2024 Winners

Merck & Area9 Lyceum: Training Nurses to Improve Patients' Lives

A very worthy winner, the judges were impressed with this excellent learning project which has had a critical impact on the children and families using the end product. The judges were particularly impressed by the strong and detailed supporting data evidence presented.

inBrain x Keune Haircosmetics: The Online Keune Academy

An innovative mobile-first, multi-language just-in-time project that delivers huge benefits to all of this applicant's clients. A project created with a clear focus on the end user, by empowering their client's workforce, they are enabling thousands of employees in their industry to offer better services to clients across the globe.

Alter Domus x TalenTeam: My acADemy

An incredibly well delivered project which dealt with some significant technical challenges to deliver a superb tool that enables colleagues to manage their own career progression.

Learning Pool x Lloyds Banking Group: Vulnerable Customer Education Series

Having identified a clear business need, Learning Pool and Lloyds Banking Group created a strong partnership which used a human-centred design approach resulting in interactive video scenarios that were realistic and emotionally compelling. The communications and launch were well executed and it was great to see how the learning linked through to considerable performance support.  We were also impressed with the data captured to support and demonstrate business impact.

The Edge Picture Company x Mitie: You Are Mitie!

A clear business need was addressed with a user-focused solution yielding positive results in business impact, like improved NPS indicative of customer retention and cost savings. The design reflects Mitie's personality and culture, with a well-planned communication strategy, strong leadership support, and effective manager engagement. Notably, the pledges integral to the learning were embedded in performance plans, ensuring lasting impact beyond the elearning phase.

Starbucks x Attensi

A store manager identified the opportunity to better serve deaf or hard of hearing customers, supported by the learning team through gamified BSL training. This led to high engagement and real-world impact, with colleagues wearing pins indicating they can sign. It’s clear that this was a passion project and was done as it was the right thing to do. More measurements on customer satisfaction or sales increase could inspire other retailers.

Wilde Ganzen x aNewSpring: Empowering Global Changemakers

A great project aimed at helping local fundraisers to become self-sufficient in raising those funds, without the reliance on foreign businesses. Large reach and multi-language capability. Really impressive that already two thirds of students have started raising their own funds. Would be good to see more of the content and what is expected in the future as it's quite early days for the project.

British Council & eCom Learning Solutions: English Education

A good worldwide project aimed at improving the English language skills of students by providing much improved learning and support for their teachers. Impressive data showing results and it's clear that the challenges of available tech in different countries has been addressed. Some evidence of innovation was shown, and this could be developed further.

Guy's Cancer Academy: Management of neck and shoulder dysfunction

A strong submission clearly setting out the need and strategy employed to provide the best possible outcome, with examples of where recognised learning theory was used. Great use of different media and useful feedback.

London Stock Exchange Group x Make Real: Our Code in Action

An extremely well designed piece of work that knowingly applied best principles to produce an engaging, motivating and memorable learning experience. The contextualisation of the conversations was very well executed and really lifted this organisationally important and often notoriously dry topic.

The Edge Picture Company x Mitie: You Are Mitie!

Great use of motivating, engaging and believable video content. The overall structure was extremely well thought out and executed, especially given broad and diverse audience and constraints encountered. The judges noted the extent to which this learning has triggered a culture shift in the organisation ignited by the simple, memorable mantra. Thoroughly deserving of silver and only just pipped for gold.

Greene King: Service Foundations Module

Simple in concept and execution, displaying an excellent understanding of both the target group and the organisational need. The judges praised the use of the technology to get group wide buy-in. A great example of learning design that’s exactly fit for purpose and thoroughly deserving of an award.

Babilou & TinQwise: BLOX - Dare. Do. Think. Discover.

We were incredibly impressed by the innovative and impactful design of BLOX. Their approach was a really clever way to address a crucial need. The dedication to creating engaging, practical, and inspiring content is evident in every aspect and this well-deserved win highlights the power of high-quality digital learning.

Julius Baer x SiyonaTech: Christmas Challenge 2023

The submission showcased a beautifully designed, clever, and fun approach to a non-mandatory course. The heartwarming nature of the project was evident in every detail, and it's clear why so many staff members were enthusiastically drawn to participate.

Julius Baer x SiyonaTech: Information Security Refresher 2023

This submission was exceptionally well-written, using storytelling techniques to effectively convey key learning points in an engaging and fun manner. The imagery and graphics were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall presentation and making it a truly enjoyable read.

