Dynamic Insights

When is the right time to outsource your L&D function?

BY MARK FEARNLEY

There are many reasons you may want to outsource your L&D function. And it’s safe to say: for many UK organisations, learning and development is under more pressure than ever. Skills requirements are changing quickly, delivery expectations are rising and budgets are being scrutinised more closely. At the same time, internal L&D teams are often being asked to do more with less.

Against this backdrop, many organisations are considering outsourcing learning and development, not as a cost‑cutting exercise, but as a way to extend capability, improve consistency and deliver measurable impact. In fact, rather than a knee-jerk reaction to negative external influences, it’s becoming seen as a viable alternative to those organisations that still have real ambitions for their L&D function.

The real question is rarely whether learning should be outsourced, it’s when, how and to what extent?

This guide explores when outsourcing L&D makes sense, when it doesn’t and how organisations can take a considered, strategic approach to achieve success.

What does outsourcing learning and development mean today?

Outsourced learning and development looks very different from the rigid, all‑or‑nothing models of the past.

For most organisations, it does not mean removing all internal capability or handing over strategic ownership. Instead, it often involves working with an external learning and development provider to support, scale or enhance existing capability.

Common approaches include:

managed learning services, where an external partner supports end‑to‑end delivery
hybrid models, combining in‑house strategy with external expertise
specialist or project‑based support, such as digital learning design or leadership development.

The most effective outsourcing arrangements treat the provider as a learning partner, not a vendor.

When does it make sense to outsource your L&D function?

Outsourcing your L&D function is not always the easiest decision. However, there are some clear signals that good quality external support may add value.

1. You need to scale learning quickly

Periods of growth, restructure or regulatory change often require learning to be delivered faster than an internal team can realistically manage.

A good, strategic outsourced L&D partner can provide scalable learning solutions, allowing your programmes to be designed and rolled out at pace—all without compromising quality or over‑stretching internal resources.

2. Your internal L&D department is overloaded

Many in‑house L&D teams spend a lot of their time responding to operational demands rather than focusing on strategic learning priorities. External support can relieve that pressure, provide additional capacity and allow internal teams to refocus on stakeholder engagement, strategy and governance. This approach is particularly effective when your learning demand fluctuates throughout the year.

3. You require specialist learning expertise

Modern learning increasingly requires specialist capability, particularly in areas such as:

digital and blended learning design
leadership and management development
compliance and regulated training
evaluation and measurement.

Building this expertise internally can be expensive and time‑consuming. If you work with an experienced elearning provider, it allows your organisation to access specialist learning and development expertise when you need it.

4. Your learning demand is unpredicatable

Maybe your organisation experiences peaks and troughs in learning demand.

If that’s the case, maintaining a fixed internal cost base for uneven requirements can quickly become inefficient—both in terms of resource and financially.

Outsourcing gives your organisation flexible L&D capability and delivery, enabling you to scale support up or down in line with your business need—without long‑term concerns about overhead.

5. You need clear, measurable outcomes

Senior leaders increasingly expect learning to demonstrate commercial value; a tangible return on your learning. An experienced outsourced learning provider brings established methodologies for measuring impact, aligning your learning to business objectives and reporting outcomes in ways that resonate with your stakeholders.

This can be particularly valuable where L&D is under scrutiny or if you’re being asked to justify investment.

6. You need different ways of thinking

One of the beauties of working with an outsourced L&D partner is that they are likely to be able to bring new ideas to your particular sector—especially if that partner has years of experience under its belt.

It’s likely that an experienced L&D provider will have a great deal of knowledge from a wealth of other sectors, much of which can be transferred to your industry to create more engagement and impact through your learning.

When outsourcing your L&D may not be the right answer

Outsourcing is not always the best solution. And a good elearning partner should let you know if they don’t think it’s the right time for either party.

For example, it may not be appropriate where:

your organisation has a well‑resourced, highly capable internal L&D team with sufficient capacity
your learning requirements are stable, predictable and fully covered by in‑house expertise
you’re in the early stages of a major cultural transformation reliant on deep internal ownership.

In these scenarios, there’s a possibility that outsourcing may introduce unnecessary complexity rather than value.

