The Donkey Sanctuary
Founded in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary is charitable organisation devoted to the welfare of donkeys. Thanks to their passionate teams, supporters, volunteers and partners, they use their expertise to change the world for donkeys and the communities who live alongside them.
Years awarded: 2016, 2018, 2022
Region: South West
Size: 250-999 employees
Sector: Charities and not-for-profit
Enhancing staff wellbeing
Theme: Culture; Upskilling
Topics: Coaching and mentoring
This international animal welfare organisation established a coaching qualification to enhance wellbeing, which was initially embarked upon by 20 staff, leading to increased support and job satisfaction. Staff wellbeing rose from 48% to 76% during lockdown, and staff retention, applications for internal progression and staff one-to-ones have all increased.
Talent mapping to increase internal promotions
Themes: Talent pipeline / Career pathways; Upskilling
Topics: Bespoke training
This animal charity initiated a strengths-based development strategy in order to meet its 5-year growth plans. A talent map and skills analysis is used to pinpoint individual learning needs and to develop people for future promotional opportunities. This has resulted in internal promotions rising from 33% to 42% over the course of a year.
Diversifying to meet ambitious targets
Themes: Culture; Leadership and Management
This organically-grown charity has focused on training as a way to meet its ambitious growth targets. An organisation-wide leadership programme offering tailored diplomas and a staff handbook which doubles as a development review tool are two of the creative ways that the charity is embedding training into its culture.
News and case studies featuring The Donkey Sanctuary:
Celebrating 46 UK organisations who have outstanding workplace training programmes with HRH The Princess Royal
London, Thursday 8th December: On Tuesday 6th December, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, welcomed 46 organisations to Banqueting House in London to celebrate successfully achieving a Princess Royal Training Award for their commitment to training and...
Outstanding workplace training programmes recognised in HRH The Princess Royal’s training awards
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds, awards employers with outstanding training and skills development programmes which have been proven to have significant positive impact on their business or their staff More apprenticeship programmes have been...
How to get value out of workplace training
A whopping 9/10 employers struggle to recruit people with the right skills. That’s one reason companies are investing in training programmes to upskill existing staff. How do you make sure you’re getting the greatest return on that investment? Especially when...
In the press: The Donkey Sanctuary receives royal recognition for employee training
The Donkey Sanctuary has been commended by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for its inspirational commitment to the learning and development of its staff. This is the second time the charity has received royal recognition for its work. It was among...
In the press: 2018 recipients’ August news roundup
It has been a busy couple of weeks since we announced the 48 Princess Royal Training Awards recipients on HRH The Princess Royal's birthday. Since then the recipients have been featured in local and national news articles talking about their successful training...
Royal recognition for UK businesses upskilling their employees
We are happy to announce the names of 48 businesses commended by the 2018 Princess Royal Training Awards. The prestigious Awards honour UK companies including River Island, John Lewis, RBS, the Royal Air Force and GSK for their outstanding training and development...
Case study: leadership in The Donkey Sanctuary – making a difference!
Since it was founded in 1969 The Donkey Sanctuary has successfully evolved from modest beginnings to be an employer of over 600 staff and 650 volunteers across the UK and internationally. They also care for over 6,000 donkeys in the UK and Europe, including the...
Princess Royal Training Awards recipients honoured at St James’s Palace
On Thursday 24 November, we celebrated the very first Princess Royal Training Awards recipients at St James’s Palace. The Awards were presented by HRH The Princess Royal and recognise organisations in the UK that have created lasting impact by successfully linking...
City & Guilds announces the first recipients of the Princess Royal Training Awards
Some 34 businesses ranging from prestigious car manufacturers, through healthcare organisations, to animal charities are to receive a Princess Royal Training Award in recognition of their outstanding training and skills development programmes. The City & Guilds...