Cambridge University Press and Assessment

This sophisticated, accessible-by-design blend supports professionals to develop skills and confidence over all areas of communications.  The judges loved the thoughtful and thorough approach to learning design. The Cambridge University Press and Assessment team had considered everything and executed it exceptionally well, iterating where needed, resulting in a truly excellent learning experience. The judges were also impressed by the impact achieved which, as well as an excellent NPS score, has led to outstanding professional successes for their learners.

American Medical Association: Student BP Measurement Learning Series

Impressive and innovative use of technology to roll out learning on accurate blood pressure testing. The judges really liked the hands-on, interactive approach to the learning design. They appreciated that it was designed with accessibility in mind and that significant effort was made to do user research and gather learner feedback to iterate and improve.

Met Police: Death Investigation (Stephen Port serial killer)

The Met had some huge challenges to overcome in this project with a pressing need for change, a resistant audience and relatively limited technology. The judges liked that they had made a real and concerted effort to do things differently with the design of this mandatory training, so that it landed effectively and made a real difference. The use of emotional hooks, storytelling and using interactions to ground the experience in realism, elevate this learning very effectively, as reflected in the learner feedback.

ServiceNow x Bongo: Scaling ServiceNow's Certification Program

The judges were immensely impressed by the ambitious and masterful use of Bongo’s AI capabilities to assess both business acumen and technical skills for ServiceNow’s flagship Certification programme. This project exemplified the powerful synergy between maturing AI technology and true innovation, delivering exceptional results that couldn’t have been achieved through traditional methods alone. What truly set this submission apart was not just the technical prowess, but how it strengthened human connections in the process, proving that AI can enhance, rather than diminish, interpersonal bonds. With a sound business case and a clear demonstration of AI’s transformative potential, this entry stood out as a trailblazer in a highly competitive field. A thoroughly deserving Gold Award winner—congratulations!

Brain Aware Training x Bongo: AI Coach

The judges were deeply impressed by the innovative use of AI on the Bongo platform to tackle the challenge of grading and delivering live coaching feedback with a speed and consistency that far surpassed human capacity, offering an efficiency and reliability that manual evaluation simply couldn’t achieve. The evidence presented highlighted significant cost and time savings, alongside clear improvements in learner outcomes, making it a shining example of AI enabling what was previously impossible. The compounding benefits of this technology were striking, with its potential extending far beyond a one-off efficiency gain, transforming both learning and business performance. A remarkable achievement, fully deserving of the Silver Award for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in workplace learning.

Imparta Ltd: i-Coach AI

The judges were most impressed by the groundbreaking approach of Imparta's iCoach AI system, which brings a new level of intelligence to sales learning experiences. The use of a multi-level RAG system was a key differentiator, offering a depth of expertise that off-the-shelf solutions simply couldn't match. This custom-built system proved to be a game-changer, aligning training with the real-world demands of sales teams in ways that were both immediate and impactful. The judges especially appreciated the powerful comparisons between vanilla AI outputs and iCoach’s bespoke solutions, revealing how much more finely tuned and relevant iCoach’s approach is. The testimonials underscored this success, showing how sales training delivered through iCoach contributed to meaningful business outcomes. A truly impressive effort, deserving of the Bronze Award for its innovative vision and execution.

Hull College

An extremely noble project, embodying social and collaboration in their truest senses. The judges were particularly impressed by how the initiative's impact went beyond the immediate tutors and students to positively benefit the College at large. It's really encouraging to see technology employed to advance the lives of learners that may not otherwise have had the opportunity. A very affecting submission that is very much deserving of its gold status.

Next level up: Into Games with Ufi VocTech Trust

This initiative, which is designed to advance the gaming profession, was a very strong example of using a range of technologies to deliver learning at scale. The rationale behind the choices they made was well articulated, and its impact sufficiently demonstrated.

Voco and Molson Coors: Own Your Career

A very good example of using technology to enable a peer-to-peer learning programme. The judges felt that, while a very strong submission, others did a stronger job of demonstrating social and collaborative learning at a macro level. However, it is clearly successfully delivering on its objective and is a very worthy bronze winner.

Goodyear x Intrepid: ONRAMP Global Onboarding Journey

The judges were particularly impressed with Goodyear for shifting from compliance to a belonging-focused onboarding strategy, effectively managing complex large-scale implementation. They created a visually engaging and easy-to-follow platform, valuing both technology and human elements like facilitators and peer support. Continuous improvement was ensured through iterative updates based on data-driven insights.

