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Virtual College Podcasts
Welcome to the Virtual College Podcast library, where we engage in thought-provoking discussions with L&D professionals to address challenges and industry trends within learning and development. Browse our most popular podcasts below.
Listen NowEpisode One
How has Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Evolved?
Organisations and businesses are recognising the role they play in creating inclusive, safe and fair workplaces, and understanding that empowering diverse talent is a big step to building a successful organisation.
This episode hears Adam Wade, Learning Technology Consultant talks to Zahoor Ahmad ED&I Expert from Skipton Building Society about how ED&I has evolved & offers insightful and practical advice on how businesses can start to implement ED&I policies.
Episode Two
How can you use Marketing Principles to Engage your Learners?
Did you know that you can use marketing principles to engage your learners? By simply understanding their needs a little more and using the channels that are right for them, you could open up your learning and development programmes to a whole new audience.
This episode hears our Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Falconer chat to Ashley Sinclair, Managing Director of MAAS Marketing about how to really understand your learners and apply marketing tactics and principles to keep them engaged.
Episode Three
What does it mean to truly 'go digital'?
Have you really gone digital? Or have you simply switched to using Microsoft Teams? Many organisations claim to fully embrace ‘going digital’ but simply translate their face-to-face activities online. We can use digital technologies and tools within learning to complement face-to-face training and deliver learning programmes that are digitally based.
In this podcast episode, host Jez Anderson, Learning Solutions Consultant at Virtual College and guest Paul Westlake, Digital Director at People Unboxed, unpack what it means to “go digital”. They offer practical advice on how to fully embrace digital technology within training and give you some great examples of digital tools you can use to engage and interact with your learners.
Episode Four
How Mental Wellbeing Shapes People Strategy
Mental wellbeing has become a vital part of every organisation’s people strategy—especially as ways of working continue to evolve.
In this episode, Sarah Cooksedge chats with Denise Smith (L&D Consultant) and Kath Armitage (Business Psychologist, To Flourish) about:
- How shifts in working patterns are reshaping wellbeing strategies
- What forward-thinking organisations are doing to support mental health
- Practical steps to embed mental wellbeing into your people plan
Plus, discover useful tools like the ISO standards on psychosocial risks and a Workplace Mental Health Audit you can use today.
Episode Five
How can we use learning design principles to support & inform digital learning?
Jez Anderson and Abi Holmes got together to chat about how we use ‘human centred design’ to underpin our design processes and the benefits this has for the learners.
They cover the basics from the simple question ‘what is digital learning’ and ‘life before the internet’ through to topics such as ‘utilising digital to make the most of your training’ and ‘the importance of putting the learners and learning front and centre’.
If you're thinking of introducing digital learning into your organisation, this short podcast might help show you the way and we're always on hand should you wish to find out more.
Episode Six
Let's talk about the Skills Deficit
UK businesses are grappling with a skills shortage, intensified by the pandemic and a shift towards an "employees' marketplace". While this benefits workers, companies are struggling to recruit and retain talent, leading to reduced revenue and increased costs.
In this podcast, Adam Wade and Nicole Horsman speak with Katy Neep (Gender Equality Campaign Director at Business in the Community) about the challenges of closing the skills gap. They explore barriers to skills access and share strategies for retaining expertise.
Episode Seven
Managing and Leading in a Hybrid World
Hybrid work is here to stay—but are we leading it effectively? With teams split between home and office, leadership demands have shifted.
In this podcast, Jamie Ashforth (Head of Sales at Virtual College by Netex) and Sophie Steel (Consultant Trainer & Certified Coach at Sales Activator) explore how managers must adapt. From change management and neuroscience in leadership to embracing a growth mindset, they dive into the evolving needs of hybrid teams.
Connect with Jamie Ashforth for more on Virtual College by Netex’s training content, or find Sophie Steel on LinkedIn and the Sales Activator website.
Episode Eight
How can organisations roll out digital training in turbulent times?
With budget cuts and staff shortages, upskilling has become essential—but delivering effective training is a challenge.
In this episode, Mel Kilcoyne and Claire Turner share practical advice on launching digital training in tough conditions. They explore how HR and Training Managers can use Learning Management Systems to boost engagement, save time, and blend digital with face-to-face learning.
Interested in rolling out digital training during challenging times? Contact Mel or Claire to learn more.
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