Implementing a managed learning environment in the NHS

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to detail the implementation of a managed learning environment (MLE) in a large National Health Service (NHS) Trust employing 8,500 staff. It aims to be of use to those seeking to implement a virtual or managed learning environment within their organisation and to help in reflecting on the project so far and to learn lessons to support the implementation of a national MLE for the NHS.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the practical experiences and challenges of implementing an organisation wide system, reflecting candidly on the successes and failures of such a project.Findings – The success of the MLE implementation is to a large degree based on the quality of the legacy data, and of the ability of the organisation to respond to changes in the way data are collected and processed. The ability of a supplier to work with a large and complex organisation is also a critical success factor, yet it is difficult to assess this suitability through comp...