HowNow: Onboarding Program

HowNow innovatively uses technology to immerse individuals in company culture, empowering new hires to control their learning and build skills. Their program shows a measurable impact, including reduced customer churn. Judges praised their passionate, simplified, and people-centric approach that sets an example for larger organisations.

Jet2holidays x Thrive: Flying High with a Seamless Digital Onboarding Experience

Jet2Holidays addressed the challenge of engaging part-time employees and returners. The solution stood out to the judges as it tackled a difficult target audience by adapting to the needs of the workforce, rather than developing a programme that adapted the workforce to the company. The solution included a comprehensive range of digital activities, including personal stories, while also incorporating touchpoints with coaches to help them level up their specific skills gaps.

AI Tools for Teachers: TeacherMatic with Ufi VocTech Trust

This brilliant solution makes AI approachable and usable to a largely non-technical audience. It bridges the fear factor and helps time-poor teachers harness the power of AI to plan, prepare and deliver excellent lessons faster. A worthy winner that will make a huge difference to both teachers and their students.

Imparta Ltd: i-Coach AI

An excellent application of AI; building on established proprietary training methodologies, models and data to meet a very real need. This form of on-demand real-time coaching, which integrates into the context of the user and adapts to them, is exactly the direction that AI should take learning in. An excellent product.

Mitie & Conveya: End-to-End Apprenticeship Management Solution

This unique solution is a fundamental shift in the way that apprenticeships are managed. It’s practical and well thought out, making it much easier for organisations to track and support apprentices throughout their journey. A strong contender, particularly for those managing large-scale programs with multiple apprenticeship providers.

Advancing Ophthalmology Training through Surgical Simulation - Help Me See Inc.

An astonishing feat of engineering that is making a significant global impact. It addresses a vital health challenge while scaling expertise and democratising learning, transforming patient care and training the next generation of surgeons. The impressive impact metrics and efforts to enhance diversity in ophthalmology provide a model for others. We look forward to future applications of this technology.

Learning Content AIQ - AI-Enabled Content Design and Development

At a time where much is said on AI, there are few organisations who have truly understood the real world applications, considerations, challenges and opportunities of leveraging AI. GP Strategies have looked deeply at the why, as well as the how and built a learning content platform that understands that AI can augment and push design forward, not just automate it.

Cornerstone Galaxy

Cornerstone are leading the field in learning platforms with their latest offering, Cornerstone Galaxy. The judges were extremely impressed with the way in which Cornerstone have bought together the most important insights organisation needs in strategic workforce planning and are building a more comprehensive picture of skill sets and agility.

Adeptly - KFC Restaurant Simulators

A great application for a learning game and well suited to the target audience. The designers' mobile games-making background was clearly demonstrated by the "app store appeal" of the visuals. It featured good gameplay and replayability but the analytics collected on the behaviour of employees using the game stand out.

Starbucks x Attensi

A bite size pick up and play learning game that makes total sense for an app that is aiming to teach staff to use simple sign language when interacting with customers. Though an entirely optional piece of learning, the usage data across the audience is sky high and it was great to hear about how the product was developed organically from an initial idea from a store manager.

IE University - Facing New Challenges in Space & Cyber Affairs

An ambitious multiplayer decision making simulation designed to explore potential global conflict in space and cyber environments. Though the game initially appears complex it soon becomes clear how this simulation can be used in a flexible way to cover a broad range of learning outcomes. There were a few submissions vying for this final bronze spot but this one deservedly made it into our top three.

Revolutionizing Surgical Training for Future Ophthalmologists - Help Me See Inc.

The team's innovative approach to leveraging flight simulator technology to address the global challenge of avoidable blindness is genuinely commendable. Their solution has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery in remote, underserved regions, providing life-changing eye surgeries to those in need. The project's impact extends beyond individual patients, positively affecting families and communities. By addressing gender inequality in healthcare, they are contributing to a more equitable and just society. This inspiring project demonstrates the power of innovation and human ingenuity to tackle complex global challenges. We are impressed by the team's dedication and the potential for this solution to have a lasting impact.