However, even organisations with strong internal teams often benefit from selective or specialist external support, particularly for discrete projects or capability gaps.

Common L&D outsourcing models used by UK organisations

There is no single outsourcing model that suits everyone. The most effective approach depends on your organisation, culture and objectives.

Fully managed learning services

In this model, the external provider takes responsibility for the design, delivery and ongoing management of your learning programmes, while you retain strategic direction and governance.

This approach is often used where learning is complex, large‑scale or business‑critical.

Hybrid or co-delivery models

Hybrid models combine the strengths of in‑house teams with external delivery capability. Internal L&D retains ownership of strategy and stakeholder relationships, while an external learning partner supports delivery, design or specialist areas.

This model is increasingly popular with organisations seeking flexibility without losing control.

Specialist support

Some organisations outsource learning on a project basis, for example:

designing a major leadership programme
developing ad hoc digital learning content
delivering specific compliance or technical training.

This allows you to access expertise as needed without committing to long‑term arrangements.

How to outsource L&D without losing strategic control

Outsourcing all or part of your L&D function comes with its own concerns, we get that. And one of the most common concerns around outsourcing is loss of ownership.

In practice, successful outsourcing depends on strong governance and clarity of roles—ultimately, great communication with your learning partner.

Key principles include:

retaining strategic decision‑making in‑house
defining clear success measures and reporting requirements
ensuring alignment with your organisational values and priorities
building shared understanding through regular discussion.

When approached correctly, outsourcing can strengthen your learning and development function rather than diminishing it.

What to look for in an external learning & development partner

Choosing the right provider for your organsition is critical.

When assessing outsourced L&D services, we recommend you look for:

a clear understanding of your business context, not just learning theory
evidence‑based learning design and practical delivery experience
experience working with UK organisations across multiple sectors
transparent approaches to evaluation and measurement.

A strong learning partner will challenge where needed, adapt to your organisational realities and focus on sustainable outcomes rather than short‑term delivery.

Outsourcing L&D as an extension of your team

Experience with large and small brands alike tells us the most effective learning and development outsourcing arrangements are built on partnerships.

If your organisation is navigating change in any area; from skill requirements to resourcing, from increased demand for accountability to culture and onboarding, outsourced learning and development can provide flexibility, expertise and measurable impact without you ever having to sacrifice strategic control.

If you’re exploring how to extend your learning capability with the support of an experienced UK‑based learning provider, working with the right partner can make a meaningful difference. If that partner is as invested in your success as much as you are, it could be one of the best decisions you’ll make in your career.

FAQs

Can anyone outsource their learning and development?

What does an outsourced L&D partner do?

How cost-effective is outsourcing training?

How do managed learning services work?

How would you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

No job too big or too small.

“The customer journey is as smooth as possible. They have an excellent support network and provide a professional and prompt service. I’d strongly recommend Dynamic as an excellent provider of learning management solutions.”

Michael Woodhouse

England and Wales Cricket Board

No other organisation comes close.

“My organisation requires a periodic review of competitors to ensure we are getting best value, and no other organisation comes close. Fast response, knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful.”

Neil Drury

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Over 25 years of providing outstanding learning services

When clients choose Dynamic, they tend to stay with us. That’s because we’re as invested in your long-term growth through learning as much as you are. So as well as configuring the right approach to your learning needs, we’re always on hand to provide support to help meet all of your organisation’s learning ambitions.

Talk to us about outsourcing some or all of your L&D function

Or simply get in touch if you just have more questions.

PROUD OF OUR GOOGLE REVIEWS ...

