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SkillGate Limited

SkillGate Online Courses (XST)

XST allows SkillGate’s Infinity range of courses to be used on any SCORM compliant LMS.

Courses include practically every subject required for professional development with online courses in mandatory and self-development subjects.

Using SmartAuthor, courses can be edited or linked to create unique learning paths.

Features

  • Approximately 1,000 online courses in core subjects.
  • Courses previewed on the web before uploading.
  • Simple upload/installation process.
  • SmartAuthor supports programme editing and authoring .
  • Tutor support/marking of assignments for Certificate awards.

Benefits

  • A 'one stop shop' for professional development online courses.
  • A simple upload puts our courses on your LMS.
  • Tailor learning objects to create your own learning courses.

Pricing

£5 to £10 a licence a year

  • Free trial available

Service documents

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at James.page@skillgate.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 13

Service ID

7 2 2 8 5 9 5 5 4 0 2 0 7 0 3

Contact

SkillGate Limited James Page
Telephone: 01730815670
Email: James.page@skillgate.com

Service scope

Software add-on or extension
No
Cloud deployment model
Public cloud
Service constraints
None
System requirements
Modern browser

User support

Email or online ticketing support
Email or online ticketing
Support response times
1 working day
User can manage status and priority of support tickets
Yes
Online ticketing support accessibility
WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
Phone support
Yes
Phone support availability
9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
Web chat support
No
Onsite support
No
Support levels
Please refer to SkillGate's full service level agreement, but in summary SkillGate offers four levels of service subject to different pricing, which depends on the number of users and the products in use.

Bronze - Level 1. This is the basic level and covers system maintenance and errors; essential training for administrators; and assisting administrators adding and remove users from the system.

Silver - Level 2. As per Bronze plus full service support for administrators via telephone and work order system.

Gold - Level 3. As per Silver plus telephone based help service for Users.

Content. Support for content development and management.
Support available to third parties
Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

Getting started
SkillGate has delivered learning management systems to hundreds of organisations over the last 20 years, and as such have developed a tried-and-tested approach to a smooth implementation.

Communication between the client and their dedicated SkillGate account manager is key to a successful implementation and as such is at the forefront of our approach. Regular conversations to discuss progress and configuration decisions are essential and would be scheduled.

Another key element is user acceptance testing (UAT), providing the client with an environment where they can familiarise themselves with the system and ensure that the system serves its purpose in a real-world scenario.

A typical SkillGate implementation plan consists of three branches:
1. System Setup
2. Testing and Training
3. Launch

SkillGate begins the process with an introductory conversation with your account manager who then provides a checklist outlining the optional elements of the SkillGate LMS, which your account manager will go through with you.
Service documentation
Yes
Documentation formats
  • HTML
  • PDF
End-of-contract data extraction
Data would typically be transferred as an encrypted data file. SkillGate will hold client data for as long as the migration phase requires. SkillGate handles all client data in accordance with its data protection policies.

The SkillGate LMS can export data reports in CSV format. There is an exhaustive selection of reports that can be created to give comprehensive export data.

Manual Export
The administrator can log into the system and following the links into
“Activity Reports” can select the type of report required, then specify both the date range and the data that is needed in the final CSV. The report settings can be saved for future use and either an html or CSV report is generated.

Automated Export
The same steps are taken for the automated report but at the end of the
process is the option of how often the report is to be generated and where it will be stored for the user to recover when required. Options to generate
and save the CSV are as follows

1. Generate as a unique URL for simple web access
2. Store on the SkillGate SFTP server for retrieval
3. Transfer over to the customers own SFTP server.
End-of-contract process
SkillGate offers full support with migration to facilitate contract exit at no additional charge.

Data would typically be transferred as an encrypted data file. SkillGate will hold client data for as long as the migration phase requires. SkillGate handles all client data in accordance with it’s data protection policies.

SkillGate will save personal data for as long as required by the Data Controller subject to duration specified in the contract. Without specific instructions, data is held for a minimum of five years after the User is archived on the system.

Permanent deletion may be completed after that time, or at any time, on instruction from the Data Controller.

