Louise Bennett

Knowledge, Learning & Technology Leader

Personal Profile

I am an experienced Librarian, online learning specialist, instructional technologist, product owner, and knowledge manager, with a proven track record of leadership in technology-driven education. Passionate about innovation and learning, I bring a creative, strategic mindset and a strong ability to find efficient solutions that drive results. Since 2016, I've led and empowered cross-functional teams of technologists, developers, designers, analysts, and knowledge management experts, taking ownership of the products we build and ensuring they met both user needs and organisational goals. Always eager to learn and explore new approaches, I thrive in dynamic environments and am committed to continuous improvement.

Skills Profile

I'm a jack-of-all-trades with skills that range from technical to analytical, and creative to managerial. Some highlights:

Technical:

  • HTML, CSS, SQL, some PHP and JS
  • Installation and maintenance of web platforms such as Drupal, Wordpress, Mediawiki, Koha, and others
  • Extensive experience with Moodle (installation, maintenance, administration and development)
  • Extensive experience with e-learning development tools such as Adapt, H5P, and Rise
  • Intermediate Linux server administration
  • General computing skills to a high level (Windows, OSX, Linux)
  • Strong Sharepoint administration skills

Soft:

  • Well-read and exceptionally literate, with highly developed writing skills and a strong grasp of grammar and cohesive writing structure.
  • Strong communication, presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills, including data analysis and evaluation.
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner.
  • Able to multitask and juggle competing deadlines.
  • Self-motivated, and able to learn and adapt quickly.
  • Exceptionally good at problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking.
  • Strong leadership skills, with experience managing large distributed teams.

Employment Highlights

Director of Knowledge & Learning - Internews (2022 - present)

  • Directed internal knowledge management and learning initiatives across an international non-profit, ensuring seamless integration of systems and processes in order to enable effective cross-organizational sharing and learning.
  • Managed and optimised three core systems: a SharePoint-based Intranet, a Learning Management System (LMS), and a database for collecting and reporting on monitoring and evaluation insights; in all cases, drove adoption and operational efficiency.
  • Spearheaded the development of project management frameworks, process improvements and strategic communication and implementation plans, aligning with organizational goals.
  • Led procurement and implementation efforts for the new LMS, including needs assessment, requirements gathering, and change management, ensuring smooth organizational transition and engagement.
  • Oversaw the launch of multiple major initiatives, including: consultation processes, the development of an organisational taxonomy, a full Intranet redesign including implementation of a design system, significant task automation, and the creation of strategic roadmaps.
  • Led the planning and execution of an annual global virtual conference, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing logistics, and overseeing the development of content, workflows, and technical features, resulting in seamless delivery of events and exceptionally high attendee satisfaction.
  • Managed and mentored a small, high-performing international team of specialists.

Head of Digital Learning & Knowledge Systems - South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust / South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust (2021 - 2022)

  • Led library services, online learning, and learning platforms across two distinct NHS Trusts, ensuring the effective integration and delivery of training and development initiatives for all staff.
  • Managed end-to-end processes for library and digital learning functions, including procurement, administration, system implementation, user training, and ongoing support.
  • Collaborated with senior leadership to drive a shared vision for staff training and development, overseeing a full lifecycle of learning products— from concept through delivery and post-implementation review.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans, aligning with organisational goals and ensuring continuous improvement.
  • Represented the department at senior leadership meetings and external forums, advocating for the value and impact of learning and development across the Trusts.
  • Managed departmental budgets, strategic vision, and performing reporting, ensuring alignment with Trust-wide objectives and compliance with NHS standards.

Instructional Technology Manager - King's Online, King's College London (2016 - 2022)

  • Led on technology and innovation within a high-performing online learning team, overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge design and development solutions for global online education.
  • Managed and grew a cross-functional team of developers, designers, technologists and managers, expanding from 3 to 14 members over four years, while fostering a collaborative and high-impact work environment.
  • Served as product owner for technical developments, guiding the roadmap and ensuring seamless collaboration between UX and dev teams in order to deliver innovative and user-centered online learning products.
  • Championed team development through mentorship and training, helping individuals acquire essential skills and progress into more senior roles.
  • Spearheaded the adoption of new open source tools, notably overseeing the creation of the King's Online Design System to standardise and enhance digital learning experiences.
  • Delivered pedagogically sound online learning products for postgraduate students globally, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality and alignment with academic goals.
  • Launched and led a game-based learning team to produce interactive short-form educational games, enriching student engagement and enhancing learning outcomes.
  • Represented the department at high-profile internal meetings, university-wide forums, and external conferences, promoting the team's work and advancing the online learning initiatives of the university.

eLearning Curriculum Developer (Team Leader) - BCA National Training Group (2014 - 2016)

  • Project managed, designed, configured and launched the company's Moodle platform.
  • Project managed scoping exercise for the selection of a document management system.
  • Administered the Linux server used to host Moodle; also administered the Moodle installation and other systems linked in to it.
  • Developed and edited written content for spelling, grammar, punctuation, flow and suitability for online format.
  • Redeveloped face-to-face content to be suitable for online delivery using Moodle, Storyline, and other tools.
  • Worked closely with external stakeholders and partners to configure systems.
  • Supported staff, students and trainers in use of the system, as well as in content and administration of their studies.
  • Managed competing priorities and assigned tasks to eLearning team accordingly.

Curtin University

Graduate Certificate (Internet Communications) 2014

Charles Sturt University

Master of Applied Science (Library and Information Management) 2009

Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Science) 2006

Moodle, Enhanced: Designing and developing Moodle for fully online programmes

Moodlemoot UK & Ireland, September 2020

Building Games for Postgraduate Online Education, Internally: Some Lessons

Serious Play Conference, June 2020