KILO: VASCO Training

VASCO's innovative approach to training transcends geographical limitations, saving time, money, and the planet. The platform's potential to enhance maritime safety and efficiency is significant. We commend the team for developing such a valuable and versatile training solution. VASCO's immersive environment offers a valuable training tool for crew members across various maritime sectors, from research vessels to naval frigates. The platform's ability to simulate realistic scenarios in a highly interactive setting provides a valuable opportunity for crew members to practice essential procedures and develop critical skills. We are particularly impressed by the scale of the simulation, which can accommodate multiple learners simultaneously while allowing for unlimited observers.

CNN Academy with technical support from Titus

The immersive nature and effectiveness of the solution are impressive, as demonstrated by our own enthusiasm for trying the simulation. We were particularly impressed by its similarity to a top-tier escape room. The project team's passion and dedication are evident, and it would undoubtedly create a memorable training experience for participants.

Blended Learning UK x Association of Breast Surgery x University of East Anglia

This is a great example of online distance learning. It has a clear and compelling business need with clearly defined audience and outcomes, as can be seen in its growth in provision, internationally, and in different forms. It has a solid instructional strategy, incorporating strong elements of social learning and problem-based learning. The team have shown a strong desire to innovate, while keeping their audience’s needs as a priority. The programme is clearly having a strong impact, attracting students from many countries. Overall, a great programme that really impressed the judges.

Talaera: Business English Training for Immediate Business Impact

This programme has a truly impressive level of personalisation and adaptive learning. It enables individuals and teams to learn, supported by a sophisticated platform that includes relevant use of AI. The programme includes speaking practice and webinars and other components designed to support language learning. It is easy to see multiple applications for individual learners and teams.

MOL: Transformative Distance Learning

The panel was impressed by the learning platform: there is great use of technology, to enable learner collaboration, support and outcomes. The team at MOL is very dedicated and committed to providing an excellent experience. Learners are well-supported on their courses, and their feedback is very positive.

South Western Railway x Mind Tools: LEAP

The LEAP leadership programme really impressed the judges, it nailed it! From a rigorous approach to the rationale, analysis and design, the resulting blend and residential sessions were strongly aligned to the business and learning needs. The team were not afraid to innovate based on feedback and learner data, and there is strong evidence of the efficiency and positive impact of the programme. Congratulations to a worthy winner!

National Grid x EZRA x Hive Learning: Future Leaders Programme

An excellent Future Leaders programme resulting in high levels of engagement and impressive personal and business impact. The online, coaching and collaborative activities were perfectly interconnected to develop new mindsets and skills for the transition to net zero. Well done!

Opella

Opella took a creative approach to deliver ‘crazy’ new levels of creativity and this resulted in an impressive programme that achieved clear behavioural shifts and business impact. A real interweaving of blended methods, peer support and senior leadership engagement.

Lexicon Interactive x Swedish Armed Forces: Cold Weather Training

This solution provided a cost-effective and standardised training approach for the Armed Forces, reducing cold weather injuries by 50% in one year and achieving a positive ROI. Developed in partnership with military experts and institutions, it integrates high-quality digital components with field training, and its app supports offline access in extreme environments. Now available to 10,000 personnel annually, this well-designed blended solution exemplifies the optimal use of learning technologies.

WAST Education & Development - Newborn Thermoregulation

The judges praised the innovative 'flip the classroom' strategy for training ambulance crews on new equipment for newborn care, especially for premature infants. The digital content design and diverse delivery modes addressed various learner needs and provided crucial just-in-time support. Impressively, the percentage of newborns arriving at hospitals with a healthy temperature increased from 4% to 75% within two months, underscoring the programme's real-world impact.

Guy's Cancer Academy: Systemic anti-cancer therapy course

Addressing the shortage of cancer therapy nurses and the challenges of a time-constrained audience, this course uses a mix of asynchronous and virtual learning, supported by a competency passport for skill validation. Expert contributors and patient involvement enhance its design, while integrating technical and interpersonal skills essential for clinicians. This scalable programme effectively blends learning methods to meet a critical skills gap.

Disguise Learn

A really well planned and implemented project that the judges particularly liked the amount of integrations with other systems that helped make this a winning implementation.

Hotelplan UK: Learn And Maximise your Potential

Although this implementation is a little early to see the true results, the planning and implementation has been a feat of achievement and is highly applauded.

ZTE Corporation

The concept of a single portal for all information, knowledge sharing, performance support and more, with the added use of an AI search tool makes this submission a worthy runner up in a very strong category.