The designated account manager would be the responsible person for all aspects of the migration from SkillGate.

Using the service

Web browser interface
Yes
Supported browsers
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Opera
Application to install
No
Designed for use on mobile devices
Yes
Differences between the mobile and desktop service
There is an app for Android and Apple devices, but the service will work with a mobile browser, the service will reformat for the mobile device screen, but the functionality of the service is the same.
Service interface
No
User support accessibility
WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
API
No
Customisation available
Yes
Description of customisation
The service can be branded to the clients requirements (subject to review), this includes the look and feel, branded courses, custom URLs and email addresses. Customisation is discussed as part of the service purchasing process and carried out by SkillGate.

Scaling

Independence of resources
We use system monitoring and capacity planning along with data segregation to ensure users are not impacted by the action of others on the service.

Analytics

Service usage metrics
Yes
Metrics types
SkillGate includes a suite of reporting functions covering User activity; intelligence gathered; and administration activity logs. Reports can be saved and distributed. Reports are typically provided in online dashboard formats and in HTML, CSV and Excel formats for download.
Reporting types
Real-time dashboards

Resellers

Supplier type
Not a reseller

Staff security

Staff security clearance
Other security clearance
Government security clearance
None

Asset protection

Knowledge of data storage and processing locations
Yes
Data storage and processing locations
United Kingdom
User control over data storage and processing locations
No
Datacentre security standards
Managed by a third party
Penetration testing frequency
At least once a year
Penetration testing approach
Another external penetration testing organisation
Protecting data at rest
Physical access control, complying with another standard
Data sanitisation process
Yes
Data sanitisation type
Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
Equipment disposal approach
A third-party destruction service

Data importing and exporting

Data export approach
The SkillGate LMS can export data reports in CSV format for interpretation by external systems such as HR or Reporting tools. From the Activity Reports option there is an exhaustive selection of reports that can be created to give comprehensive export data. Currently there are 2 methods to retrieving this data; manual or automated.
Data export formats
CSV
Data import formats
CSV

Data-in-transit protection

Data protection between buyer and supplier networks
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
Data protection within supplier network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Other
Other protection within supplier network
IP Address whitelisting

Availability and resilience

Guaranteed availability
SKILLGATE aims to ensure that the System is available to Users for at least 99% of the Business Hours, aggregated over any calendar month. Refunds for failure to attain this level are subject to agreement on performance targets which may vary and can be subject to client specification.
Approach to resilience
Available on request
Outage reporting
The primary method for communicating outages is that the client account managers will email or phone the list of emergency contacts that are held on file. Other methods that are available, include:

A Public Dashboard, Email/Phone Communication, Alert email subscription

Identity and authentication

User authentication needed
Yes
User authentication
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password
Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels
Clients have the ability to manage their own service, this is controlled via user rights and user access control systems. SkillGate staff have separate accounts for system management and support, that they do for normal line of business work. There is an established process for enabling staff management access to any client service and minimum rights approach is taken, along with dual authorisation and regular reviews.
Access restriction testing frequency
At least once a year
Management access authentication
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Username or password

Audit information for users

Access to user activity audit information
Users contact the support team to get audit information
How long user audit data is stored for
At least 12 months
Access to supplier activity audit information
Users contact the support team to get audit information
How long supplier audit data is stored for
At least 12 months
How long system logs are stored for
At least 12 months

Standards and certifications

ISO/IEC 27001 certification
Yes
Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001
QAS International
ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date
15/04/2022
What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover
Anything that is excluded from our statement of applicability version 1.4, dated 29/3/22
ISO 28000:2007 certification
No
CSA STAR certification
No
PCI certification
No
Cyber essentials
Yes
Cyber essentials plus
No
Other security certifications
No

