Public sector case studies

Over 500 healthcare providers, 145 local authorities, and multiple police services partner with The Open University (OU) to support public sector staff development and improve service delivery.

These organisations recognise that a highly skilled workforce is essential for delivering positive outcomes — whether that’s for patients, residents, or the wider community. Through our education and public sector partnerships, they’re investing in long-term success by using flexible, work-based learning to recruit, retain, and reward talent across the NHS, local councils, and police services.

Procuring education via a Framework or Dynamic Purchasing System

The OU understands that in the public sector, many organisations must procure services through approved frameworks or Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS). As part of several widely used national frameworks, the OU makes it simple for local councils, NHS trusts, and police services to commission our learning and development solutions in line with procurement requirements.

This streamlined approach supports effective public sector partnerships and ensures your organisation can access high-quality staff development and training without administrative barriers.

Find out more about partnering with the Open University through public sector frameworks.

See who we have helped

Discover how the OU has helped hundreds of councils, public services and NHS Trusts to harness the power of their people and better serve their community.

Buckinghamshire Council

Learn how Buckinghamshire Council supports aspiring IT Analysts through the OU Registered Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeships.

Cornwall Council

Discover how Cornwall Council is tackling the national social worker shortage by developing local talent through a flexible, community-focused partnership with the OU.

DAFNE Programme

Find out how the OU helped DAFNE (which stands for Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) to widen its success, reach and impact through online learning delivery.

Glastonbury Town

Funded by the Glastonbury Town Deal, this opportunity gives residents of Glastonbury the chance to upskill, retrain, or learn new skills, with The Open University.

Isle of Wight NHS Trust

Learn how the Isle of Wight NHS Trust changed their recruitment strategy in partnership with the OU to grow their nursing workforce.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT)

KCHFT is celebrating its first graduates from the new Nursing Academy in collaboration with The Open University (OU).

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT)

Learn how NHFT utilises apprenticeships to meet long-term recruitment and workforce goals.

North Yorkshire Police

Hear how North Yorkshire Police recruit and prepare new police constables to deliver high standards in challenging circumstances in partnership with the OU.

Scottish Union Learning

Find out how the OU have supported the upskilling and reskilling of workers throughout Scotland.

Vision South Nottinghamshire College

How systems thinking was utilised to tackle a complex local challenge.

Learning for the whole workforce

Our programmes span everything from microcredentials to MBAs, meaning you can upskill staff at all levels of your business. Choose from a range of options to suit individual requirements, or design your own tailored programme with our learning experts.

Inspired?

Our dedicated team of employer and partnership managers understands the unique challenges and priorities of the public sector. We work with organisations like yours to upskill and reskill teams through flexible, high-quality learning – helping you build capability, improve services, and deliver greater impact for your communities.

Speak to an adviser today to explore how we can support your learning and development objectives.