Now in its third year, the Membership Awards celebrate the people who make skills matter; those whose passion and commitment are creating opportunities, inspiring confidence and helping people develop the skills they need to succeed.
This year, 11 exceptional tutors and trainers are being recognised for the lasting impact of their work, which is felt every day by learners, staff and the organisations they support.
Champions of skills across the UK
From apprenticeship leaders to workplace trainers, the 2026 recipients reflect the talent and expertise that drive skills development across the UK. Together, they represent sectors from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to technology, hospitality and social care.
Among this year’s recipients are professionals from organisations including Acas, IBM UK, GSK, Teleperformance, The Clink Charity, Unique Senior Care and Nebula Consulting. Many also work within organisations previously recognised through the prestigious Princess Royal Training Awards, reflecting a continued commitment to high-quality workplace training.
Driving innovation and opportunity
What connects this year’s Membership Award recipients is the difference they make. Their achievements include modernising apprenticeship programmes, strengthening leadership capability, creating more accessible opportunities and introducing new approaches that deliver measurable results for both individuals and employers.
The results of their work can be seen in learners gaining qualifications, progressing in their careers and growing in confidence. Beyond their day-to-day roles, many have also contributed to mentoring programmes, industry partnerships and professional networks, sharing knowledge and helping to inspire the next generation of tutors and trainers.
Commenting on this year’s recipients, Polly Rowe, Head of Programmes & Engagement of the City & Guilds Foundation, said:
“Tutors and trainers play such an important role in shaping people’s futures, yet the impact of their work can often go unrecognised. Behind every learner who succeeds is someone who believed in them. Our recipients are those people, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
This year’s recipients are:
Selected through a rigorous assessment process, Membership Awards recipients embody the City & Guilds Foundation’s belief that skills change lives and that those who champion, share and inspire others deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
- Garry Besford, Head of Capability, Acas
- Kaiseemi Chengapen-Joshi, Head of Learning and Talent Development, Nebula Consulting
- Jo Cleary, Learning and Development Manager, Unique Senior Care
- John Griffin, Foundation Learning & Development Leader, IBM UK
- Steve Head, Lead Horticulture Trainer, The Clink Charity
- Dr Harry Kelly, Director, UK Medicinal Chemistry Recruitment and Talent Development, GSK
- Michelle Moody, Regional Training Manager, Persimmon PLC
- Christopher Morris, Organisational Skills & Career Advisory Expert, Teleperformance
- Dr Caroline Osborne-White, Medicolegal Consultant & Trainer, Medical Protection Society
- Sean Stratton, Culinary Lead Coach, Umbrella Training
- Graham Watts, Curriculum and Performance Manager, Automotive and Engineering, Total People
Each recipient will be awarded Membership of the City and Guilds of London Institute (MCGI), recognising their professional standing and contribution to skills. We look forward to bringing them together in London in 2027 to celebrate their achievements alongside their nominators and peers who have supported them along the way. Congratulations once again to all of this year’s recipients!
You can explore the full list of the Class of 2026 and read more about their individual achievements here: 2026 Recipients