The Learning & Development Podcast Taking the Pain Out of Compliance with Nick Taylor
For many L&D teams, compliance training is a necessary burden—dominated by tick-box exercises, clunky e-learning, and endless chasing. But it doesn’t have to be this way - even in highly regulated industries! In this episode, Nick Taylor, Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, shares how his team has reimagined compliance as a practical, performance-oriented part of everyday work.
Drawing on his experience transitioning from less regulated sectors into one where compliance is non-negotiable, Nick explores how to balance regulatory demands with business needs and employee experience. He explains how his team integrates compliance into role-based learning, navigates multiple stakeholder voices, and uses collaborative learning principles to target risk in the flow of work.
Nick also shares how his team has tackled the operational pain points of compliance - through automation, shared accountability, and a clear mindset shift that has transformed how the L&D function works.
For L&D professionals tired of compliance being a drag on time, creativity, and credibility, this episode offers a smarter, more human approach to getting it right.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Get compliance, processes, systems, and learning foundations right before tackling advanced initiatives.
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Clearly define compliance courses, their validity, who needs them and when in their work journey.
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Effective compliance training requires balancing the needs of legal, compliance, line managers, and end users.
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Scenario-based compliance training with actors and short, relevant talks are effective. Engage emotions.
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Automate and train your L&D team in basic data analysis.
BEST MOMENTS
“The consequences of us not doing this right ... could be as severe as somebody losing their life.”
“Training really is only such a small percentage of the impact of behaviour.”
“Good data in, good data out - is the powerhouse.”
Nick Taylor Bio
Nick Taylor is an experienced Learning and Development leader with a strong track record of building high-impact L&D functions across diverse industries. He is currently Head of Learning at Ishida Europe, a global manufacturer operating in a tightly regulated environment, where he leads efforts to integrate compliance and capability development into day-to-day performance.
Before joining Ishida, Nick held senior L&D roles at organisations including Howsy, Wagamama and Pizza Hut. This broad sector experience - from hospitality to manufacturing - has shaped his pragmatic, people-first approach to learning, where business relevance and learner experience go hand in hand.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523
L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home
ABOUT THE HOST
David James
David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.
As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D.
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