Llarn was founded in 2020 by Andrew Jacobs. A recognised leader in learning, Andrew is known for his innovative thinking about learning, training and technology.
Andrew has significant experience in a range of roles across learning, training and people development. Following stints as a children’s entertainer and then a butcher (!), Andrew started in training roles in the banking industry. He followed that in competency and assessment with the London Fire Brigade. A return to the private sector as a Learning and Development manager in retail was next, before Andrew moved into the public sector in 2009 in first local government, and more lately, in central government.
Andrew has experience across the whole learning arena and is a regular speaker at Learning and Development conferences and events. He also contributes to trade publications – e.g. Training Journal and People Management magazine – and across websites and podcasts in the UK and overseas. As well as being asked to work as a judge for learning awards, he regularly provides op-ed pieces for the CIPD and the LPI in the UK, and for international groups and podcasts.
He was recognised for his innovative work in informal learning when he was awarded the Jay Cross Memorial prize in 2020.
In 2021, he was part of the team that was highly commended by the CIPD at the People Management Awards. He was part of the team that won the Gold award at the 2022 Learning Awards for his work with Capita and the DHSC, and individually won the Bronze award for Learning Professional of the year at the same event.
Llarn produces the Women Talking About Learning podcast. Listened to in over 46 countries worldwide, it’s the only podcast that is exclusively for women to talk about learning.
Andrew blogs on a daily basis at lostanddesperate.com.