L&D Strategy Checklist for 2026 – Are You Really Ready?

As we move into 2026, Learning and Development leaders face a familiar challenge. The pace of change continues to accelerate, while expectations around impact, efficiency, and alignment with business goals grow sharper.

Digital transformation, AI-enabled learning, evolving workforce demographics, and increased cost scrutiny are no longer emerging trends. They are operational realities. Yet many organisations are still running L&D strategies designed for a very different context.

Before investing in new platforms, programmes, or providers, it is worth stepping back and asking a more fundamental question.

Is your L&D strategy genuinely fit for 2026?

This practical checklist is designed to help senior L&D and HR leaders test their current approach and identify where strategic adjustments may be needed

The 2026 L&D Strategy Checklist

  1. Is L&D Clearly Aligned to Business Priorities?

A strong L&D strategy starts with clarity on why learning exists in your organisation.

  • Can you clearly articulate how L&D supports business goals for 2026 and beyond?
  • Are learning priorities directly linked to performance, productivity, and capability gaps?
  • Do senior stakeholders see L&D as a strategic enabler rather than a cost centre?

If alignment is not explicit, impact will always be questioned.

  1. Are You Designing for Skills, Not Just Courses?

The shift from course-based learning to skills-based development is accelerating.

  • Do you have a clear view of the critical skills your organisation will need in the next two to three years?
  • Is learning designed around capability development rather than content completion?
  • Are you measuring skills progression, not just attendance or satisfaction?

Future-ready L&D focuses on what people can do, not just what they have been taught.

  1. Is Your Learning Operating Model Still Fit for Purpose?

Many L&D teams are working within operating models that have evolved organically and often inefficiently.

  • Are roles, responsibilities, and decision rights clear?
  • Could elements of delivery, design, or administration be centralised or streamlined?
  • Are you over-reliant on local or legacy structures that limit scale and consistency?

Revisiting your operating model can unlock both cost savings and quality improvements.

  1. Are You Using Technology Strategically?

New tools alone do not create better learning.

  • Does your LMS or learning ecosystem actively support your strategy?
  • Are data and insights being used to improve learning decisions?
  • Is technology simplifying the learner experience or adding friction?

Technology should enable strategy, not distract from it.

  1. Is Content Designed for Relevance, Speed, and Change?

The shelf life of content continues to shrink.

  • Can you update learning quickly as business needs evolve?
  • Is content modular, adaptable, and easy to localise?
  • Are subject matter experts enabled to contribute without long lead times?

Agile content design is now a core L&D capability.

  1. Are You Measuring What Really Matters?

Measurement remains one of the biggest challenges for L&D.

  • Are your metrics focused on outcomes rather than activity?
  • Can you demonstrate impact in language the business understands?
  • Are insights being used to continuously refine the strategy?

If learning impact cannot be evidenced, it will always be vulnerable.

  1. Do You Have the Right Partners in Place?

Few organisations can or should do everything alone.

  • Are external partners aligned to your long-term strategy?
  • Do they bring insight, innovation, and scalability rather than just delivery capacity?
  • Are partnerships structured for flexibility as needs change?

The right partners extend capability without adding complexity.

Looking Ahead to 2026

An effective L&D strategy for 2026 is not about predicting every future trend. It is about building a learning function that is aligned, agile, scalable, and credible at board level.

This checklist is a starting point. It is designed to challenge assumptions and open up strategic conversations about what needs to change.

If you would like to explore how your L&D strategy compares against this checklist, or discuss what a future-ready operating model could look like for your organisation, contact us to learn more about our strategic L&D support and advisory services.