The evolution of the L&D maturity benchmark

In 2003 Laura Overton researched and authored the ground breaking Linking learning to business report that was launched at the Learning Technologies show in 2004. This study, now in its 21st year is known as the Learning Performance Benchmark run by Mind Tools for Business.

Laura has always been interested in how learning innovation impacts business and in learning changemakers who lean into new opportunities for equipping and enabling others.

What follows is an at a glance history of the first 15 years of the benchmark study originally established through the leadership of Laura Overton.

Following the first report, Laura continued the study from 2004 to 2008 as e-learning champion for the UK government’s Sector Skills Council. Working with Dr Genny Dixon, a precedent was established – researching with the wider community involved in workplace learning for the community.

In 2008 Laura was given permission to continue the study independently of the UK government. Towards Maturity – a not for profit community interest company – was established to continue the research programme which she went on to lead for the next 11 years, publishing the annual Towards Maturity Benchmark where each participant received their own report to track and monitor progress.

During this time over 10,000 practitioners and 50,000 workers took part in Towards Maturity Studies and the programme became an ongoing dialogue with a community that worked together – suppliers, practitioners, experts and forward thinkers around the globe to surface and share effective practices.

These studies were referenced around the globe and strategic partners such as the CIPD helped the Towards Maturity team dig deeper – turning data into insights and insights into action.

The global research was not possible without the input of Dr Genny Dixon, Howard Hills, Dr Gent Ahmetaj and, in the last 2 years, Jane Daly. These individuals were part of the core team working with Laura to analyse and interpret the data over that time.

The Learning Performance Benchmark study now continues under the expert and watchful eye and innovation of Dr Gent Ahmetaj and Dr Anna Barnet at Mind Tools for Business.

Whilst the name shifted from the Towards Maturity Benchmark to the Learning Performance Benchmark in 2019, the principles of excellent practice established over 20 years endure. L&D leaders around the globe can still take part in the Learning Performance Benchmark today here for free.

But for those interested in the history and insights that emerged over the first 15 years – here is a quick overview of some of the most influential reports that were shared under the leadership of Laura Overton from 2003 to 2019.