Security governance

Named board-level person responsible for service security
Yes
Security governance certified
Yes
Security governance standards
  • ISO/IEC 27001
  • Other
Other security governance standards
Cyber Essentials
Information security policies and processes
Supplier Security Policy, Mobile Computing Policy, Acceptable Use of Assets Policy, Clear desk and clear screen policy, Password Security policy, Data protection Policy, Secure Systems Engineering Principles, Change Management Policy, Access Control Policy, Physical Security Policy, Business Continuity Policy, Backup and Restore Policy, Software development policy, and Patch Management Policy. Each policy details responsibilities and reporting procedure for non compliance. There is an internal audit procedure that is followed to ensure that the policies are being followed, along with an external audit to ensure compliant with ISO 27001

Operational security

Configuration and change management standard
Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
Configuration and change management approach
A Director is responsible for the authorisation of changes. A changes impact is risk assessed. Any changes are planned, reviewed and carried out in a manner that would not present a security failure and all concerned personnel should be informed of the nature of the change. Version control logs are maintained. A recovery process is developed and approved to be used in the event of change failure. Where possible the environment for the change should be isolated from day to day operating systems. Where version upgrades through patches or software changes are involved, they are be fully tested before release.
Vulnerability management type
Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
Vulnerability management approach
Any new threats or vulnerabilities that are identified or SkillGate are alerted to, go through a risk assessment process. During this process, the risk to the solution is discussed and assed by the risk assessment team. Dependant upon the risk to the solution a priority is assigned and depending on this, a solution to minimise or remove the risk is worked upon. Once the solution is complete it goes through a testing and change control process before being implemented into the live system. A number of sources for security and threat intelligence, including updates from vendors and 3rd party suppliers.
Protective monitoring type
Conforms to a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v3.0 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
Protective monitoring approach
SkillGate uses specialist software and it’s own developed systems to carry out analysis and reporting on malicious activity. Our hosting provider also monitors for malicious activity and alerts SkilGate of any identified possible activity. Once a potential compromise is identified, it is assessed and classified and responded to accordingly.
Incident management type
Conforms to a recognised standard, for example, CSA CCM v3.0 or ISO/IEC 27035:2011 or SSAE-16 / ISAE 3402
Incident management approach
As part of our ISO 27001:2013 documentation there is an Incident Management procedure that all staff are required to read.
All users of the information services are required to note and report any observed or suspected security weakness in systems or services. Reporting should be to the Information Security Management Representative as quickly as possible, then awaiting a management decision on appropriate action.
An Incident log is maintained for all incidents and detailed report for an incident is produced

Secure development

Approach to secure software development best practice
Conforms to a recognised standard, but self-assessed

Public sector networks

Connection to public sector networks
No

Social Value

Tackling economic inequality

Tackling economic inequality

SkillGate has created a library of tailored training modules, designed to help support individuals in their day-to-day lives, with topics ranging from interview skills and CV writing to managing a household budget and coping with stress. The Next Steps course library is intended to provide the type of skills development that is often overlooked by society. The library is supported by a SmartFeed that delivers microlearning bites on a weekly basis by email on varied topics. SkillGate offers significant reductions and pro bono offerings on this package subject to specification, in order to contribute social value.
Wellbeing

Wellbeing

SkillGate's Wellbeing course library contains a wide range of resources to improve personal wellbeing. Some examples of course titles:

Achieving Work Life Balance
Are you feeling SAD?
Beat the Common Forms of Stress
Being Aware of your Unconscious Bias
Change Bad Habits to Become Happier
Coping with Isolation
Counting Sheep - How to Get a Great Night's Sleep
Deskercises for Wellbeing
Develop the High Self Esteem Habit
Do You Want to Transform Your Leadership Capability?
Feeling Stressed? Try Mindfulness
Five Ingredients for a Flourishing Life
Getting Rid of Stress!
Relax - How to Switch Off After Work
Remove Stress - Focus and Centre Yourself
Reward Yourself with a Digital Detox
The Art of Being Patient
The Power of Positive Reframing
Think Differently - The Reframing Matrix
Wellbeing – The Science of Happiness

Pricing

Price
£5 to £10 a licence a year
Discount for educational organisations
No
Free trial available
Yes
Description of free trial
It is normal for us to set up demonstration systems to allow interested organisations to examine the main features of the system in their own time, or with our account managers in support.

Service documents

Request an accessible format
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at James.page@skillgate.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.