Ethos Public Relations Manchester

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

Boost your learning with a free course and advice as part of National Learning at Work day

by Ethos public relations

40% of employers have not provided staff training in the last 12 months – is your RSL one of them?  Many businesses cite cost as being a factor in cutting down on training but this is often a false economy as one third of employees say they do their job better after having training.

The Campaign for Learning has established LAW day (May 19th) to encourage businesses large and small to help their staff develop new skills.

Chloe Weatherhead Head of Housing e-Academy said: “While some housing providers are renowned for helping staff as part of their continual professional development and also for helping to skill up residents - others are sadly lacking.

“After basic salary, training and development are the most important considerations for people when looking for a new job.

“Many workforces have ‘hidden’ skills deficiencies that cost their employer money, but this could be rectified by basic training and taking part in LAW Day is a chance to introduce a learning and development programme.

"We’re interested to find out what is happening to training in this financial climate.  Please give us your quick feedback on the topic at www.surveymonkey.com/s/KGD8K2K.”

For those RSLs looking to develop staff training e-learning offers a non-threatening way for individuals to learn a new skill in an environment that allows them to work at their own pace without any competitiveness from peers or colleagues. It is also much more cost effective than traditional training methods.

If you want to try e-learning for yourself or for your organisation you can sign up to one of the FREE courses being offered by Housing e-Academy this month.  Go to www.housingea.co.uk/lawdemo1.

You can also download a FREE e-book ‘How to get the most out of your Learning Management System’ at www.housingea.co.uk/registerforyourfreeebook.

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

Posted at 9^th May 2011

VfM remains a mystery

by Ethos public relations

Effective Value for Money (VfM) is becoming more and more important as the sector tightens its belt - but a survey carried out by Housing e-Academy found that only 43% of respondents actually understood the principles of VfM.

“The Audit Commission has placed a major focus on VfM and set out what an ‘excellent’ and a ‘fair’ service looks like – but it seems some housing staff are still struggling to get to grips with the principles,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy.

“Value for money is not just about the cost of something it also includes quality, whether it is fit for purpose and its timeliness to your organisation.”

The benefits of an effective VfM strategy will improve organisational efficiency and effectiveness, encourage best use of resources and make your organisation stronger and viable. However, the strategy will only work in an open and transparent culture

“Because every single member of staff has a part to play in delivering value for money, it can only work well in a housing association that has a transparent culture,” adds Chloe. “Everyone has a part to play in securing value for money and this can only be achieved if all members of staff are fully aware of the organisations corporate objectives.

“It’s also vital that a VfM strategy is shaped around your customers. If it does not work for residents then it doesn’t work at all.”

To test your knowledge of Value for Money take the VfM quiz at www.housingea.co.uk. You can also download a FREE VfM e-Book at the website.

The Housing e-Academy in collaboration with Sovereign Housing Group has developed a brand new e-learning course which explains the key principles of Value for Money and how it can be applied across an organisation. It also includes a toolkit which will help to review current and future need.

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 26^th April 2011

Housing sector not switched on to Telecare

by Ethos public relations

Caring for the growing elderly population means there is an urgent need to lay the foundations for the rapid and widespread adoption of telecare solutions across the UK but according to Housing e-Academy, the housing sector has been slow to switch on to the range of telecare available and the huge benefits it could bring to their residents.

Chloe Weatherhead Head of Housing e-Academy said: “Telecare supports independent living by providing health care services from a distance and our sister organisation Telesolutions e-Academy has found that the social housing sector is being particularly slow at switching on to the benefits.

“Budgets are being squeezed at every level and so the timing of the ‘telecare revolution’ could not be better as the financial and resource benefits are enormous.”

By 2025, the number of people over 85 will have increased by 70% to 1.9 million, and over the next 50 years the number of over 65's looks set to rise from 9.3 million to 16.8 million. With this staggering increase in the ageing population the demand for better technology has never been greater.

