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The Princess Royal Training AwardsContents Introduction3 Executive Summary 4 Foreword6 Award recipients – an overview8 Training programmes in detail10 Investment in training22 Organisational benefits 23 Financial benefits25 The impact on recipients26 Recommendations from our Chief Assessor28 In summary29 2 Princess Royal Training AwardsThe Awards are evidence-based, and applications are assessed against a standard of excellence. This means that organisations do not compete against each other; instead, they need to show that through their exceptional training and development programmes, they are meeting a standard of excellence. The Awards are free to enter, provide royal recognition, and are assessed by a team of experienced and independent assessors. Since 2016, 415 Awards have been presented. This 10 year milestone celebrates the organisations that have been recognised for their impactful investment in learning and development. This report highlights the cumulative achievements and learnings of Award recipients. Introduction The Princess Royal Training Awards were established by City & Guilds 10 years ago. The objective of the Awards is simple: to reward and celebrate organisations that see the value and wider organisational benefits of investing in learning and development. They are supported by City & Guilds President, HRH The Princess Royal, who is a passionate advocate of skills development. Methodology Thi sresearch was conducted independently by Bean Research on behalf of the City & Guilds Foundation. Various sources were used forthe analysis including the detailed Assessors Reports for all Award recipients (2016-2024), summary documents of applications andthe Princess Royal Training Awards 2024 evaluation survey. Due to the wealth of data held in the Assessors Reports, a sample approachwas taken; 60% of the Awards (250) were analysed and the data points taken from the sample analysis. Thisanalysistookplace between July and September 2024. A Decade of Excellence 3A Decade of Excellence: Executive Summary In 2016 the City & Guilds Foundation launched the Princess Royal Training Awards in response to feedback from employers who wanted to be recognised for their impactful training and development programmes and the positive value this had on their employees and organisations. As we reach 10 years of the Awards, celebrating the 274 organisations who have achieved 415 Awards between them, it felt like the right time to reflect and showcase their cumulative trends and achievements. In this report we highlight some of the exemplary stories which bring to life the impacts that training has had on these award-winning organisations. The 274 organisations awarded range from charities to SMEs to global organisations with over 1000 employees. The combined workforce of Award recipients in 2024 is approximately 3 million people – nearly one in ten of the total UK workforce 1 . Overall, the 274 organisations awarded have trained over 900,000 people (at the point of their applications). While a range of training types and methods of delivery are showcased through Award applications, the predominant focus of the training is around upskilling, with the most common topics being customer service and digital-related training. As might be expected, the focus on mental health, wellbeing and sustainability issues has increased exponentially in recent years following the global pandemic. Two in five awarded programmes were delivered as bespoke pieces of training, and most are delivered in-house. A recurring theme across the Awards is a focus on DEI initiatives, aiming to foster inclusive workplaces. One in six Award holders have focused their training on disadvantaged or marginalised groups of workers. The value of training provision comes through strongly from Award applicants. 43% of awarded organisations noted an increase in staff retention as a direct result of their training, with 30% identifying staff being promoted. At City & Guilds we know that investing in skills helps more people into jobs and makes a positive contribution to societies and economies. 1UK labour market statistics 4 Princess Royal Training AwardsThe combined workforce of Award recipients as of 2024 is approximately 3 million people Uplifts in customer satisfaction and employee engagement were characteristics of many of the awarded training programmes. These factors make a valuable contribution to organisational success. The positive legacy of a Princess Royal Training Award on learning and development clearly lives on for Award recipients. 69% report increased investment in learning and development as a result of receiving an Award and 76% have created new approaches, policies and practices due to achieving the Award. 