Sage and Axonify: Data-first learning for trust, buy-in & results

Sage's call centre used Axonify's platform to boost operator performance and overall efficiency. This resulted in higher customer satisfaction, improved first-call resolutions, and faster handling times. Advanced analytics provided personalised learning and allowed managers to monitor and intervene in real-time.

Holland & Barrett: 6 in 60 Seconds

This programme of work and investment was impressive. From the use of analytics to identify opportunities, through to use during the design of their bite sized learning approach, and then in the subsequent evaluation of impact on knowledge and understanding. The impact on the organisation’s performance had a clear correlation back to their use of learning analytics.

The AA x Thrive: Driving More Trainees to Success with a New Learning Platform

The franchisee model that the AA Driving School is built around is a complex combination of business metrics and including wider societal metrics, to which the team sought to demonstrate clear impact against, including an aspirational vision around an overall national shortage of driving instructors. The team did well correlating learning effectiveness and learner engagement to their ability to attract, retain and grow high quality driving instructors.

Hull College - Translate to Transform

Hull College’s “Translate to Transform” initiative effectively removes language barriers, enhancing life and career prospects for refugees and asylum seekers. Initially a classroom project, it has evolved into an exemplary ESOL program, influencing public services to promote social equity in the UK and abroad. The initiative boasts increased attendance, higher achievement rates, and improved health outcomes, leading to more students securing employment and excelling professionally.

Safran x 360Learning: Safran Teaches Safran

A strategic, science-backed programme empowering an effective, decentralised SME-led approach to learning - particularly impressive in the highly regulated aerospace environment. From governance to impact this entry scored highly against all criteria. Learning is recognised as a core part of work, is meaningfully rewarded and everyone plays a role in making it a success.

Opella: Transforming the force of digital learning

This root and branch learning transformation programme has dramatically improved the digital skills of Opella’s marketing community – necessary after a fundamental change in customer focus. There’s incredible passion driving the programme which saw improved engagement, increased ROI from digital proficiency and external recognition with a silver Cannes Lions award scoop.

Claire Gibson, Mind Tools

The judges were highly impressed by the diverse array of design approaches and methodologies presented, all of which effectively met the well-defined and articulated goals of the client. Additionally, the judges were struck by the remarkable level of enthusiasm and creativity that was brought to life in the submission.

Rick Grammatica, Mapal

The judges were impressed by a strong presentation, showcasing clear evidence of quality and impact as well as creative thinking and an exceptional ability to work effectively within resource and time constraints. They exhibited a passion for challenging the status quo and consistently pushed for the best solutions.

Graeme Tait, Learning Pool

The judges were impressed by the enthusiasm demonstrated not only for the role but also the huge amount of energy given to the development of the profession itself. An excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle projects with scale and complexity supported this submission to be within the winning entries.

EPAM: Learning Design Services (LDS)

The judges were impressed with how this inspiring and stand-out team work together and supports each other so effectively, despite being in different locations, and how they collaborate with the business to drive innovation.  When developing AI skills became a strategic business aim, the team researched the needs, created a skills taxonomy, and then an AI learning collection for different levels of application. This has ensured the business is achieving its business goals. The team also evaluates its skills and has established a global online community to share best practices in learning.

Holland & Barrett: Digital Learning Team

This was a very good presentation which addressed all the criteria fully. The judges enjoyed meeting various members of the team and learning how their efficient processes and traditional approach to learning design and development is transforming the business. Their work enables staff to have better relationships with customers and offer well-informed advice and support for customer health and wellbeing; this can be tracked back to increased sales and other metrics.

RMMBR

This organisation clearly demonstrated that they are passionate about learning. Their company has evolved over time to take on a wide range of challenges encompassing businesses and people. Client feedback and metrics provided demonstrated that the solutions and services they offer are much broader than simply providing 'off the shelf' learning technology solutions. Rmmbr also clearly showed how they’re supporting the wider L&D community.

Omniplex Learning

Omniplex provides an extensive array of diverse services to its clients. The company regularly evaluates its offerings based on existing delivery standards and the evolving needs of its customers. Following these assessments, Omniplex enhances its service portfolio, aiming to deliver a more comprehensive offering that, in turn, assists clients in optimising their own services.

Gemba

An excellent team, product and service that demonstrates well how they onboard and support their customers to ensure their clients get the most out of their system. They offer an interactive platform which is user friendly and flexible.  The integration of VR allows learners to become very involved in the learning they are undertaking. The feedback from both clients and individual users was very positive and demonstrates how VR is becoming more popular.