea from the Housing e-Academy. The free courses are particularly welcome at a time when our budgets are being squeezed and they will also help Accent Group meet its training target quickly.”

There are 18 courses available for tenants to try. For more information about the free tenant mini courses call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 17^th August 2011

FREE e-learning for all social housing tenants

by Ethos public relations

Social housing providers looking to engage with their tenants are encouraged to sign up to FREE tenant training provided by Housing e-Academy.

This leading e-learning provider has developed a number of courses that are available totally free of charge to anyone living in social housing.  All the housing provider has to do is sign up to the scheme via an online registration form.

“Our members consistently talk to us about the importance of having tenants who are switched on to key issues in the housing sector,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy.

“As part of our determination to support the sector overall we are pleased to be able to offer free training and information for any social housing resident who wants to learn for their own development or simply for their own personal interest.”

Housing e-Academy has worked with TAROE (the national umbrella organisation for tenants and residents associations) and Leeds GATE (gypsies and travellers exchange) to compile a list of courses which they believe will interest a wide range of tenants.  The courses include products for around the home such as home maintenance and saving energy or products that will help develop personal skills and tackle worklessness like preparing for an interview and the power of the internet.

Social and community issues are also addressed including dealing with anti social behaviour and issues around drugs, cultural awareness and building a community.

Training can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection and can be done in stages – once completed the learner can print out their own certificate of completion.  If learners need help or assistance they can contact a help desk for free advice.

Michael Gelling from TAROE said:  “E-learning is a great way for tenants to develop their own skills as well as finding out how they can become involved with their landlord and their wider communities.

“Housing e-Academy is a leader in the field and we are really pleased to be supporting this scheme which will help people develop their abilities and their confidence.”

Once a social housing provider has signed up to the scheme at www.housingea.co.uk they can then advertise this free service to their tenants who can register themselves by visiting the housing e-academy website.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 8^th July 2011

Panorama sparks safeguarding sales

by Ethos public relations

Adult abuse is an issue that has recently been in the news and Chloe Weatherhead Manager of e-learning provider Housing e-Academy said the company has seen increased interest around its Safeguarding Adult courses.

“Adult abuse is an insidious crime against vulnerable adults such as the elderly or people with mental health issues,” she said. “Those working in the sector have been appalled at the abuse revealed by the BBC documentary.”

“The majority of people working in the sector are hard working, professional and caring but unfortunately the action of a minority can reflect badly on everyone. Housing and public sector organisations have clearly been keen to revisit their own training and development which is why we have taken numerous calls about our courses recently.”

The courses point out how attitudes and beliefs are shaped by personal experiences, the media, ethnicity, culture and religion. These influence judgments and affect service delivery, which then impacts on the service user.

Learners will also be able to look for the signs and indicators of abuse, definitions and types of abuse, particularly regarding unintentional harm. They will be kept fully updated on the law - key legislation and guidance regarding issues of consent and duty of care so that providers and can be confident that their organisation and their staff are up to speed.

“If your staff come into contact with any vulnerable adult in the community, in their own home or in sheltered accommodation, the Safeguarding Adult courses we offer are a worthwhile investment,” said Chloe. “Ironically, June is also the month when there are several awareness campaigns around elder abuse and adult abuse and so now is a great time to remind your staff about good care provision.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 28^th June 2011

Cairn Housing Association Joins Housing e-Academy

by Ethos public relations

Housing e-Academy has recently welcomed its first Scottish member as Cairn Housing Association signs up to an e-learning training package.

Based in Edinburgh, Cairn Housing Association manages over 3,500 homes and also has offices in Inverness, Glasgow, Coatbridge Thurso as well as staff at over 30 other locations throughout Scotland.  The geographical spread of staff across the company makes e-learning the ideal training method.

“We are really pleased to have broken into the Scottish market," said Chloe Weatherhead Head of Housing e-Academy. “Cairn Housing Association has recognised the immense benefits that e-learning can bring particularly when compared to the cost of traditional classroom based learning.”

E-learning offers a flexible approach which means learning can be done at a time and place to suit the individual learner.  It can also be carried out at the learners pace and reduces the financial and environmental impact of travelling.  The modules offered by Housing e-Academy mean staff can learn consistently and conveniently in their own office or even at home if they wish.

Sandra Stock Head of Human Resources at Cairn Housing Association said: “As one of the largest national providers of social housing in Scotland, we have a widely dispersed staff, some of whom find it difficult to attend classroom training sessions due to travel and cover arrangements.

“We chose the Housing e-Academy as our training partner because it offers a high quality, cost effective means of including all staff in training, helping us to meet our commitments both to staff development and service delivery.”

Cairn Housing Association has signed up for the Housing e-Academy Bronze membership package which provides access to 4 e-learning modules in branded areas of Learning Management Systems for all staff for one year.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 16^th June 2011

Aldwyck Housing Group joins Housing e-Academy

by Ethos public relations

Aldwyck Housing Group has recently signed up to a training package with Housing e-Academy, one of the country’s leading providers of e-learning in the social housing sector.

Based in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, Aldwyck Housing Group provide homes and management services to over 20,000 people. Janice Ross, Learning and Development Advisor at Aldwyck said: “We are looking forward to working with Housing e-Academy to deliver training tailored to the needs of our staff to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to work effectively.”

Aldwyck Housing Group has signed up for the Housing e-Academy Bronze membership package which provides access to 4 e-learning modules in branded areas of Learning Management Systems for all staff for one year.

“Aldwyck Housing Group is one of a number of recent new members to the Housing e-Academy as social housing providers recognise the value of flexible e-learning which has been designed specifically for the sector,” said Chloe Weatherhead Head of Housing e-Academy.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

For further news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Posted at 2^nd June 2011

Get up to speed on asbestos legislation in just three hours

by Ethos public relations

Facility managers working in the housing and housing service sectors need to be asbestos aware - but e-training company Housing e-Academy found that more than half of respondents in an online quiz were sadly lacking in knowledge.

“Asbestos training is a legal requirement,” said Chloe Weatherhead Head of Housing Academy, part of the Virtual College. “100 people took part in our research and only two answered all the questions correctly.  Obviously it’s vital that the right staff have the right knowledge about procedures in dealing with the presence of asbestos and of course the regulations around asbestos.”

Housing e-Academy has developed a new Asbestos Awareness e-learning module with Life Environmental Services, one of the leading management consultancies in the UK. It describes the properties of asbestos, outlines where asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) can be typically found within buildings, describes the main reasons for the use of asbestos and fibre release, outlines the procedures to follow and the legislation relating to asbestos.

“It’s not just builders and contractors that need this level of training and awareness,” said Chloe. “Facility managers and even some front line housing staff should be asbestos aware.

“This e-learning course is available for just £30 plus VAT for a single user and will take around 2 – 3 hours to complete.  A small price to pay for peace of mind.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

Posted at 26^th May 2011