News & events | City & Guilds Foundation

From Princesses to prisoners: celebrating 30 years at City & Guilds with Michael Osbaldeston

by Laura Mountain | 20 Mar 2025 | News, News & events, Our networks

Today marks the 30th anniversary of our much-loved colleague Michael. You're just as likely to see him with a glass of champagne at the City’s most elegant halls as you are helping out at a community kitchen in Stockport. We are indebted to ‘MO’ for his time, generosity, and good humour. Publishing here his Friday reflections from a couple of weeks ago to share just a tiny bit of life as the inimitable Michael Osbaldeston. Here’s to the next 30! What a week! If there is a certain beer...

Launching the City & Guilds Neurodiversity Index 2025 and creating environments for everyone to thrive

by Natasha Kalinga | 12 Mar 2025 | Campaigning, Neurodiversity, News, Resources

Ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17-23 March), we are pleased to launch the third edition of the annual Neurodiversity Index, commissioned by the City & Guilds Foundation team, in partnership with Do-IT Solutions.

Celebrating women leaders and the power of accelerating action this International Women’s Day

by Polly Rowe | 8 Mar 2025 | Awareness Raising, News, Princess Royal Training Awards

To celebrate International Women’s Day I am delighted to share with you this conversation I had with three powerhouse female leaders who I get the pleasure of working with in my day job! I am joined in this podcast with Kirstie Donnelly MBE, our City & Guilds Chief Executive; Fenella Tallon, Chief Assessor for our Princess Royal Training Awards and; Faiza Khan MBE, our Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Foundation. In the conversation my lovely guests explored with me why it’s...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Breaking Barriers – Stories from Women in Leadership

by Natasha Kalinga | 8 Mar 2025 | Awareness Raising, Podcasts, Princess Royal Training Awards

Ever wondered what it really takes to climb the career ladder as a woman? Or how to navigate the challenges of imposter syndrome? Join host Polly Rowe for a special International Women’s Day episode of Foundation and Friends, as she sits down with three remarkable female leaders from the Princess Royal Training Awards.

Celebrating talent, recognising excellence in skills

by Polly Rowe | 5 Mar 2025 | Awards, Livery Company Prizes, Membership Awards, News, News & events, President's Award

On Monday 3 March, City & Guilds was pleased to be at the annual Livery Company Prize ceremony which took place at Mansion House in London. The event celebrated excellence in skills development and recognised individuals who are on the path of honing their skills, as well as those dedicated to training and tutoring them. The ceremony is always a poignant reminder of City & Guilds' rich heritage, established nearly 150 years ago by the City and the great craft Guilds. The support from...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Celebrating a Decade of Transformative Training Excellence with Legal & General

by Natasha Kalinga | 24 Feb 2025 | Awards alumni, Podcasts, Princess Royal Training Awards

Welcome to the second episode of the brand-new season of Foundation and Friends! This time, we dive into the world of learning and development with a special guest, Peter Coats, Group Protection Academy Manager at Legal & General. Hosted by Fenella Tallon, Chief Assessor for the Princess Royal Training Awards, this episode explores the transformative impact of exceptional training initiatives and what it takes to achieve award-winning L&D success. Peter shares his journey into the...

Celebrating our 2024 Fellows of the City & Guilds of London Institute

by Polly Rowe | 22 Jan 2025 | Awards, Fellowship Awards, Fellowship Network, News, News & events, Our networks

We are delighted to have recently awarded Fellowship of the City & Guilds of London Institute to five new Fellows who are making exceptional contributions to industry, education and craft. Becoming a Fellow is a prestigious honour; the highest that can be conferred by the City and Guilds of London Institute. Founded in 1878 and established as part of the City & Guilds Foundation, the Fellowship is a mark of excellence, celebrating those who have demonstrated remarkable professional and...

Celebrating the achievements of young people with Positive Youth Foundation

by Faiza Khan MBE | 21 Jan 2025 | Charity partners, Funding, News, News & events, Our networks, Refugee support

It was an absolute honour last week to address the graduating cohort from Positive Youth Foundation - a day brimming with celebration, inspiration, and pride. For those not familiar, Positive Youth Foundation (PYF) supports newly arrived young people to the UK, aged 16-25, in Coventry. Initially established in 2011 as a youth charity to support young people in the city, in 2015 PYF created its Involved Programme to support the integration of newly arrived refugee and asylum-seeking young...

New Local Community Skills Fund to empower UK communities through skills and training

by Laura Mountain | 16 Jan 2025 | Funding, Local Community Skills Fund, News, News & events, Responsible Business

Grants of up to £10,000 available for UK Charities, Social Enterprises and Training Providers. City & Guilds Foundation has launched a pilot scheme to help fund initiatives designed to boost employment, skills and development in communities across the UK. As part of the Foundation’s drive to support innovative local projects, the Local Community Skills Fund aims to boost community-led initiatives which may not be eligible for funding from traditional sources. The Fund will tackle skills...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Exploring Innovative Training Solutions with HX Expeditions

by Natasha Kalinga | 13 Jan 2025 | Awards alumni, Podcasts, Princess Royal Training Awards

In this episode, we dive into the world of HX Expeditions and their award-winning training programme for expedition guides working in polar bear territories. Jim Mayer, Expedition Team Training Manager, shares insights into how their training has evolved to ensure safety in extreme conditions, and how this unique approach led to their recognition with the prestigious award. Key highlights from the conversation include: Real-life training, real results: Jim discusses the importance of hands-on,...