Building accessible digital training for charities, CIOs and CICs

Future proofing learning for everyone

Digital learning probably isn’t at the top of every charity CEO’s to-do list...and understandably so! When you’re busy managing projects, supporting communities and chasing funding deadlines, things like eLearning or digital resource design don’t always feel urgent.

But it’s very much at the forefront of our minds at Emblem right now!

We can see the difference that accessible, future-proofed learning makes. It saves time. It saves money. And, most importantly, it ensures that the brilliant people powering these organisations have the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to keep doing what they do best.

On January 14th, we’re hosting an online information event to explore exactly this – how charities, CIOs and CICs can build digital learning and resources that are accessible, sustainable and ready for the future.

Accessibility: more than a tick-box

Accessibility isn’t just about adding captions or choosing a readable font. It’s about making sure everyone can access learning – wherever they are, whatever device they’re using, and whatever their individual needs might be.

That could mean ensuring training works seamlessly on mobile for volunteers out in the community, or that it’s compatible with screen readers and keyboard navigation. It could also mean offering simplified versions for those who benefit from a more streamlined layout or clear, uncluttered design.

When we talk about accessible learning, we’re really talking about inclusive learning.

We recently worked with Food Friends, an incredible charity tackling loneliness and food insecurity through meal sharing. They had existing paper-based induction materials, but as the charity grew, it became harder to ensure consistency.

We turned those resources into a branded, interactive digital experience – hosted within their existing app. It didn’t replace the induction. It supported it.

Volunteers can now access everything they need in a simple, engaging format, with real photos of their team and the people they support.

Learning about their work got us personally invested in making sure the final product reflected who they are – caring, community-focused and absolutely authentic. Details matter. From the tone of voice to the use of real imagery, we wanted it to feel like Food Friends.

And now, they have something that doesn’t just train today’s volunteers – it future-proofs their induction for the future.

Why future-proofing matters

In every team or organisation, we all have that one person who knows everything about everything.

The one who remembers every process, every password and every quirk in the system. But what happens if they leave?!

That’s where future-proofing comes in. When knowledge only exists in people’s heads, or buried in paper documents, it’s at risk. Turning that information into clear, accessible digital training keeps it alive – and keeps the organisation running smoothly, no matter who’s in the room.

Accessible design also ensures that your content evolves with you. Technology changes, staff change, funding changes. Training that’s flexible, mobile-friendly and inclusive is easier to update and reuse again and again, saving both time and money long-term.

How we make accessibility part of every project

Accessibility isn’t something we tack on at the end – it’s built in from the start. Every digital course or resource we design includes a custom downloadable guide with handy support materials tailored to each project.

That guide includes:

• Step-by-step tutorials on adding overlays and captions

• Quick Windows shortcuts for zooming or enlarging text

• Tips on using built-in accessibility features on common devices

  
  

For clients, it becomes a permanent reference – empowering their own staff and volunteers to make updates confidently, rather than relying on outside developers every time.

We also provide alternative version of our own free courses, using simplified blocks or layouts to ensure screen-reader compatibility. Every project is tested across devices and platforms – mobile access is an absolute non-negotiable for us.

You can check out our Food Friends project within our website portfolio page.

Looking ahead

Accessibility isn’t just good practice – it’s the foundation of sustainable learning. For charities, CIOs and CICs, it means fewer barriers, stronger engagement and a legacy of inclusion.

We’re so, so proud of the work we’ve already done for amazing charity Food Friends, where technology and heart meet perfectly.

If you’d like to learn more about how digital training can help your organisation future-proof its learning, join us on January 14th for our free session.

Register for free on Eventbrite

We’ll be sharing practical advice, tools and examples of what accessible learning can look like – and how even the smallest changes can make a huge difference.