Training has been ongoing throughout the pandemic and has included virtual continuing professional development sessions, seminars, Lessons Learnt and best practice workshops. EDGE has focussed on sharing short lessons delivered by different disciplines, sectors and individual team members and all employees have been actively encouraged to identify topics for training.

A 120 day free subscription to Peloton was offered during the national lockdown, giving staff access to online classes from yoga to boot camp. Social activities from WhatsApp office group chat/jokes, to virtual quizzes, running and cycling, virtual after work drinks and breakfast clubs have helped boost health and wellbeing.

The Society held its annual awards night in May via Zoom and sent everyone a box of treats to enjoy during the evening and even roped in the partners of Employee of the Year and Manager of the Year to surprise them with champagne and flowers.

The Society launched a wellbeing campaign, challenging staff to doing 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days, creating some healthy competition and it also provided weekly open Tea and Talk sessions with an independent counsellor. Support is also available from 14 mental health first aiders.

The company encourages employees to gain chartership or industry-recognised qualifications. Staff are offered support and 1:1 sessions, with defined goals and objectives set. Those who wish to develop to leadership level can apply for bespoke training to achieve this. Formal appraisals include cloudThing's own CRM performance metrics evaluation.

Regular check-ins and events keeping teams connected include after-work virtual pubs and games, a book club, and wellbeing and yoga sessions. Managers' wellness is also not neglected. Team leaders have a direct comms support channel for personal and workplace conversations with the board and their peers.

To spread some Christmas cheer, the firm held an online Christmas party which involved a wine tasting for employees and their partners. All employees also received a hamper, a John Lewis voucher and a thank you note in appreciation of their hard work in 2020.

To boost morale, get people together and help support each other and share experiences, employees set up a range of fitness, cooking and cake-making clubs. People can drop in to Weekly Cake Tuesday on Teams, an open forum for staff to share news.

At the start of the first lockdown the company's You Make us Proud video applauded nursery teams even before the weekly clap for the NHS launched. At a time when income was severely impacted and restrictions limited occupancy, investment in core service provision and employee support initiatives was maintained and increased.

The company topped up the pay of anyone on furlough to 100% and all job advertisements highlight full partnership in the business to promote its employee-owned structure and the annual tax-free dividend payments made. The same maximum amount, based on hours worked, is awarded to all from apprentices through to Michael Thompson, the Chairman.

The Cello Academy has been running for 14 years and connects all of the Cello businesses through the process of management learning and development and includes The Aspire Programme for new managers, The Inspire Programme aimed at mid-level managers and project leaders and The Senior Leaders Programme.

During lockdown Cello Health has regularly sent employees treat boxes containing games and activities,stationary to use for work and special treats including chocolates and champagne. Employees who are recognised for going above and beyond for their clients and colleagues have been rewarded with gift vouchers and additional time off.

Training increased in volume over the past year as an important tool to keep employees engaged in their roles. The company helps to put people through exams and several staff members passed their qualifications in recent months.

Half of Caspian's directors and managers are women, as well as 43% of the staff overall. The company has been nominated for the Women in Insurance awards and in 2020 was the first brokerage to sign the Lloyds of London Inclusivity Pledge.

Managers at Cardlytics care about the job satisfaction of their team members and get behind wellness initiatives – even laughter yoga to boost morale. A mental health workshop provided managers with the skills to spot the signs of employees who may be struggling.

Every member of staff has an individual training budget of £1,000. As well as internal training courses, Cardlytics offers self-development workshops for employees to explore interests. A mentorship programme allows people to share experience, knowledge and skills as well as perspectives and cultures.

Capco runs fortnightly Lunch with Leadership calls to provide business and people updates and to answer employee questions with different leaders leading each call. Virtual quarterly Town Halls celebrate individual and team successes and showcase new initiatives, as well as providing general business news.

Capco has kept staff feeling connected with regular informal team catch-ups and a range of events and activities including quizzes, bingo and a performance from a magician. Employees participated in a team-based running challenge in November, which saw them clock up nearly 20,000km and raise £3,500 for charity.

December survey results showed that 92% of Camelot employees believe the business operates with integrity and 96% of them feel well led. The executive team sent out care packages to everyone to thank them during this uncertain year, and the chairman personally called anyone who tested positive for Covid-19 to offer support.

Camelot allows employees to claim up to £1,000 off gym memberships and this subsidy now includes online classes. Everyone can access virtual appointments with GPs, counsellors, physiotherapists – and get life, money and wellbeing support. To help working parents and their children, the firm made an additional 15 days' paid leave available.