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 41 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rehana Waraich 
 10 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Overall, my experience with Dynamic LMS has been extremely positive. The platform is reliable, easy to use, and meets our organisational learning and compliance requirements very effectively. It offers excellent course management capabilities, useful reporting tools, and valuable features that support both learners and administrators. A key strength of Dynamic LMS is its customer support. The support representatives, together with the wider support team, consistently provide excellent service. Their patience, professionalism, responsiveness, and willingness to help have made a significant difference to our experience. Whether responding to general queries, assisting with system administration, investigating bugs, or providing workarounds and solutions, the support team always delivers a high standard of service. Dynamic LMS remains an excellent LMS solution that continues to meet our needs. I would highly recommend Dynamic LMS to any organisation looking for a dependable, user-friendly, and well-supported learning management system.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pete Radcliff 
 31 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've had an excellent experience working with Dynamic and would have no hesitation in recommending them to any organisation looking for high-quality digital learning solutions. From the very beginning, the team demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a genuine commitment to understanding our objectives. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, they took the time to understand our organisation, our audience, and the outcomes we wanted to achieve. Their collaborative approach made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. The quality of their work is outstanding. Every piece of digital learning they produce is engaging, visually impressive, and thoughtfully designed. It's clear that a huge amount of care goes into every detail, from the user experience and content structure to the final delivery. The end result is learning that not only looks fantastic but is genuinely effective and leaves a lasting impact. Communication throughout the project was first class. The team was responsive, approachable, and transparent at every stage, keeping us informed and welcoming feedback to ensure the finished product exceeded expectations. It was refreshing to work with a company that genuinely values collaboration and builds strong relationships with its clients. What really sets Dynamic apart is their passion for innovation. They are constantly looking for new ways to improve learning experiences and embrace emerging technologies where they add real value. Rather than following trends for the sake of it, they focus on creating meaningful solutions that deliver measurable results. It's also obvious that Dynamic has built a fantastic company culture. Their emphasis on integrity, continuous learning, teamwork, and personal development is reflected in every interaction with their staff. Everyone we dealt with was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and clearly proud of the work they produce. If you're looking for a trusted partner to create engaging, effective, and professionally designed digital learning, Dynamic is an excellent choice. Their expertise, attention to detail, creativity, and customer-focused approach make them stand out in the industry. We look forward to working with them again in the future and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for world-class eLearning and digital learning solutions.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anne-Marie Burn 
 13 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dynamic Business Services Ltd were fantastic to work with. They went above and beyond to help us create an e-learning module to train school staff on how to support young people’s mental health. Communication was excellent throughout the project. They were always responsive, happy to answer questions, and incredibly helpful in guiding us through the e-learning side of things, which was an area where we didn’t have much expertise. The final product is excellent and is now being used in schools across the country. It has even received an award from the University of Cambridge, which says a lot about the quality of the work. The team are clearly passionate about projects that help people and make a real difference. They were an absolute pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Glenn Harris 
 27 February 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We cannot speak highly enough of Dynamic Business Services and the exceptional work they did in developing our Investigation Process eLearning course. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of outstanding! What truly set Dynamic Business Services apart was their incredible patience and understanding throughout the entire project. They took the time to truly listen to our needs, asked thoughtful questions and never once made us feel rushed or pressured, even when we needed to make multiple revisions or clarify our vision. The team demonstrated remarkable professionalism and genuine care in every interaction. They were always available to address our concerns, explain technical aspects in terms we could understand and guide us through each phase of development with grace and expertise. Their patience was especially evident when we needed to adjust our requirements mid-project, they adapted seamlessly and maintained their positive can-do attitude. The final eLearning course exceeded our expectations in every way. It's engaging, user-friendly and perfectly captures the complexity of our investigation processes in an accessible format. Working with Dynamic Business Services felt like having a true partner invested in our success. Their combination of technical excellence, creative problem-solving and extraordinary patience made what could have been a stressful project into an enjoyable collaboration. We wholeheartedly recommend Dynamic Business Services to anyone seeking a reliable, patient and highly skilled eLearning development partner or even if it is just their video work. We look forward to working with them again on future projects! Thank you, Dynamic Business Services for your outstanding work and unwavering support!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Raisa Pathan 
 11 February 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from start to finish. The extensive training and support provided as a group and one to one support throughout the move to the Dynamic LMS which has continued since the launch.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chelsea Harrison 
