Historic England

We are proud to have partnered with Historic England, one of the UK’s most prestigious public bodies, to deliver a comprehensive digital skills programme. The programme has formed a key part of Historic England’s digital transformation journey and vision for a more digitally confident workforce.  

To ensure we were able to deliver a learning programme that would really make an impact, it was crucial that we understood how people across Historic England were really working – and what their level of digital maturity was. To do this, we started by conducting a Digital Maturity Assessment. The Assessment and subsequent focus groups revealed that approximately 75% of respondents were not consistently storing files in the cloud, and around 40% relied heavily on email for document sharing and collaboration. Focus group feedback highlighted a desire for more effective online collaboration and identified inconsistencies in online working practices as a major frustration.  

These findings then allowed us to craft a learning programme that would really make a difference; filling gaps in knowledge that really existed, rather than guessing what was needed. 

We launched the learning programme with a number of onsite events. These were designed to raise awareness and generate excitement about the learning opportunities ahead. We didn't want the learning opportunities being offered to feel like ‘just another training exercise,’ but instead wanted staff to feel like their requirements were being met, opinions were being valued, and that they were enthusiastic about the digital transformation journey taking place within Historic England. 

The learning programme began with essential app-based training, followed by scenario-based sessions to contextualise these learnings. The scenarios focused on managing files and information, personal productivity, and deploying apps to support better offline and online working. To reinforce learning  we then provided learning content and a Change Desk, giving every member of staff additional support even after learning had ended.  

Throughout the 28-week programme, we offered over 110 hours of live virtual sessions for more than 1,120 participants and visited every Historic England office for in-person support. We went on to conduct over 130 coaching sessions for individuals and small groups, with some incredible feedback throughout. One employee shared their positive experience: “I’m finding these courses so helpful. ‘Little and often’ training as I work is helping me change my IT working practices.” 

By the end of the programme, feedback shows the Historic England staff were better equipped to work more effectively online, and embrace Microsoft 365 technologies. The combination of identifying the baseline, providing structured learning, and offering ongoing support, has ensured a successful digital transformation journey. 

Following the completion of the learning programme, we did a follow up Digital Maturity Re-Assessment. Using similar questions across the same 12 topics across from the pre-programme assessment, we are so proud that maturity of use and confidence had increased in 11 out of the 12 areas. 

We are delighted to have supported Historic England in enhancing digital skills and confidence. We look forward to maintaining a fantastic partnership and helping them achieve their mission of using Microsoft 365 to its full potential, while promoting a culture of continuous learning.