Our networks

The latest stories in this category from the City & Guilds Foundation and our networks.

Mental Health Matters: Finding Balance in a Busy World

Mental Health Matters: Finding Balance in a Busy World

by | 16 May 2025 | , , , , ,

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is community, a word that pretty much sums up the City & Guilds Foundation network. Through the Foundation, we are dedicated to providing support to people facing barriers or disadvantage, offering opportunities for relationship building, creating maximum reach, establishing clear links to skills development and being measurable. Empathy, a drive for change and the want to support others are three characteristics that our network has in...

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

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

by | 20 Mar 2025 | , ,

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...

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

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

by | 24 Feb 2025 | , ,

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...

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

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

by | 22 Jan 2025 | , , , , ,

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...

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Celebrating the achievements of young people with Positive Youth Foundation

Celebrating the achievements of young people with Positive Youth Foundation

by | 21 Jan 2025 | , , , , ,

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...

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

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

by | 13 Jan 2025 | , ,

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,...

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Funding for makers: Applications for QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) Grants open until 10 Feb

Funding for makers: Applications for QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) Grants open until 10 Feb

by | 9 Jan 2025 | , , ,

Sustaining vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary. Since their founding in 1990, QEST have awarded £7 million to almost 900 individuals working across a broad range of disciplines including in glassblowing, thatching, guitar...

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Inspiration and innovation at HMP Pentonville with XO Bikes

Inspiration and innovation at HMP Pentonville with XO Bikes

by | 9 Oct 2024 | , , , , , , , ,

Since we created the City & Guilds Foundation in 2019, one of our key funding activities has been identifying and activating practical ways to support those who have been in Prison (or at risk of entering Prison) to build skills and secure, and sustain, employment. We know that there is a recognised and agreed need to reduce reoffending, and evidence shows that upskilling prisoners, together with stable accommodation and support is the most effective way to recidivism. Our £1m Big Idea...

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