New Homes Quality Board (NHQB)
Narrated introduction to the New Homes Building Code
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Industry
Housebuilding
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Status
Independent not-for-profit
Overview
In response to a number of concerns in the housebuilding industry, particularly about the customer service provided by developers and the finish quality of new homes in the UK, the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) was formed to establish a new definitive Code of Practice for the sector: the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC).
Challenge
The NHQC sets clear and robust standards for developers, with guiding principles and practical steps which developers must follow to ensure effective compliance with the framework.
However, the NHQB wanted to provide further training to help its developers learn more about the Code, particularly with people in certain roles and departments where the Code directly influences their work.
Solution
To effectively deliver scalable training for developers, NHQB opted for an elearning module, and contracted two companies to develop the NHQC course: Stonely Training, specialists in trading standards consulting, to write the course content, and Elearning East to handle the elearning development.
The module follows a narration-led approach and features unique characters representing different departments: Sales, After-Sales, and Compliance. Each character plays a vital role by asking relevant questions related to their specific area of employment. To provide comprehensive answers and guidance on adhering to the Code, an expert named “Alison” steps in.
Throughout the elearning module, Alison shares valuable insights and explains the necessary actions required to comply with the Code. Additionally, the learners receive helpful pointers to the relevant sections of the Code, encouraging further investigation and understanding.
Elearning East worked with voice artists to provide audio for each character. We worked on the scripts to “humanise” the wording and made sure that pronunciation, intonation and emphasis were correct.
By combining narration, characters, and expert guidance, the elearning module offers an engaging and informative training experience, allowing NHQB's developers to enhance their knowledge of the Code efficiently.
Finally, we built a mechanism in Articulate Storyline so that each employee could gain a certificate after taking an assessment specific to their job role.
Summary
The implementation of the elearning course for the New Homes Quality Code has had significant results and impact on the NHQB:
- Increased awareness and understanding: participants must pass a test at the end course, which demonstrates an improved understanding of the Code’s requirements and practical steps.
- Enhanced compliance: the course has influenced participants’ decision-making and has become vital for customer-facing staff to learn about the Code, leading to increased adherence to the Code’s principles and aims.
- Cost-effective and scalable training: The scalable nature of elearning has enabled many of NHQB’s developers to access the training instantaneously when they join, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional in-person training.
Elearning East’s delivery of the NHQC online training has contributed significantly to our mission of raising standards in the housebuilding industry. Their advanced elearning module has allowed our developers and their staff to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Code’s requirements, which will play a vital role in driving positive change and fairer outcomes for homebuyers in the UK.
I have worked with Elearning East to produce three elearning modules covering codes of practice in the housebuilding sector. Their input has always added quality to the content I have written, making some very detailed content attractive to learners. Shay has always been patient and helpful, even with the last minute changes that we should have spotted earlier! I have always enjoyed our partnership and am proud that all of our projects have been delivered on time and within budget and to the satisfaction of our clients.