Delivering e-learning training to NSW's local councils

A partnership between LGP and ArcBlue is delivering tailored procurement and contract management solutions to local government.

Five years ago, the local government sector in New South Wales would have baulked at the thought of using web-based technology to deliver training and education programs to their councils. Now, it is not a wish, but a demand that local government training and support is provided through a wider range of channels. Councils expect Local Government Procurement (LGP) to be able to deliver flexible training services, from traditional face-to-face and e-learning through to fully integrated, blended programs.

As a prescribed entity for local government, LGP is uniquely placed to provide services to councils across the state. LGP supports all local councils, regional groups and joint organisations — from Bourke in the north-west to Wentworth on the Murray River. Our offerings of aggregated procurement, consulting services for procurement, networking and training have been well received by councils over the last 10 years, but it is critical that we continue to adapt to changing needs.

While councils have responded well to our face-to-face training over the years, the sheer numbers of staff involved in procurement and contract management — and the distances between towns — mean that councils and regional groups are increasingly requiring e-learning services to complement traditional training methods.

To that end, LGP has developed partnerships with key organisations that share our vision and passion for the sector. One of our key partners is ArcBlue Consulting, an expert procurement and contract management consultancy and training firm that works with many sectors, enhancing procurement and contract management practice and performance. Partnering with ArcBlue was a natural fit to provide an expanded range of services and solutions to councils.

The new training needs analysis, e-learning and face-to-face training content that has been specifically tailored for local governments, taking into consideration their evolving learning objectives and the unique challenges faced by NSW councils. The package has been designed to make the participant and administrator experience as streamlined and user-friendly as possible.

The solution is configurable, scalable and delivers appropriate training to all levels of council staff as individuals, groups, whole-of-council or even regional programs. The modules have been designed to cover the needs of council procurement and contract management roles and general purchasers, and span a range of introductory and advanced topics. LGP and ArcBlue have used reliable open source technology to deliver the ProcureLearn platform, eliminating expensive third-party software fees and ensuring the solution is cost effective.

Designing and implementing this comprehensive tailored solution has not been without its challenges, but the collaborative approach between LGP and ArcBlue and the involvement of councils throughout has led to successful outcomes.

Image courtesy LGP.