A report from the Centre for Social Justice on issues impacting on older people said ‘the provision of assistive equipment can be hugely beneficial on maintaining or improving an older person’s quality of life. Yet, as an Audit Commission report recently revealed, low importance is attached to such equipment. This is in spite of mass research finding it provides good outcomes and reduced costs.’

“The housing and care sectors are facing what could be a major crisis which will have a hugely detrimental impact on the elderly,” adds Chloe.

“We are so concerned about this potential demographic time bomb that Housing e-Academy has teamed up with its business partner Telesolutions e-Academy to offer a new FREE course to social housing providers and tenants who want to find out more about the range of products and services available to help people remain in their homes.

“Many people working in care and support may not be aware of how widely telecare can be used. It’s not just a tool for the elderly - it can be used to assist anyone with a healthcare issue and so also has implications for general needs tenants with vulnerable family members.”

To access the FREE course (which is only available throughout April 2011) An Introduction to Telehealth and Telecare visit www.telesolutionsea.co.uk/yorkshire click on ‘register now’ and enter the following code ‘Housing2011’ choosing ‘social housing provider’ from the organisations list.  Or call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

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

Posted at 30^th March 2011

Sector should get Social Media Savvy

by Ethos public relations

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy, a leading e-learning provider said the sector should encourage more use of social media – especially as the top ten tools for learning* in 2011 include Twitter, YouTube and Facebook – resources that some organisations restrict, if not ban their employees from using at work.

“Social media has become more than a communication tool and is now also firmly entrenched in the world of learning and continuous professional development along with many other professional skills,” said Chloe. “It’s high time housing providers stopped being suspicious of social media and got social media savvy.”

Social Media can be used particularly well to engage tenants and some forward thinking providers have taken advantage of Facebook, Twitter, community reporting, and real-time question and answer sessions.

And it’s not just the internet that allows housing organisations to engage with residents –providers can also harness the power of mobile phone and digital TV technology.

“Many people in the sector often worry they do not have the time to implement a social media campaign,” said Chloe. “However, once you have mastered the basics it should not take more than a few hours a week to do properly.”

For an easy to understand overview of how social media works and how to apply it to your own business Housing e-Academy has developed ‘An Introduction to Social Media for Businesses Module’ which is available for just £15 plus vat.

“Housing organisations will find this module useful for tenants as well as staff – and if using social media has been a secret fear – this module should smash it.”

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

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

Posted at 16^th March 2011

Free mobile phone app on 5S workplace organisation

by Ethos public relations

The Virtual College, one of the UK’s foremost e-learning providers has designed its first iPhone app using the 5S workplace organisation theory.

“Working lean remains relevant across all industry sectors which is why we have used 5S for our first app” said Chloe Weatherhead a Manager with The Virtual College.

“5S Bitesize provides an easy to understand app that can be used anytime, anywhere for both Managers looking to find out more about the principles of 5S as well as employees tasked with implementing it.”

5S describes how items are stored in the workplace and how the new order is maintained. It standardises how work should be done and instills ownership of the process in each employee

“5S Bitesize is available for anyone to download and use for free,” said Chloe.

“Once the mobile app has been completed learners can print off a certificate of achievement and will receive a free e-learning module covering the subject in more detail.”

Since its inception in 1995 the Virtual College has pioneered the development of traditional learning solutions through the careful integration of technology. It offers learning solutions for companies across a range of industry sectors though a series of e-Academies. This includes social housing, healthcare, engineering, hospitality and education.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 605976 or e-mail info@virtual-college.co.uk.

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

Posted at 22^nd February 2011

FREE e-book on tenant engagement

by Ethos public relations

Housing e-Academy, the e-learning provider for the housing sector has launched a FREE e-book which provides help, advice and guidance on ways to engage with tenants.

“There is such a thing as a ‘free lunch’ on this occasion,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy.

“We work with thousands of people in the housing sector and many are still not fully aware of how technology and new communication models can really engage with tenants in a cost effective and interesting way. This e-book is a complimentary tool that should stimulate discussion in housing associations across the UK about the new rules of engagement.”

