Blog

Preparing staff for what's next: how organisations can build digital capability at scale

Developing workforce-wide digital skills is essential, but delivering consistent learning across large and diverse teams remains a significant challenge.

16 September 2026

Author

Edward Pull
Senior digital learning and content developer, HE consultancy, Jisc

Digital capability is well recognised as a strategic priority across higher education, further education and the public sector. From artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security to accessibility, data protection and digital sustainability, organisations are facing growing pressure to equip staff with the skills and confidence needed to navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The challenge is rarely recognising the need, it's knowing how to support everyone consistently. Different roles require different levels of knowledge, staff have varying levels of confidence, and learning budgets rarely grow at the same pace as expectations. In my conversations with members, a common challenge is not recognising the need for digital skills development, but finding an effective way to support staff across large and diverse teams.

One approach is to provide accessible, self-directed learning that can be delivered consistently. Over the past year, I've worked closely with member organisations to develop a suite of digital learning modules covering information security, data protection, copyright, digital accessibility, digital sustainability, data maturity and AI literacy.

Through these conversations, a common theme has emerged: organisations want learning that can be delivered at scale while still feeling relevant to their own context. Recently, I worked with colleagues at Robert Gordon University and the University of Reading to develop bespoke AI literacy modules aligned to their institutional approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. Their input helped ensure that the training reflected the real challenges staff are facing, from the use of generative AI in assessment design to questions around data protection and environmental impact.

How to up-skill staff in AI and other emerging areas quickly and cost effectively

Few topics have generated as much discussion in the education sector over the last few years as artificial intelligence. From generative AI in teaching and assessment to questions around ethics, governance and responsible use, organisations are under pressure to help staff understand both the opportunities and the risks.

At the University of Liverpool, developing staff capability in generative AI is a key part of its education strategy. After commissioning bespoke AI training, staff reported greater confidence in using AI across teaching and assessment.

"The sessions have supported more confident engagement with AI in teaching and assessment. The training aligned closely with our strategy and accelerated our work, building momentum across our academic community."

My experience working with institutions on AI literacy has shown that confidence often grows when training reflects local policies, priorities and real-world scenarios. For example, colleagues at Robert Gordon University requested tailored assessment design examples that demonstrated how generative AI could be used to review, redesign and create assessments. At the University of Reading, bespoke content was added to align with their evolving position on AI in teaching and assessment.

My experience working with institutions on AI literacy has shown that confidence often grows when training reflects local policies, priorities and real-world scenarios.

Staff feedback has highlighted the value of this approach. At the University of Reading, colleagues described the module as being particularly strong in its accessibility, structure and credibility. It demonstrated how tailoring learning to institutional priorities can help staff build confidence while ensuring guidance reflects local policies and practices.

In conversations with colleagues across higher and further education, I'm increasingly hearing that the challenge isn't generating interest in AI and digital skills. It's finding sustainable ways to support large numbers of staff while keeping guidance relevant and up to date.

How to deliver training consistently and at scale

One of the biggest workforce development challenges facing HR and learning and development teams is maintaining consistency. When training is delivered through multiple channels, departments or local teams, it can be difficult to ensure everyone receives the same information, understands the same organisational expectations and develops the same baseline knowledge.

This becomes even more challenging as organisations grow, onboard new staff or introduce new policies and priorities. Delivering high-quality learning at scale often requires significant administrative effort, coordination and specialist expertise.

Following a recent Jisc AI training programme, Cambrian Training Company reported that the training not only improved awareness of AI among staff but also helped inform a review of internal AI policy.

"The biggest challenge was helping staff understand when it is safe to use AI. The training has also instigated reviewing and redesigning our AI policy."

In my conversations with learning and development teams, one thing is clear: organisations don't want to start from scratch every time a new technology or challenge emerges. They want flexible learning resources that provide a consistent foundation while allowing space for institution-specific guidance and priorities.

That's why we've designed our digital learning modules to combine expert-led, regularly updated content with opportunities for bespoke tailoring. Working alongside colleagues across the sector helps ensure the modules remain grounded in the realities organisations are facing, while enabling staff to develop the skills and confidence needed for an increasingly digital future.

We've designed our digital learning modules to combine expert-led, regularly updated content with opportunities for bespoke tailoring.

The result of a consistent, scalable approach to learning is a more sustainable model for workforce development. Staff can learn at a time that suits them, organisations can maximise participation without disrupting day-to-day operations, and HR and people development teams can extend the reach of learning programmes while making the best use of available resources.

Working alongside colleagues across the sector helps ensure the modules remain grounded in the realities organisations are facing. Whether the focus is AI literacy, accessibility, data protection or digital sustainability, the goal is the same: helping staff develop the knowledge and confidence they need to respond to an increasingly digital world.

Find out more about how our digital learning modules can support your organisation and explore the full range of topics available.