Our benchmarking survey aims to investigate these themes year-on-year to help shape, guide and inform our learning content and our technology and product initiatives. We analyse the benchmarking results with comparison to last year to identify trends.
Future of compliance survey highlights
Our benchmarking survey asked 15 questions across key themes of innovation, data-led regulation, culture and cost management, aiming to provide insight into how these areas impact the future of compliance. Here are some highlights from our respondents:
- 57% don't use AI tools to support control measures, down 10% from 2024
- Email remains the popular tool for staff reporting
- 81% use Excel spreadsheets to collate compliance data, up 10% from 2024
- Technology in compliance processes is still mainly used for staff training
1. Innovation
With technological advancements and change persisting at an unyielding pace, the focus lies in comprehending how organisations navigate innovation and effectively handle change. This can be achieved by utilising various learning methodologies and other approaches.
The results in this section of the survey are quite consistent with last year which illustrates that firms are continuing to navigate how to best leverage innovation in compliance. An indicator of this is the significant reduction in no formal evaluation of the compliance learning business impact.
Compliance training continues to stand out as a method of reinforcing ethics in businesses. The survey also highlights continuous learning as a key way of enhancing the training experience. This is an indicator of the increased need for timely and flexible learning solutions, such as learning at the point of need.
2. Data-led regulation
Looking at the data-led regulation section of our survey, it is evident that there is a greater demand for better-quality data. This is indicative of change around reporting capabilities, with responses suggesting that improved data quality leads to improved monitoring and controls as well as better board reporting.
The survey suggests continued widespread use of Excel spreadsheets as a tool to collate compliance data. The use of paper-based forms has also doubled year-on-year. These trends are concerning as such tools hold significant challenges to governance, risk and compliance (GRC).
3. Value for money
The survey considers cost perception, cost justification and compliance obstacles. This section of the survey indicates that the cost of compliance is often justified as a part of doing business that avoids fines and reputational loss.
As valuable as it is to consider the negative consequences, it's important to consider that this can have an adverse impact on culture. Prioritising company risks and consequences can lead to adverse behaviour from staff, such as not speaking up against the company if the need arises.
4. Culture, conduct & ethics
We assessed the role of leadership and commitment in promoting a strong compliance culture within an organisation. This section of the survey considered how frequently the board communicates the importance of culture and values, compliance reporting channels and training improvements.
While there is evidence of clear, consistent leadership messaging, the results also indicate missed opportunities. The stakeholders most actively involved in championing compliance are those in compliance teams. Email remains the main channel for staff to communicate concerns.
There is a growing demand for confidential reporting options, with evidence of online reporting and anonymous hotline availability. This data emphasises the need for a hybrid approach in future compliance training programmes, combining both digital and traditional reporting.
Tools for the future of compliance
Our survey highlighted key issues facing companies, including the need for timely and flexible learning solutions, as well as solutions that consolidate data and automate processes.
We believe the future of compliance is in custom-designed integrated record-keeping tools. This is why we have designed an integrated solution, Skillcast Premium, which allows all records to be held in one place, addressing our clients' needs and guarding against red flags.
AI Tutor
The survey indicates the need for automation with an increased adoption of AI. We have introduced Aida, our AI-powered digital assistant, which simplifies compliance. Our AI tutor connects rules and regulations to staff's specific roles and daily tasks, making e-learning courses more engaging and personalised.
Enhanced Learning
Enhanced learning is a suite of dynamic features - including our AI Tutor, Aida - designed to enhance your e-learning programme and save you time and money through automation. Our training solutions adapt to diverse employee needs using methods such as microlearning, adaptive learning, and role-specific training.
Company Policies
Policies establish the values, behaviours, and ethics that define your culture and set a recognisable benchmark for you to hold your workforce accountable. This is an integral part of an innovative approach to compliance, using a central hub where all policies live and can be accessed with ease.
Microlearning
Our Compliance Bites library offers an innovative approach to learning by giving staff the opportunity to engage with a topic as and when it is needed. This improves knowledge retention and allows for a faster response to emerging compliance issues.
Staff Declarations
Using email or paper-based declarations processes is slow, inefficient and creates unnecessary duplication. Not to mention, making sure that they are completed on time is an ongoing headache.
Employee Surveys
If you are setting a strategy for innovative staff learning without capturing unbiased employee feedback, your compliance programme is effectively flying blind. It is important to assess the level of staff engagement and the effectiveness of compliance programme
Compliance Registers
Maintaining registers is a key aspect of compliance. Having the ability to track and approve register entries in a timely and consistent manner saves resources and improves efficiency.
Looking for more compliance insights?
We have created a series of comprehensive roadmaps to help you navigate the compliance landscape, supported by e-learning in our Essentials Library.
We also have 100+ free compliance training aids, including assessments, best practice guides, checklists, desk aids, eBooks, games, posters, training presentations and even e-learning modules!