 26 November 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Dynamic team are so professional and always assist with any queries which come to light. They always take on board any ideas which can be utilised to improve the system for the end users and provide you with updates on where they are up to. You are always kept in the loop of when there are updates that are going to be implemented and provided with a breakdown of the improvements. The team can not be faulted in any way they are amazing to work along side of.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maureen Ross 
 11 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our Cancer team in the NHS had the pleasure of working with Dynamic, and we couldn’t be more impressed. They delivered four high-quality training modules that incorporated the most up-to-date online learning techniques. From the start, they listened carefully to our requirements and tailored the content to meet our needs. The team was professional, responsive, and an absolute delight to collaborate with. Highly recommended for any organsation seeking innovative and effective training solutions.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cameo Bondy 
 4 August 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dynamic is a very cost effective LMS in comparison to others on the market. Their customer support is absolutely 5 star, they are very responsive and can support you at whatever pace you need. They are very open to finding a solution you need or a work around if you need something a little different. You can brand the LMS to match your business and create a smooth experience for the user.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ebru Tenekeci 
 1 August 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reliable and User-Friendly LMS Backed by Great Support and Excellent Performance We’ve been using Dynamic LMS for over 10 years and remain very happy with the platform. The value for money is excellent, and the customer support has always been responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to reach. The system is very easy to use, which has made it accessible for both staff and learners. Its course management features are intuitive and flexible, allowing us to tailor learning pathways effectively. We also appreciate the way it supports student and teacher interaction, helping to create a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. Importantly, the platform has been reliable with minimal bugs or issues, which gives us confidence in its long-term stability. Overall, Dynamic LMS continues to be a trusted and effective solution for our organisation. Overall, our experience with Dynamic LMS has been extremely positive. The platform has consistently met—and often exceeded—our expectations over the past 10 years. We are very satisfied with its performance, reliability, and the quality of support provided, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Heather Poxon 
 21 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the start of working with Dynamic, I have found Dan and Tom very professional, and yet accessible and friendly in their approach. They have both responded quickly to any email communication and have remained flexible where we have needed to make changes – sometimes fairly late on in the process. This has been very much appreciated and helped take any stress or concern out of our partnership. I have also appreciated the creativity and quality of the production and the way they have listened to, and heard the preferences that we have had, when it came to narrative and graphic design. They understood and were able to perfectly capture what we were looking for in a way that we (I) couldn’t have expressed. My grateful thanks for your patience and understanding. It has been a real pleasure to work with you.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jean Frew 
 16 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service with knowledgeable & professional staff. They are happy to work with us to find appropriate solutions and advise on methods of working to utilise the LMS to it's fullest capacity.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tove Tullberg 
 30 May 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm very pleased with the services provided by Dynamic. The entire project was well-organized from start to finish, and the team was incredibly accommodating throughout.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   tony bynon 
 28 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The sales and development team at Dynamic have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only have they been timely and efficient with their responses and overall delivery of the projects…it is clear that they share strong values about how they work with and support their clients.  Without exception, every meeting and interaction has been conducted with professionalism and a personal touch that makes you feel truly, valued by their business. It is no surprise to see a business that is built on these principles thriving in a very challenging market and I would fully endorse them to any business looking for a creative and effective way of driving performance. Tony Bynon. Product and Sales Training Manager. Headlam
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   timgraveney 
 19 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Representing a leading independent healthcare company with presence in the UK and the US, I have had the privilege of working with Dan Blades and the fantastic creative team at Dynamic over a number of years now. In every project they deliver results that surpass the last, and it's almost true to say that we have 6k colleagues who look forward to their annual ethics and compliance training - no mean feat. Even better is the experience of working with this happily, family-steered business - it's a superb atmosphere to be around, and the result is great team work harvesting the ideas of individuals. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone; whatever you perceive your project to be, they will take it to another level - and you'll enjoy the experience. First class. Refreshing. Different.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karl Cheek 
 17 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Dynamic on a variety of different digital learning projects over the years and continue to be impressed by their expertise, flexibility and creativity, resulting in learning solutions that are not only engaging but also highly effective. Projects were sometimes quite complex and of a technical nature, and the Dynamic team always took the time to understand and learn, demonstrating their professionalism, reliability, patience and commitment to delivering projects on time and to the highest standards. Their approach and attention to detail have significantly enhanced the quality and impact of our training initiatives. It is a privilege to collaborate with such a dedicated and proficient team, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to any organisation seeking superior eLearning solutions.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   kirsty lowery-richardson 
