No one is untouched by Covid-19, and we are humbled by seeing so many of our communities and partners responding with such energy and grace to what is a difficult time for people and societies all over the world.

Supporting communities throughout Covid-19We know that people need support now, to help them get the food, medicine and essential supplies to survive. We also know that many people are concerned about their work and employment prospects as the economic impact unfolds and people face losing their jobs and livelihoods.

The City & Guilds Foundation is committed to providing inspiration and practical support to people now, to help us prepare for the world we wake up in tomorrow. Now more than ever it is important that we are doing whatever we can to help people build skills and find practical routes into employment, no matter what their circumstances.

Through amplifying our core purpose –  supporting people into, on the, and onto the next job – we will be focusing a number of social investment and advocacy programmes to help our networks and organisations working tirelessly to deliver vital services in this time of turbulence.

We’ll share all our activities on this site when live, but please do get in touch with us with any ideas about how we can deliver our purpose together.

Connecting communities

Part of our purpose as a Foundation is to bring together people from all walks of life who are passionate about breaking down barriers to developing skills and meaningful employment. As the situation around Covid-19 presents a new way of learning, working, and living for us all, we’ll be sharing insights, ideas and innovative ways individuals and organisations are facing up to challenges. Whether you’re an employer, a student or a charity, we’d love to hear from you and for you to check out what’s going on around our communities.

Note for L&D and HR leaders

Working with our Princess Royal Training Awards alumni we are hosting an L&D hour to submit questions and have live discussions on the new challenges brought by the Covid-19 outbreak. Join us to learn from colleagues and share ideas.

Note for charity partners

We’ve signed up the Flexible Funders pledge, to show our support for our partner organisations that do such important work. To discuss your initiative further, get in touch with us.

Note for Prison and Probation service providers

We recently launched the Future Skills Commission for Prisons to identify and activate practical support to help prisoners develop skills and find a job on release. Prison and probation are under more pressure than ever, as are employers who give offenders a second chance, so we’re doing whatever we can to support charities and organisations delivering on the frontline. Get in touch if you want more information.

Opening access to learning resources

City & Guilds is providing free digital learning resources for anyone; find out more on their dedicated Covid-19 page.

City & Guilds Group response

As a multi-national organisation working with education providers, employers and governments in over 100 countries, the City & Guilds Group is closely monitoring the global situation and putting in place our own measures to support our employees, customers and stakeholders. Read our full response on the City & Guilds Group website.

What's your view?

Got an idea around how to address a Covid-19 challenge? Contact us via the form below.

Want to be kept up to date?

Sign up to City & Guilds Foundation email alerts and newsletter

Previous posts

How Catch22 is supporting individuals into entry-level green sector roles

We know that the cost of training can be a huge obstacle to accessing the skills needed to get into work. This makes it even more challenging to those already facing barriers in society. That’s why over 20 years ago we established our bursary programme: to support...

Funding four exceptional craftspeople through Heritage Crafts bursary

We are delighted to announce funding for four exceptional craftspeople through the Heritage Crafts bursary scheme. The City & Guilds Foundation provides up to £4,000 per person to support heritage crafts trainees whose talent might otherwise be lost to the sector...

Fellowship in the City event: Paving the way for those looking to progress in engineering

Over 145 years ago, City & Guilds was founded by Livery Companies with royal patronage, and ever since has celebrated and valued that relationship. On Monday 02 September, at Mansion House in London, we brought together two of our oldest friends, the City of...

Princess Royal Training Awards class of 2024 receive royal recognition for tremendous training and incredible impact

City & Guilds has today announced the 52 training programmes that will be recognised by the 2024 Princess Royal Training Awards. Now in its ninth year, The Princess Royal Training Awards continue to recognise organisations who demonstrate exceptional commitment to learning and development, and is now established as a prestigious and sought-after accolade in this field. With skills training increasingly cited as a key to improving productivity challenges within the economy, creating learning programmes to develop new and existing workforce talent is now more important than ever.

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Fostering Neuroinclusive Workplaces with Kirstie Donnelly MBE and Prof. Amanda Kirby

What if recognising subtle signs of struggle at work could revolutionise your team's productivity and well-being? In this insightful episode of the Foundation & Friends podcast, City & Guilds Chief Executive, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, sits down with Professor...

The Commonwealth Heritage Forum and City & Guilds of London Art School are pleased to offer Introduction to Global Conservation: Commonwealth Summer School

City & Guilds of London Art School is delighted to be partnering with Commonwealth Heritage Forum to host a two-week Introduction to Global Conservation summer school. The summer school will bring together 24 participants working in restoration and construction...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Transforming Futures Of Young People with Faiza Khan MBE

Young people now face unprecedented challenges, including financial worries, employment and climate concerns - with implications for a new generation’s mental health, and the health of the UK economy. In this Foundation & Friends podcast, host and Executive...

Rhi Christie makes waves with winning entry at Pewter Live design competition

Rhi Christie, from Cardiff, is celebrating winning the City & Guilds Learner Prize at this year’s Pewter Live, an annual European Design Competition which promotes the use of pewter and innovation in design. Each year, this important event is supported by City...

Green Start: A transformative programme continuing to empower ex-offenders from Groundwork

Last year, we reported on the inspiring work being carried out by Groundwork, a UK-wide alliance of charities that brings communities together to tackle poverty and environmental challenges. Committed to creating opportunities for all, they launched their Green Start...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Unlocking Hidden Refugee Talent with Jessica Ridgewell from Breaking Barriers

How employers can harness the potential of refugee candidates While many UK employers will be aware of the social value associated with supporting refugees, not all will be aware of how best to harness the talent and experience that refugees can bring to the...

Podcast episodes

Foundation & Friends Podcast (2024-)

​Green Skills Podcast in collaboration with Green Edge (2024-)

Hosted by Dr. Michael Cross and Fraser Harper, this podcast series explores the critical transition towards a sustainable planet and the pivotal role of green skills in shaping the economy.

Listen now

City & Guilds Foundation Podcast (2021-22)

Share This