Impact Report 2024: Supporting growth and meeting new challenges through skills

Our latest report reveals our contribution of £15.3 billion to society in social and economic returns in the last year (2023-24), together with our partners, colleges and learners

24 October 2024

Impact report article image

For over 145 years our purpose has remained unchanged – to make a meaningful difference to society through skills that are high quality and meet the demands of our time.

Our 2024 report, published today by the City & Guilds Foundation, reinforces our commitment to this purpose and to creating meaningful change. We are now gauging and analysing our impact more closely than ever before.

Celebrating our achievements over the last year, the report showcases the positive difference our work has upon people’s lives, the organisations we work with, and wider society. Some of the highlights include:

  • £15.3 billion* contributed to society in social and economic returns in the last year - underscoring the critical role of skills training in economic recovery
  • £2.6 million of social value has been created by supporting refugees and asylum seekers through City & Guilds’ Displaced People Fund
  • Green skills certifications increased by 38% on last year
  • 81% of those completing City & Guilds-backed training in adult and youth prison estates now in employment post-release
  • 76% of City & Guilds learners progressed into further education or employment.
  • More than 1.6 million people completed a City & Guilds course in 2024

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO of City & Guilds, said:

“It is great that City & Guilds courses, qualifications and assessments are significantly impacting upon job outcomes and prospects at scale. This report shows that 76% of City & Guilds learners have progressed into further education or work. And with access to new insights directly from our learners, we can see that they are more confident, with greater employment prospects and looking forward to brighter futures.“

“In particular, I am proud that we are continuing to create opportunities for some of the most disadvantaged people, helping them to reach their career goals, integrate and contribute to our society and economy. This is further testament to the fact that skills really can change lives.”

Read the full report here

*Social value of skills: Calculated using national datasets