FOI_25-259 E Learning platforms
Date of response: 12 September 2025
We have now considered your request of 20 August 2025 for the following information:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting information relating to the University’s use of learning technologies and platforms for delivering education and supporting learners.
Please provide the following:
Question 1. Current Learning Management System (LMS/VLE) a. What Learning Management System(s) (LMS/VLE) or e-learning platform(s) are currently in use?
Our response:
LearnUpon and Blackboard.
b. If Moodle or Totara is in use, which version is implemented?
Our response:
Not applicable.
c. What are the primary use cases for your LMS/VLE (e.g. undergraduate teaching, apprenticeships, compliance, CPD)?
Our response:
LearnUpon - Compliance.
Blackboard - Undergraduate and post graduate teaching and learning.
d. Approximately how many active users (students and staff combined) accessed the LMS/VLE in the most recent academic year?
Our response:
LearnUpon - 4,500
Blackboard - 20,000
Question 2. LMS/VLE Hosting and Deployment
a. Is your LMS/VLE hosted on-premise, in a private cloud, or delivered via a SaaS model?
Our response:
LearnUpon – SaaS
Blackboard - SaaS
b. Is the platform supported internally, or do you use an external support/implementation partner? If external, please name the provider.
Our response:
LearnUpon - Marshalls eLearning as part of CIPHR.
Blackboard – Internally by University staff.
Question 3. Procurement and Governance
a. What are the current contractual arrangements for the LMS/VLE (e.g. contract start and end dates, and any optional extension periods)?
Our response:
LearnUpon – December 2025 to December 2026.
Blackboard - 01 August 2023 to 31 July 2027 (option to extend for further 24 months).
b. Through which procurement framework or method was the LMS/VLE acquired (e.g. G-Cloud, open tender, direct award)?
Our response:
LearnUpon- Procured on an annually renewed basis below the relevant thresholds for a formal procurement framework activity (tender/direct award etc).
Blackboard - NHS SBS Digital Workspace Solutions Framework.
c. Which department or team holds responsibility for the LMS/VLE and digital learning strategy?
Our response:
LearnUpon - People and Culture Division - Organisational Development.
Blackboard - Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning (CTEL) (Blackboard).
Question 4. Planned Reviews or Changes
a. Are there any scheduled or upcoming reviews, tenders, or procurement activities related to learning platforms or digital learning systems within the next 24 months?
Our response:
None planned.
Question 5. Integrations and Strategic Objectives a. Is your LMS/VLE currently integrated with other systems (e.g. HR systems, CRM, student records)? If so, please list these.
Our response:
LearnUpon – Yes. HR System (Resourcelink)
Blackboard – Yes. Student records, HR systems, Lecture capture systems, reading list system, media streaming system, similarity matching system, assessment systems, portfolio system.
b. Is the LMS/VLE linked to any institutional strategies relating to learner engagement, digital transformation, compliance reporting, or skills development?
Our response:
LearnUpon – Compliance.
Blackboard – No.