The e-book highlights how social housing residents with access to the Internet are now in the majority which has heralded a new era of engagement to include mobile phone games and applications, video, social networking, webinars, on line publications and forums and digital and internet TV.

The Housing e-Academy e-book provides information about each new technology and examples of how it can be used. There is also a list of sites and services that housing providers may find useful.

“Meaningful engagement with tenants remains a crucial part of the work carried out my housing providers,” said Chloe. “It ensures public accountability and helps to deliver strategic objectives.

“Since launch, over 50 organisations have downloaded the e-book and we’ve had some great feedback.”

To download a copy of 'Engaging Tenants Through Technology for FREE go to www.housingea.co.uk and click the e-book link. Or telephone 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk for further information.

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

Posted at 10^th February 2011

Apprenticeships go hi-tech

by Ethos public relations

The Government wants one out of every five young people to be undertaking an Apprenticeship programme by 2020. Traditional HR and training can be costly but using technology such as webinars and iPhone apps in an e-Apprenticeship could encourage businesses, particularly SME’s, to meet these ambitious targets.

Lesley Ord is Director of Virtual College: “Face-to-face or classroom delivery can be expensive but embracing new technology makes delivery more efficient,” she said.

The e-Apprenticeship system allows learners to access their foundation induction and key skills set on the Internet. It includes an e-portfolio so that apprentices can collect evidence in the workplace and upload it remotely for the assessors/mentors to easily check on progress. This evidence can include written assignments, answering questions or even taking photographs or videos and uploading.

Apprentices are further supported via webinars, iPhone apps, mobile phone games and e-learning.

“An e-Apprenticeship delivered using our system uses technology that most young people are familiar with,” said Lesley. “It means they can work at their own pace and the system allows them creativity in their preferred learning style. It also naturally improves levels of IT literacy which the Government is keen to push.”

In January Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes announced new measures to guarantee the quality of the Apprenticeship programme, ensuring every apprenticeship delivers training that directly meets the needs of employers and learners which includes structured learning.

“Structured learning is important – but it doesn’t have to be delivered in a traditional environment,” said Lesley. “Face-to-face support and delivery while still used, is cut right down thereby making the process much leaner.

“The benefits of an Apprenticeship programme are well documented and in today’s business environment where every pound counts an e-Apprenticeship represents an efficient use of resources for any organisation.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 605976 or email info@virtual-college.co.uk.

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

Posted at 3^rd February 2011

Telecare could defuse ‘care timebomb’

by Ethos public relations

The debate about how Britain will care for its growing elderly population was racked up a gear again this week as an Alzheimer's Society survey said more people would end up in care homes and hospital than was necessary. However, the Virtual College Ltd a national on line trainingprovider said the wider adoption of telecare could help defuse the ‘care timebomb.’

“Telecare is the delivery of health care related services and information via telecommunications tools,” said Chloe Weatherhead from the Virtual College, which in response to increased enquiries has now developed an online training course on the subject.

“Many people working in housing, care and support may not be aware of how widely telecare can be used,” adds Chloe. “And it’s not just a tool for the elderly - it can be used to assist anyone with a healthcare issue.”

Telecare supports independent living by providing health care services from a distance. The demographic predictions for the population mean there is an increasing need to lay the foundations for the rapid and widespread adoption of these solutions across the UK.

A report from the Centre for Social Justice on issues impacting on older people said ‘the provision of assistive equipment can be hugely beneficial on maintaining or improving an older person’s quality of life. Yet, as an Audit Commission report recently revealed, low importance is attached to such equipment. This is in spite of mass research finding it provides good outcomes and reduced costs.'

Care and support organisations recognise that in the current financial climate their budgets are going to do badly and many providers are concerned that care for the elderly in particular is going to get much worse.

“Health service staff, social service staff, and those working in social and private housing should be exploring the telehealth and telecare options now available,” said Chloe. “It’s important that these new technologies are adopted sooner rather than later to halt the decline in care standards.”

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

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Posted at 27^th January 2011