Compliance training can feel like just another checkbox for small businesses. However, with regulations like GDPR, AML, Fraud, Harassment, and Health & Safety tightening every year, it's no longer optional. Companies in regulated sectors like financial services are even more exposed. They can get fined and sanctioned by regulators for the lack of such training even if they haven't breached any law or regulation.
The challenge? Most compliance training platforms are designed for large companies and are often too expensive and complex for smaller ones. You must choose carefully to avoid overwhelming yourself, your team or your budget. With limited time and compliance resource, how do you make the right call? Here are the key criteria to help you make the right choice.
See our full comparison of the top UK small business compliance training platforms
- Relevant Content: The course list should match the risks and responsibilities your employees face. Certain regulations, eg Anti-Bribery, AML, Fraud, GDPR, Harassment, and Health & Safety, apply to all companies. However, look for additional training to cover the key regulations for your industry sector, e.g., the FCA Handbook, if you are in the financial services business.
- Easy Setup & Instant Access: You shouldn’t need an IT team or spend hours on onboarding calls. The best platforms for small companies let you start assigning training within minutes.
- User-Friendly: The platform should have an intuitive dashboard for admins and simple navigation for your employees. They shouldn't have to read user manuals to access e-learning.
- User Management: Some platforms provide the functionality to assign mandatory training, automated chase ups and user dashboards.
- Clear and Exportable Reporting - You need to prove compliance during audits or inspections. Look for automated tracking, downloadable reports, and reminders for overdue training.
- Affordable: Many platforms are priced for enterprises that need sophisticated features, customisability, etc. As a small business, you are unlikely to use such features. So, don't overspend on them.
- Clear Reporting: Can you easily prove who has completed what? Look for downloadable reports, training reminders, and audit-ready records.
- Data Security: Your employee data should be stored in the UK or the EU. To ensure that it's stored securely, check for SOC 2, ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
- All-in-one Solution: One headache you don't want is systems integration. Larger companies often opt for multiple, best-of-breed vendors that can be integrated. However, this can be complex and sap the resources of small businesses. You must choose a solution that offers all the courseware, functionality, certificates etc.
- Certifications & accreditations - Look for CPD-certified courses or endorsements from bodies like RoSPA, which signal quality and credibility.
- Future proofing – Look for a platform that is evolving and keeping up with innovations like AI to save you from having to change the platform because It becomes obsolete.
Where many platforms fall short:
- Poor training quality - inadequate or unengaging
- Complicated dashboards or limited reporting
- Hidden costs for basic features like certifications or support
- Designed for enterprise rollouts - not small business realities
Compliance training doesn’t have to be complicated - but it does need to be right. Choosing a platform that fits your business now is one of the critical operational decisions for your business. Check out our detailed side-by-side comparison of the leading platforms available for small businesses, including CoreCompliance by Skillcast.
If you're looking for fast, effective training with instant setup, CoreCompliance is a strong choice. It is built specifically for small UK businesses and includes all business essentials courses like GDPR and AML. It uniquely comes with an AI assistant, Aida, who answers real-time staff compliance questions. Try it out for yourself with no obligation to purchase.
Written by: Robert Glynn
Robert Glynn is a Compliance Solutions Manager at Skillcast. He specialises in helping organisations navigate their unique compliance challenges with tailored digital solutions. Robert also specialises in how data, training, and innovation can deliver insights that foster a culture of compliance and prevention. He currently leads Skillcast's CoreCompliance Solution, where he works with small businesses to enhance their compliance training.
