Our impact
Our impact demonstrates how we improve lives through better skills and better jobs, leading to better services.
More than 7,500 voices driving improvement through surveys
Over 270 qualifications, programmes, frameworks developed or refreshed, shaping workforce capability
Partnered with 764 organisations, transforming workforce development and learning strategies
Over 100,000 learners gaining vital skills to strengthen services
“This year’s impact report showcases the breadth of our contribution to workforce development across the UK and internationally. From supporting frontline staff to enabling strategic workforce planning, our programmes have empowered individuals and organisations to thrive amid change”
John Rogers, Chief Executive at The Workforce Development Trust
Empowering Network Rail with predictive workforce tools
We created a vacancy estimator tool for Network Rail’s 6,000+ signallers – critical staff managing 30,000 daily train movements across 20,000 miles of track. By forecasting five-year recruitment needs for around 500 new signallers annually, the tool improves strategic hiring, cuts overtime reliance, and delivers cost savings.
Most importantly, it strengthens operational resilience to keep the rail network safe and efficient. This work was recently recognised with a national RailStaff Award nomination.
Empowering NHS careers: a decade of apprenticeship impact
We celebrated 10 years supporting the NHS Trailblazers programme, transforming healthcare apprenticeships.
Forty apprenticeship standards now support up to 25,000 apprentices annually. This enables the NHS to invest over £220 million of levy funding each year, strengthening career pathways and workforce capability. Through these initiatives, we are helping to deliver a quarter of a million skilled staff, driving long-term sustainability and growth across the health sector.
Whole-of-society resilience: a national framework for emergency preparedness
To strengthen the UK’s preparedness for future emergencies, we led the development of the Resilience and Emergencies National Occupational Standards (NOS) – the first national framework outlining the skills and knowledge needed to support whole-of-society resilience. Modernising the former Civil Contingencies NOS, we collaborated with over 375 experts across more than ten sectors, including government, health, utilities, transport, and emergency services. Through six expert working groups, 11 core standards were approved by the UK NOS Panel, supported by tailored guidance for training and HR implementation.
Supporting safer communities with security qualifications
We’re working in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to develop a Level 3, Ofqual-regulated qualification. With the working title of the Competent Person in the Workplace (CPiW), this qualification will be suitable for businesses looking for NaCTSO-endorsed, counter-terrorism specific protective security and preparedness training. The qualification is designed to help organisations design and develop suitable counter terrorism protective security and preparedness plans and mitigations.
Ensuring excellence with TUI
Over the past 15 years, TUI has recruited thousands of apprentices across its operations, ensuring its 9,000-strong workforce is equipped to deliver outstanding customer experiences. As an employer provider, TUI relies on us to deliver high-quality End-Point Assessments that give apprentices the confidence and competence they need to succeed. This partnership not only supports individual career progression but also strengthens industry resilience and service excellence.
Increasing opportunities and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion
We developed a variety of skills standards, frameworks, and models, along with our tools and programmes, to support our sectors and create opportunities for everyone.
Supporting our communities
Our Health Heroes
Recognising the 40% of the NHS and wider healthcare workforce who work behind the scenes, the Our Health Heroes Awards celebrate the vital contributions of everyone from porters, cleaners and receptionists to healthcare assistants and security staff.
These individuals are essential to patient care and service delivery – ensuring services run safely, smoothly, and with compassion.
Through this programme, we honour their impact and elevate the voices of those who often go unseen.
Inspire Justice Awards
Celebrating operational staff who keep our criminal justice system running – case administrators, catering managers, health and safety officers, peer support workers, prison employment leads and many more.
Often overlooked, these professionals play a vital role in delivering safe, effective justice services. This unique awards programme covers the whole justice system, recognising impact, elevating voices, and highlighting the essential contribution made to public safety and rehabilitation.
Federation of Awarding Bodies Award
We were proud to be named End-Point Assessment Organisation of the Year (SME) at the prestigious Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Qualification and Assessment Excellence Awards 2025.
This award celebrates the commitment of our team to delivering an exceptional experience at the final stage of an apprentice’s journey. Their dedication ensures that every apprentice feels supported and valued as they achieve this important milestone.
AA College Restaurant of the Year Award
We were proud to once again sponsor this award which plays a vital role in raising standards across vocational hospitality education. By recognising innovation, teamwork, and inclusive practice, it inspires colleges to deliver exceptional training experiences. Awards like this spotlight the transformative power of hands-on learning in shaping the future of the hospitality sector, providing students with industry-relevant skills, community engagement opportunities, and a pathway to excellence.