For Waldeck, the learning and development of our people have always been at the core of everything we do, and this recognition highlights the impact our approach has on both our employees and the business as a whole.

About the Commitment to People Award

The Commitment to People Award is awarded to organisations that prioritise learning and development as key drivers for success. By investing in their teams, businesses can enhance performance, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure long-term growth. At Waldeck, we are proud to have created a robust framework that supports the ongoing development of our team members at all levels of their careers.

Our Commitment to Learning and Development

As a service-based organisation, we understand that the success of our business is directly tied to the growth and potential of our people. Across our network of offices, we ensure that learning and development are key components of our culture, enabling our team members to reach their full potential and advance their careers. With a headcount of approximately 120 people, we’re proud to share the following achievements:

  • 53 members of staff completed training courses in 2023
  • 12 team members have been enrolled onto apprenticeships in the last 2 years
  • 20 junior employees enrolled on the Early Careers Development Programme in 2023
  • 14 employees trained as mentors in 2023

Key Learning & Development Programmes

At Waldeck, we offer four key programmes designed to empower our employees and ensure they have the skills they need to thrive:

1. Leadership & Colleague Programme

Our Leadership & Colleague Programme is focused on growing the best future leaders and colleagues within our organisation. This in-house programme is aligned with our core values of Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage, and aims to develop strong, skilled leaders who will help drive Waldeck’s success.

2. Early Careers Development Programme

We are dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent through our Early Careers Development Programme. Designed specifically for apprentices and graduates, this programme empowers individuals to take ownership of their professional development with a structured framework that helps them grow into industry experts.

3. Mentoring Programme

Our mentoring scheme plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of talent. Trained mentors from within our team share their expertise and experiences with junior employees, accelerating their growth and helping them navigate their career journeys.

4. STEM Ambassador Programme

As a strategic partner to STEM.org, Waldeck has trained ambassadors who give their time to work with young people in schools and communities, inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers.

Employee Satisfaction

At Waldeck, we recognise that employee satisfaction is a critical component of our overall success. That’s why we foster a culture of open communication and inclusivity. We regularly engage with our employees through team meetings, feedback sessions, and surveys, ensuring that everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute ideas.

Our commitment to engagement is reflected in the results of the independent b-Heard survey, which we participate in annually. The 2023 survey revealed high levels of employee satisfaction:

  • 88% – This job is good for my own personal growth
  • 76% – The training in this job is a great benefit to me personally
  • 86% – I feel proud to work for this organisation
  • 87% – I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation
  • 82% – I love working for this organisation

Since 2021, we’ve seen a 30% increase in employee retention, which is a direct result of our focus on development, communication, and inclusivity. These positive outcomes show that Waldeck is a place where employees are empowered, engaged, and invested in their own growth and the company’s success.

How Has This Enhanced Our Business Performance?

Our investment in learning and development is not just about improving the skills of our employees – it’s also about driving business performance. By providing our team members with the training, support, and mentorship they need, we ensure they have the expertise to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions to our clients. This, in turn, has allowed us to expand our client base and achieve consistent year-on-year growth across the business.

The impact of our approach to people development extends beyond technical expertise – it also helps foster a collaborative, open environment where ideas can flourish. As a result, our teams are more engaged, motivated, and committed to delivering the best outcomes for our clients. This focus on people is at the heart of Waldeck’s continued success and has positioned us as a leader in the industry.

Becky Hicks, Group HR Business Partner shared of the shortlist:

“Being shortlisted for the Commitment to People Award is a fantastic recognition of our ongoing efforts to invest in our people and their development. We will continue to focus on the growth and wellbeing of our team, ensuring that Waldeck remains a great place to work and a business that delivers excellence for our clients.

“Thank you to all of our employees and academic partners who continue to support us on our journey.

“I look forward to celebrating with the Waldeck team, our fellow finalists and the wider business community at the Lincolnshire Showground on the 14th March.”