Foundation Newsletter: May 2026
This month brings exciting news: a new leader, a memorable visit to the National Theatre with HRH The Princess Royal, and a look at what's coming next for our strategy and...
Stories
The latest news, case studies, podcasts and quarterly newsletters from the City & Guilds Foundation and our networks.
Rising dough, rising futures: £50,000 awarded to The Clink Bakery at HMP Brixton
The City & Guilds Foundation has awarded £50,000 to The Clink Charity to safeguard and strengthen The Clink Bakery at HMP Brixton; a life-changing vocational training programme that is equipping people in prison with the skills, qualifications and support they...
Building Skills, Rebuilding Futures: The Transformation of Spinney House
A major refurbishment project which was awarded £25,000 funding from us at the City & Guilds Foundation is nearing completion. The project has saw the transformation of an empty three-bedroom house into a safe, welcoming space where women on Release on...
Announcing our new Chief Executive, Ben Blackledge
A leading voice in UK and international skills development will join us at a pivotal moment for opportunity and growth. Today we’ve announced the appointment of Ben Blackledge as our new Chief Executive, bringing extensive experience in skills leadership and a...
City & Guilds Foundation awards £25,000 to Citizen Hub to unlock accessible volunteering and skills development
Citizen Hub has been awarded £25,000 from the City & Guilds Foundation to expand its work in making volunteering more accessible and strengthening community-led support in St Neots and Wimbledon. The funding will be split equally between Citizen Hub St Neots...
Celebrating award-winning apprenticeships with The Princess Royal Training Award recipient, National Theatre
The Princess Royal Training Awards are one of our flagship programmes supported by our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has championed the programme since its inception. Now in its eleventh year, the Awards have recognised over 300 employers...
Insights from our Transition Commission: Supporting young people at critical life stages
This week, partners from the first round of Transition Commission funding came together to share progress and early learnings from their programmes. While still in the early stages, the discussion highlighted the importance of targeted, local support in helping...
Foundation Newsletter: April 2026
Following the sale of the Institute's awarding and training activities to PeopleCert, the Foundation enters a new phase - focused on long-term skills pathways, tackling inequality, and shaping a stronger strategy with partners across education, industry and the...
Welcoming Jessica Leigh Jones MBE FCGI as our new Chair
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Leigh Jones MBE FCGI as the new Chair of the City and Guilds of London Institute (CGLI), now known as The City & Guilds Foundation. At City & Guilds Foundation, we believe skills have the power to unlock...