The OU and workplace training charity collaborate on 5% Club Academy launch

The Open University (OU) and partner The 5% Club, are working together on a new career development initiative, tailored specifically for HR professionals and those focussed on emerging talent.

The 5% Club is a free-to-join skills charity and employer movement whose purpose is to “inspire positive employer action for increased, inclusive and accessible workplace learning opportunity for all”. The new portal, The 5% Academy, is also completely free to existing members.

The OU is a patron sponsor of the Club, and now supports the launch of this Academy, which is specifically aimed at ‘empowering those who empower others’ – HR and talent professionals who may not usually find time to consider their own development.

The Academy aims to empowers individuals to take ownership of their professional development in a way that aligns with unique goals and aspirations. Through a user-friendly portal, members have direct access to a range of curated courses and tools that allow you and colleagues to learn at the right pace for each individual, revisit valuable content, and build skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace.

This self-directed approach to learning provides the flexibility to focus on areas that matter most to members, whether it's enhancing leadership skills, exploring new industry trends, or working on personal growth.

A selection of courses are provided by the OU, via its free learning platform, OpenLearn, and a personal development opportunity is provided by charity Brathay Trust.

Whether members are looking to upskill, explore new areas of knowledge, or simply carve out time for self-reflection, The 5% Club Academy is the go-to platform for personal and professional development.

At the OU we are always looking for new ways to support flexible and accessible upskilling, particularly for those who may not usually find the time. The launch of this initiative with The 5% Club offers members an opportunity to carve out valuable time for professional growth and a dedicated space for development that they may not have previously had.

Phil Kenmore
Director of Employers and Partnerships at the OU

Simon Ashby, Head of OpenLearn, added: "While OpenLearn supports millions of home learners, we are also increasingly seeing businesses turn to free learning to support and upskill their employees via our range of free courses. This can be for career development – in subjects such as management, leadership and communication skills – or it can be to support employees and their families outside of the workplace with areas such as mental health and wellbeing, personal finances and every-day maths and English. In times of limited budgets and resources, OpenLearn showcases how The Open University’s learning is transformational for all, a true business benefit."

We are delighted to partner with the OU on the launch of The 5% Club Academy, a brand-new initiative designed to support our members with personal and career development opportunities. This exclusive program provides free, high-quality learning resources, including carefully selected courses tailored for HR professionals and those focused on emerging talent.

Mark Cameron
CEO, The 5% Club