Pan-government e-learning

Following several high profile cases of personal data loss within government, the Cabinet Office, National School of Government (NSG) and Epic joined forces last year to create the first truly pan-government e-learning programme, entitled 'Protecting Information'. Available to over 300 government departments and agencies, over 230,000 users have now completed the programme and passed the assessment.

Accessible from the NSG Moodle learning portal, numerous departmental Learning Management Systems and on CD for military personnel on active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, usage is over eight times that of any previous government e-learning programme, and the numbers are rising every day!

The project has achieved massive costs savings compared to departments commissioning their own solutions or delivering the training face-to-face. The Cabinet Office estimate savings of up to £20 million based on the requirement for government departments/agencies to train all staff. The programme has also ensured consistency of approach, acting as a catalyst for collaborative working and sharing resources across government. As Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service commented....

"We cannot afford to be complacent about the importance of keeping personal and sensitive data secure and the importance it plays in retaining the public's trust and confidence in our ability to manage data appropriately.  Making sure everyone understands their responsibilities is a vital part of this, and the e-learning package helps departments, agencies and the wider public sector to do just that. "

And it's working! Since launch, there have been no high profile cases of data loss from civil servants, although some have originated from contractors. Whilst a full evaluation is yet to be undertaken, reduced incidents resulting from civil servants reflect the training's immediate impact. What's more, the Government is currently exploring ways to improve information assurance/security throughout supply chains, including possible access to the e-learning for contractors.

The widespread adoption, massive costs savings and proven effectiveness of the programme have enabled the Cabinet Office, NSG and Epic to submit the programme for a 2009 E-learning Age Award.