Download our 2023-24 impact report
Want to find out more about our impact? Access our full impact report for 2023-24.
Our impact
Our impact demonstrates how we improve lives through better skills and better jobs, leading to better services.
More than 8,000 participants surveyed to define skills and workforce needs
Over 135 programmes, qualifications and frameworks, developed or reviewed
More than 900 organisations supported to transform approaches to workforce development and learning strategies
Over 153,000 individuals supported to improve their skills
“This year’s impact report highlights the many ways we have supported the skills development of individuals and teams across our sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Our success showcases the extensive experience and capabilities of our people, who work with integrity, passion, and purpose, aligned with our values and charitable aims.”
John Rogers, Chief Executive at The Workforce Development Trust
Building resilience skills
Against the backdrop of the COVID inquiry, introduction of Martyn’s Law and the Grenfell Inquiry, we partnered with the UK Government’s Cabinet Office to consult on the civil contingencies suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS). Engaging over 30 sectors across all four nations of the UK, this work will help redefine and enhance the core and transferable skills necessary for effective crisis management. The revised NOS will set a benchmark for competence, shaping recruitment, training and performance management across public and private sectors, and strengthening the UK’s resilience to future crises.
Addressing mental health workforce challenges
In collaboration with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), we co-designed a six-workstream programme to address mental health workforce challenges. This initiative, part of the Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan, resulted in the creation of bespoke guidance documents, extensive stakeholder engagement, and detailed career pathway recommendations. These efforts support approximately 53,000 mental health patients in Wales, enhancing workforce planning and embedding new roles within the sector.
Supporting prisoner literacy
57% of UK prisoners have a reading level below that of an average 11-year-old. Responding to a call for book donations from HMP Lowdham Grange to support their initiative to improve prisoner literacy we provided a variety of books, including dyslexia-friendly options. By promoting reading, the initiative seeks to enhance prisoners’ education, employment prospects, and personal development, ultimately contributing to their rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
Police Constable Entry Programme
The new Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing Practice, designed for recruits entering the workforce through the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP), aims to provide robust, nationally regulated recognition of recruits’ achievements. Developed with input from police forces and training providers, this qualification recognises the training and learning of new recruits. The diploma blends in-house learning with on-the-job training, covering key operational areas such as response, investigation, and community policing.
“As the vocational route in to policing, the idea behind the Level 5 Diploma in Professional Policing is to provide quality assured recognition of PCEP entrants’ learning. The inspiration for forces is that the qualification will enhance the overall attractiveness of PCEP to new recruits, which in turn will help to support workforce recruitment, development and retention.”
Paul Talbot, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Increasing opportunities and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion
We developed a variety of skills standards, frameworks, and models, along with our tools and programmes, to support our sectors and create opportunities for everyone.
Our Health Heroes
Our Health Heroes Awards celebrates the wider healthcare workforce that supports our NHS doctors and nurses on the frontline. From porters and cleaners to receptionists, gardeners and security guards, these often unsung heroes make up roughly 40% of the NHS’s million-plus workforce.
Inspire Justice Awards
The Inspire Justice Awards celebrates and shines a light on the wider justice workforce that keeps our criminal justice system running smoothly. From case administrators, catering managers and health and safety officers to peer support workers and prison employment leads, the Inspire Justice Awards celebrates the operational support staff who rarely get the credit they deserve.