Durham University
A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Years awarded: 2020, 2023, 2026
Region: North East England
Size: 1000+ employees
Sector: Education and training
Building skills confidence and supervisory readiness
Theme: Upskilling
Durham University’s Estates and Facilities Staff Development Programme has strengthened workforce capability, progression and resilience across frontline operational teams. Since 2020, 50 employees have completed the programme, resulting in 12 promotions, increased apprenticeship participation and improved diversity in traditionally male-dominated roles. The initiative has reduced recruitment challenges, generated significant cost savings and contributed to a marked increase in employee satisfaction with development opportunities.
Growing its own talent
Theme: Talent pipeline / Career pathways; Upskilling
Topics: Bespoke training; Coaching and mentoring
In 2018 the University wanted to change the way its staff perceived career development and launched its Succession Planning programme which includes bespoke training and 1-1 mentor support. The programme has continued to open up opportunities for lower-grade employees, giving them the confidence and skills to progress their careers. 28 staff have completed the programme and are all still employed at the University with 14 having achieved a 1-3 grade promotion.
Home-growing future talent
Theme: Talent pipeline / Career pathways; Upskilling
Topics: Bespoke training; Coaching and mentoring
Durham University wanted to provide development opportunities for Operations staff as a means of creating a pool of in-house talent. It developed the Succession Planning programme which includes bespoke training and 1-1 mentor support. Of the 20 learners having undertaken the programme, six have been promoted to roles 1-3 grades higher than their former positions.
News and case studies featuring Durham University:
Meet the 2026 Princess Royal Training Award recipients: from stained glass restorers to prison mentors
Every year are genuinely moved by what we read in the Princess Royal Training Award applications. This year was no exception. Today, we're delighted to share that 56 training programmes have been recognised in the 2026 Princess Royal Training Awards, chosen from 132...
Celebrating the very best training and development programmes in the UK and Ireland
Last week, 53 recipients from the UK and Ireland were warmly welcomed to St James’s Palace, in London, to receive their Princess Royal Training Award from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. Now in their eighth year, the Princess Royal Training Awards were set up...
53 Princess Royal Training Awards across UK and Ireland for achieving positive impact through skills development
HRH The Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, has approved 53 Awards to a range of organisations across the UK and Ireland, for their outstanding training and skills development programmes, all of which have shown a significant positive...
Celebrating the Award class of 2020
On 15 December, we celebrated the innovative training and development successes of the 43 recipients who achieved a Princess Royal Training Award in 2020. By necessity the ceremony was a little different this year. Whilst it needed to take place virtually rather than...
39 UK businesses receive excellence in training Award commended by HRH The Princess Royal in 2020
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact 39 businesses celebrated at virtual ceremony for their innovative training programmes in the Princess Royal Training...
UK businesses’ training is recognised by HRH The Princess Royal on her 70th birthday
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact Businesses continue to deliver excellent training programmes in the Princess Royal Training Award’s fifth year, despite the...