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How Student Cribs moved from outdated systems to modern, mobile-first learning

Student Cribs transformed their time-consuming, multi-platform training approach into an efficient, all-in-one solution that employees can complete anywhere, anytime.

Statistics Boxes
90%
Reduction in Training
Time Per Session
3-in-1
Platforms Consolidated
into One Solution
100%
Mobile-Accessible
Training Anytime, Anywhere

The Challenge: Outdated Systems Were Draining Resources and Time

When Student Cribs' Compliance Manager evaluated their training approach, they uncovered a significant efficiency problem: their clunky e-learning system was consuming enormous amounts of time for both administrators and employees.
"Previously it was all done via e-learning through another web portal, and it was very time consuming," explains Peta Smallman, Compliance Manager at Student Cribs. "One training session could take an hour and a half, which is very time consuming to take a maintenance operative out of doing their daily job to sit down and do training."
The administrative burden was equally problematic. Peta had to manually check each individual profile to see who had passed which courses. "You'd have to go into each individual profile and see where they're at, and then store that data into an Excel spreadsheet." There was no collective reporting—everything required tedious manual tracking.
Student Cribs was also juggling two to three separate platforms for financial, cyber, and legal compliance. Employees couldn't access training on their phones, forcing them to dedicate entire days—sometimes two—to complete annual training requirements. The chasing was relentless, involving end users, line managers, and scheduling desk space.
The old system featured 40-minute PowerPoint presentations with questions at the end that employees couldn't remember. This fragmented approach was preventing efficient compliance management whilst failing to deliver an engaging learning experience. Something had to change.

 
Industry
Property Management / Student Accommodation
 
No. of employees
150 - 200
 
Location
London, UK
 
About: Student Cribs is the leading provider of second and third year student accommodation in the UK, operating in 25 university cities and towns. Founded in 2003 by Charlie Vaughan-Lee, the company has grown from 3 properties in Bristol to managing thousands of beds annually. Student Cribs acquires, refurbishes, lets and manages stylish contemporary houses and apartments with modern facilities. Headquartered in London's West End, the company is supported by a professional team specialising in investment, development, portfolio management, and maintenance, providing accommodation with no fees or deposits and all bills included.
Student Cribs Case Study - Training Transformation

From 90 Minutes to Just Minutes

How Student Cribs Eliminated Outdated Systems and Transformed Compliance Training

The Transformation: Modern, Mobile-First Learning

BEFORE
90-minute training sessions taking employees off the job for entire days
💻 Desktop-only access through clunky e-learning portal
📋 Manual data tracking - checking each profile individually for completion
🔄 2-3 separate platforms for financial, cyber, and legal compliance
😴 40-minute PowerPoint presentations with questions at the end nobody remembered
AFTER
Bite-sized training completed in just a few minutes
📱 Mobile-accessible anywhere - on the train, tube, or at home
📊 One-click reporting - instant visibility on completion status
🎯 All compliance types unified in one platform
Integrated quizzes keeping content fresh in employees' minds

Why It Works: Engagement Through Accessibility

📱 Learn on the Go

Employees can complete training anywhere, anytime - whether on their commute, during breaks, or at home. No need to be pulled away from their daily work.

⚡ Bite-Sized & Engaging

Short, focused sessions that employees actually want to complete. The feedback: "Everyone is more engaged because it's only a few minutes. It's fun and friendly now."

🎯 All-in-One Platform

Consolidated financial, cyber, and legal compliance into one streamlined solution. Everything accessible at the touch of a button.

📊 Automated Admin

No more manual tracking or endless chasing. The background work has lessened significantly with automated reminders and instant reporting.

Testimonial Quote
"
Previously we had to have two to three other types of platforms for full compliance. Now we're in one platform. It's bite-size, it's more manageable, and it's just everything at the touch of a button. The background work has lessened significantly.
"
Peta Smallman
Peta Smallman
Compliance Manager, Student Cribs
CTA Section - Student Cribs Training

Ready to Streamline Your Compliance Training Like Student Cribs?

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