274 organisations awarded have trained over 900,000 people 274 organisations have achieved 415 Awards 76% have created new approaches, policies and practices due to achieving the Award 43% of awarded organisations noted an increase in staff retention as a direct result of their training 2 in 5 awarded programmes were delivered as bespoke pieces of training, and most are delivered in-house A Decade of Excellence 5Foreword Established with a clear mission to recognise and celebrate organisations that understand the value of investing in their people, these Awards have highlighted the outstanding impact of exceptional training on businesses and individuals alike. Supported by our President, HRH The Princess Royal, the Awards continue to demonstrate how investing in training fosters organisational growth, enhances workforce capabilities, and drives long-term success. Over the past decade, the Awards have built a remarkable legacy. Organisations of all sizes and sectors have embraced the opportunity to showcase their commitment to outstanding training, with many returning year after year. This ongoing engagement underscores the power of training to create positive, lasting change across the UK and Ireland. The research presented in this report further reinforces the importance of high- quality learning and development, showcasing the far-reaching and long-lasting benefits it brings to businesses, employees, and wider industries. Since 2016, 415 Awards have been granted, marking a decade of commitment to celebrating and advancing exceptional training. As we reflect on this milestone, we take pride in the organisations that have embraced the Awards and continue to lead the way in skills development. This report not only highlights their achievements but also shares valuable insights from their journeys – lessons that can inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this strong foundation. We remain committed to expanding the reach of the Awards, engaging more Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive Officer, City & Guilds Since their launch in 2016, the Princess Royal Training Awards have stood as a beacon of excellence in learning and development. 6 Princess Royal Training Awards"When organisations prioritise training, they unlock potential, foster loyalty and cultivate skilled, confident workforces." organisations, and continuing to showcase best practice that drives success. When organisations prioritise training, they unlock potential, foster loyalty, and cultivate skilled, confident workforces. This has a wider benefit to the economy and to society. As we celebrate the past 10 years of the Princess Royal Training Awards, we also look forward to the next decade: one that promises to bring even greater innovation, impact, and recognition for those who champion learning and development. With digital technologies unleashing new opportunities for how learning is accessed and delivered, the next phase for workforce development promises to be even more exciting. Here’s to the continued success of these Awards and all of the incredible organisations that make them possible. A Decade of Excellence 7Since their inception, 415 Princess Royal Training Awards have been achieved by 274 organisations. The combined workforce of these organisations in 2024 is approximately 3 million people – around 9% of the total UK workforce2. Just under half of the Awards (44%) are held by large organisations with 1000+ employees, while 34% are held by SMEs with 250 employees or less. Awarded organisations operate a vast range of sectors, from Accountancy to Travel. The most common sectors Award holders operate in are Education and Training (12%), Charities (10%), Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare (7%) and Manufacturing (7%). Award recipients – an overview 2UK labour market statistics At the time of their applications, the awarded programmes had trained over 900,000 people. 17% 17% 22% 44%1000+ employees 250-999 employees 50-249 employees 1-49 employees Award holders by size Source: All recipients (415) 7% 7% 10% 12%Education and Training Charities Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Manufacturing The most common sectors Award holders operate in Source: All recipients (415) 8 Princess Royal Training AwardsWhere are Award recipients based? Organisations based in the UK (and Ireland since 2023) are eligible to apply for an Award. Recipient organisations are spread across the UK with a small number also in Ireland. A year-by-year analysis shows that more Awards have been given to London- based organisations (including Greater London) since 2019 than other regions. Prior to this, other regions across the UK were receiving more Awards than London, including the East of England in 2016 (18% of Awards), the North West in 2017 (20% of Awards) and the South East in 2018 (23% of Awards). An interactive map plots the geographical spread of Award holders (2016-2024) and is accessible through the link in the footnote3. Each pin indicates the organisation and number of people trained. 3PRTA Award Holders Map 21%London 14% South East 13% North West 8%East Midlands 8%East of England 7%West Midlands 6% South West 6%Wales 6% Yorkshire and the Humber 5%North East 5%Scotland 2%Northern Ireland 1%Ireland Award holders by region Source: All recipients (415) A Decade of Excellence 9Next >