 25 September 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Dynamic in my role at The College of Paramedics is tremendously enjoyable. Lisa and the team are unwaveringly professional and have enabled us to create some brilliant resources for our members. With amazing vision and a really pragmatic approach, the team exude passion and innovation,  I cannot recommend them highly enough.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandra Close 
 12 June 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Dynamic has been an exceptional experience for us at the Zero Suicide Alliance. Their creativity and expertise have been invaluable in helping us develop comprehensive suicide prevention and awareness courses for a diverse range of groups. The team at Dynamic are not only highly skilled but also incredibly dedicated and passionate about the work they do. Their innovative approach and attention to detail have ensured that our training courses are both engaging and effective. We are immensely grateful for their partnership and highly recommend their services to anyone looking to create impactful educational content.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Carly Beach 
 14 May 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Dan and the Dynamics team to develop e-learning to support with learning development at the ECB. Dan and the team were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, they were efficient and catered for all of our requests. The finished product is an easy to use, accessible and interactive learning offer.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Netty Cracknell 
 2 May 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great organised company with smooth processes.  Work was of great quality, on budget and within project plan timescales.  Highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Savita Mason 
 20 March 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have worked on and completed a bespoke eLearning package with Dynamic and they have been absolutely brilliant. The communication and support has been great. Would not hesitate to recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Wakelin 
 27 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Dynamic for just over a year now, they have been creating bespoke eLearning for us. Dave who has been leading the projects has been fantastic, he is responsive, manages the time frames brilliantly, knowledgeable about e Learning and content creation, ensuring that the end user gets the best experience and comes away from the training with the key learning objectives. Thanks all, your help and support has been much appreciated, we will be back :-)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   nigel chamberlain 
 26 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent business to work with and delivered a 1st class product.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Katie Jepson 
 26 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have worked with Dynamic on two projects and they have been absolutely fantastic. They have designed and built two 2 e-learning modules and the project managers assigned to both projects have been organised, approachable and flexible throughout the whole project. Both courses have been exemplar and when we have encountered any issues, they have resolved them straight away, even extending their time working on the project to ensure it meets our accessibility standard requirements. I would recommended Dynamic to design and build e-learning modules and hope to work with them again in the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Farzana Rajabaly 
 22 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. best provider
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Gavin Heryng 
 9 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dynamic have proven to be a reliable partner is developing eLearning solutions, consistently delivering excellent services and products. Highly recommended for a professional yet friendly service.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Polymniou 
 8 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Dynamic.  Over the past year they've set up our new LMS, trained our team and worked with us to design new training.  They're friendly, flexible, customer-focussed and always quick to respond.  A pleasure to work with.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Abigail Alcock 
 6 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Dynamic are amazing, always on hand to support where needed. The communication between both parties is great, both whilst working on projects for content creation, as well as the general LMS platform provider. Happy to be a part of our longstanding partnership with Dynamic and continue to look forward to working together on bespoke content creation in the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Denney 
 6 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Dynamic team are simply brilliant!  From the very first meeting with them, right through to the finished product, as a customer you really feel listened to!  Always included through all stages of the design and build, and the quality of the finished product is something I have never seen from any other e-learning package - genuinely exceeded all of my expectations!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy S 
 6 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great team with a sharp attention to detail. Their work on bespoke content is second to none. Would highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Julian Bates 
 2 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a high quality and attentive team from start to finish. Many Thanks
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Esau 
 1 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a great believer in advocacy. However - you only achieve that through reliability and consistency. I was a customer of Dynamic for about 7 years and over the last 10 years a keen partner and supporter. Simply a great organisation, incredibly reliable who consistently deliver great work. They are super talented and massively customer centric. Delighted to recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Carl McFarlane 
 1 February 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Dynamic is brilliant, from initial concept to creation, deployment and subsequent support of some truly immersive, impactful learning resources. Huge thanks to everyone involved.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   - BnQE - 
 24 April 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Service --- will recommend anytime, anywhere to anyone !!!
  
 
 
  
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Dynamic Insights

When is the right time to outsource your L&D function?

BY MARK FEARNLEY

What does outsourcing learning and development mean today?