Social Impact | City & Guilds Foundation

Launching City & Guilds Impact Report 2024!

by Kirstie Donnelly MBE | 24 Oct 2024 | News, News & events, Reports, Social Impact

For over 145 years, City & Guilds has been committed to making a meaningful impact on society by delivering high-quality skills training that meets the demands of the times. At the heart of this mission is helping individuals gain the competencies they need to secure a job, improve their skills, and advance in their careers. Through this, we are not only changing lives but also driving growth across industries and boosting productivity. A key measure of success for us this year is looking...

Inspiration and innovation at HMP Pentonville with XO Bikes

by Polly Rowe | 9 Oct 2024 | Charity partners, Critical transition points, Funding, Future Skills Commission for Prisons, News, News & events, Our networks, Prisoners and ex-offenders, Social Impact

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...

Making a real difference, and genuinely changing lives

by Kirstie Donnelly MBE | 3 Oct 2023 | City & Guilds initiatives, News, Reports, Social Impact

I have always known that City & Guilds is a force for good – helping millions of people to access skills. And it’s no surprise really that for nearly 150 years our purpose has remained the same – to help people, organisations and economies to develop their skills for growth. I am delighted to be able to launch today our impact report, which brings to life exactly how we’re delivering on our purpose and making a real difference – genuinely changing lives. [flipbook...

Eliminating barriers to employment in the green sector

by Julia Bena | 5 Sep 2023 | Charity partners, Green skills, News, News & events, Our networks, Responsible Business, Social Impact

Creating and filling green jobs is crucial if the UK is to meet its target to deliver a net-zero economy by 2050 (Green Jobs Taskforce, 2021). Green jobs help to protect and restore the natural environment whilst also boosting economic growth, improving energy security, cutting household bills and promoting healthier communities. In essence, they benefit both people and the planet. However, the available workers and skill set required for these positions are increasingly falling short of what...

Seeing first hand the difference that our funding is making

by Mike Ormand | 31 May 2023 | Charity partners, News, News & events, Our networks, Refugee support, Social Impact, Youth engagement

This is a guest post by Dick Palmer, Chair of City & Guilds Foundation and City & Guilds Group Trustee Being Chair of the City & Guilds Foundation is one of the jobs I am most proud of and privileged to undertake. There is so much social need in the world and so many people deserving of our support, so it’s a pleasure to be able to be a tiny part of making a difference – particularly in combating key societal issues through the work that is happening across the Foundation. Whilst...

Reflecting on our achievements in 2022

by Justine Procter | 14 Dec 2022 | Bursaries, Charity partners, City & Guilds initiatives, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Funding, Lived Experience, News, Our networks, Princess Royal Training Awards, Prisoners and ex-offenders, Refugee support, Resources, Responsible Business, Social Impact, Youth engagement

As the end of 2022 fast approaches, the team at the City & Guilds Foundation took some time to reflect and share their top highlights and achievements from the last year and moments to be proud of. Laura Mountain “Thinking about what we’ve collectively achieved over the past year, it is really incredible and just goes to show what you can do with brilliant, passionate people who constantly pull together – and challenge each other – to do the best they can. A particular highlight for me has...

A partnership that’s making a real difference, to real people

by Polly Rowe | 21 May 2021 | Charity partners, Funding, News, Prisoners and ex-offenders, Social Impact

The City & Guilds Foundation and The Educators’ Trust have teamed up to provide mental health first aid training for a team of advisors delivering vital services to vulnerable young people. The training which also includes essential digital skills will be delivered through St Giles – a charity using expertise and real-life past experiences to empower people who are not getting the help they need. People held back by poverty, exploited, abused, dealing with addiction or mental health...